Edition 57 by theplayatimes

S P A M E ID INS

Biweekly · Year 02 · Number 57 · 20,000 copies · 32 Pages · April 15-28 , 2015 www.theplayatimes.com

ON PARLE FRANÇAIS! Art et Bonnes Intentions

Bovino’s Churrascaría

Découvrez les artistes de la ville, le bénévolat pour les enfants, et venez participer à l’inauguration de la Chambre de Commerce Franco-Mexicaine !

Now in Playa del Carmen The new Brazilian gourmet restaurant is located in the heart of Playa, on 10th Avenue with 12th Street space locally, saving you the effort of having to travel to Cancun to experience Brazilian cuisine. The price per person for this experience is $ 48 US dollars, which is an extremely attractive price compared to overseas, where similar concepts typically range from $60 to $120 US dollars. Local customers can also pamper themselves with the special price of $425 pesos per person for adults and $220 pesos for children. Bovino’s upholds the authentic art of making churrasco. Here you can enjoy the most exquisite typical gastronomic food from Brazil, with the traditional Brazilian concept of rotation of meat, the best selection of premium cuts among which include the Picanha, prime rib or tomahawk as well as lamb, pork and baked quail, all of which are brought to your table by gauchos who will present to you a parade of premium cuts served on swords to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. In its extensive bar of gourmet specialties, you will find paella, fresh cheeses, prosciutto, jumbo shrimp, octopus with caramelized echalot, tuna, salmon, lobster salad, and a variety of international cuisine conceived by our chef who comes straight from Brazil. Bovino’s Churrascaría Playa Del Carmen has all the ingredients to be a favorite amongst locals and tourists who visit the region from all over the world; the restaurant boasts a great location, quality and service guarantee, gourmet international cuisine bar and premium cuts grilled to perfection. Come and live the authentic Brazilian experience at Bovino’s Churrascaría!

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Photo: Shutterstock.com

·SPECIAL · RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS

Activities for Kids Learn how to make sure your kids get the most out of life in a new culture with our guide to family-friendly activities in Playa

>18 DISCOVER MEXICO Seaweed

Bovino’s Cancun Av. Yaxchilan SM. 17, Mza. 2 Lot 4. Cancún, Quintana Roo Tel. (998) 898 0857 Bovino’s Playa del Carmen Av. 10 on the corner of 12th Street, Central. Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo Tel. (984) 803 0301

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Don’t let the plague of sargasso disrupt your enjoyment of the beach and learn about its environmental benefits and its potential uses

Photos: Bovinos

ovino’s Churrascaría, the famous Cancun restaurant, known for its Brazilian cuisine and international specialty gourmet bar and premium cuts, recently opened the doors to their new branch, Bovino’s Playa del Carmen, located on Av. 10 on the corner of 12th Street, in downtown Playa. Bovinos provides great experiences in the world of gastronomy with its premium cuts, personal attention and international specialties gourmet bar. The concept of Bovino’s was brought to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and all tourists who are in the Riviera Maya, with the aim of providing this unique

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April 15 - 28 2015

LOCAL NEWS

>Editorial

DIRECTORY Javier Escalante Managing Director javier@meridianmedia.mx

Claudia Salas Key Account Director operations@meridianmedia.mx

Beatriz Lucas Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Photo: Beatriz Lucas

ello, and welcome to this edition where we tell you what you instinctively know to be true: that Playa del Carmen (PDC) is the greatest Caribbean city in the world. Many other places in Mexico, the Caribbean or Central

Catherine Copy Editor in English catherine@meridianmedia.mx

Cyrielle Noblesse Copy Editor in French

America are ineffectually arguing for their hometown supremacy. But with one swoop Playa del Karma is a clear winner and has established its dominant reign as the City of Caribbean Cool. Along with countless others over the last 20 odd years, I have been wheeled in as an ex-Londoner/ ex-Torontonian/ ex-Barcelonian turned Playense (four years and counting), thus categorically establishing me hands down as the arbiter of the debate of PDC’s hip factor. Playa captivates me in a way London, Toronto and even Barcelona failed to. Ever felt the stress melt away in PDC? YES. Ever dreamt of a material-free world where life with your dogs and loved ones splashing around in the crystalline sea water was mandatory on a daily basis? YES. Ever enjoyed the plethora of freshly picked/caught/cooked food and tantalizing cocktails/beers/wines/ natural fruit juices/natural smoothies within walking distance? YES to that too. Our edition this week, is a special on kids, here you will find our selection of topics and themes related to your little ones, which

we hope you will enjoy and allow you and your whole family to see my point view of why this city gets the two thumbs up. There is clearly more to PDC that makes it the greatest, so please, add your voice to this chorus with the hashtag #PDCIsGreat.

www The Playa Times is a communication platform for the community to voice its hopes, dreams and concerns for the future of Playa del Carmen. In addition to our Facebook page, carry on the conversation on Twitter @ ThePlayaTimes, take a look at some of the most scenic views on our Instagram account /Playa Times, or go directly to our website www.theplayatimes.com. Keep an eye out for more questions to the community. We are looking forward to hearing from you shortly.

Fabian Muñoz Sales info@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez

Efrén Velázquez Iliana Ceballos Graphic Design design@meridianmedia.mx

Milton Rosel Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

PromoPak Bags Shopping Deals to Your Door

SPREADING NEWS

Community Manager & Marketing marketing@meridianmedia.mx

3,000 PROMOTIONAL BAGS DISTRIBUTED DOOR TO DOOR

TOTAL OF $3,000 PESOS SAVINGS FOR ALL YOUR CUSTOMERS COMBINED

DO YOU LIVE IN THESE NEIGHBORHOODS: BOSQUE REAL, SANTA FE, LA TOSCANA? Chances are you will be receiving promotional flyers in a little plastic bag. In these bags, you will find deals and discounts on a number of key businesses in Playa del Carmen. Keep your eyes peeled as these are a great shopping resource. Are you a business owner or in charge of sales and marketing? Don’t miss this promotional opportunity and get in touch with us. We can even design your adverts and fliers and print up them up for you. Contact Karla Mora: promopack@meridianmedia.mx, or speak to Karla directly: 984 179 8347

PromoPackPlaya

www.promopack.mx

984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @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.

TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 15

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85°/75° F

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Overcast 25% chance of rain ESA at 14 mph

Mostly sunny 10% chance of rain ESE 13 mph

Mostly sunny 55% chance of rain ENE at 13 mph

Mainly cloudy 25% chance of rain ESE at 12 mph

85°/73° F

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Thunderstorm 55% chance of rain SE 9 mph

Thunderstorm 55% chance of rain SSE 12 mph

Sunshine 21% chance of rain SSE 12 mph

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Thunderstorms 55% chance of rain S 12mph

Mostly sunny 20% chance of rain SSE 14 mph

Playa Welcomes a New Theatre A new cultural home will soon open for Quintana Roo’s actors, musicians, poets and the Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the talents and cultural richness of the region as part of an investment of more than $100 million pesos

Mexico began electoral campaigns on April 5 to renew 500 members of Congress; 300 under the principle of relative majority and 200 under the principle of proportional representation. The electoral process will also take place in 17 of the 32 states of the country; nine of them will vote to elect a new governor; 993 new municipal presidents will be elected; 16 political delegates in the Federal District (Mexico City), and 640 local councils out of which 387 are voted by relative majority and 253 by proportional representation. In Quintana Roo, only three federal deputies will be elected on June 7. It is important to know that starting April 5, political parties and their candidates have 60 days to campaign, seeking the votes of citizens. On June 3 all campaigning should conclude, since the Electoral Act states that no candidate can perform campaign ac-

Hyatt Hotel Over the month of May, the Hyatt Playa del Carmen Hotel will join the already existing 391 hotels in the Riviera Maya; out of these 256 are in the Municipality of Solidaridad and the rest are in the Tulum Municipality. As a result, this destination is one of the most important in Latin America, not just in terms of in tourists arrivals (exceeding four million per year) but also from the number of investors. According with the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC), in 2015 43 percent of tourism investments will focus on the Riviera Maya, while 25 percent will be in Cancun.

Hyatt Hotel Information:

314 The theater will be located on Cobá Street and Circuito Chinchorro / Photo: The Playa Times

The theatre will have a seating capacity for

780 spectators

Filiberto Martínez Méndez, requested authorization to the thirteenth Legislation for $386 million pesos from the state congress which was to be invested in eight specific projects; among

these is the Teatro de la Ciudad de Playa del Carmen. The construction was initiated in order to provide the city and the state with a permanent home for the Sym-

rooms phony Orchestra of Quintana Roo. Ricardo Corona Grajales, director of the Symphony Orchestra, said the theater was considered to accommodate the acoustics and the space needed for the Symphony Orchestra. A series of concerts per season are being planned, similarly to how the Camarata de Cancún operates in the theatre located in the hotel zone of Cancun. The theater of Playa del Carmen will become an important cultural landmark and reference for Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Mexican Electoral Process BY JOE MALDONADO

BY JOE MALDONADO

BY JOE MALDONADO n the coming weeks municipal and state authorities will officially open the Teatro de la Ciudad de Playa del Carmen, an endeavor of great importance to the social and cultural life of Playa. More than $104,292,000 pesos has been invested to build the theater as a result of the growth of the city and population. The building will be located in the corner of Cobá Street and Circuito Chincorro with a capacity for 780 spectators, an area of 4,383 square meters. It will comprise of a stage, projection booth, dressing rooms, rehearsal room and lobby with a cafeteria. Outside the entrance there will be an administrative area, a ticket booth, parking, gardens and scenic landscaping, among other design features. It was in September 2012 when the construction began, which was to be finished in March 2014, however, the work was delayed. Since then, the current administration has resumed the construction and it is expected to be ready to open soon. With the growth of the city came a wave of artists who have chosen to settle in Playa, attracted by the city’s prime opportunities for developing their art. Actors, musicians, poets and many others have raised the need for a proper space for their work. In response to this demand from the artistic community, the Cultural Center was inaugurated in 2008. The previous municipal president,

LOCAL NEWS Photo: Shutterstock

April 15 - 28 2015

tivities three days before the election. In these 60 days, Playa del Carmen, like the rest of the country, will be affected by all the parties and candidates propaganda.

It is election time in Mexico, and Quintana Roo citizens will be heading to the polls on June 7 In Quintana Roo, the National Electoral Institute (INE), in accordance with the municipalities, restricted the parties’ propaganda in specific areas popular with tourism, in order to avoid affecting the image of the area. In areas like Playacar, the famous Quinta Avenida and the Marina of Puerto Aventuras, among others, no single party may affix propaganda. This blindaje (control mechanism), as it is known, is enforced as a result of an agreement

to avoid disturbing visitors who reach this destination to rest. According to the INE figures, 80.8 million Mexicans may vote on June 7 in 152,512 polling stations yet to

be installed. It is expected that just over 12, 000 applicants from 10 authorized political parties will register to compete across Mexico.

1500 new jobs Size of the resort

2800 square meters Located next to

Mamitas Beach Club The Hyatt will be located in the heart of Playa del Carmen. The hotel will feature 314 rooms and suites, which according to the company, are designed to create the sensation of being in an oasis. The hotel will stand out due to the design element of an openair corridor connecting the lobby with the beach.The hotel itself will feature two restaurants and three bars / lounges. With the opening of the hotel, an estimated 1500 new jobs will be generated as a result. Another attraction of the Hyatt Playa del Carmen will be its spa, which is inspired by the cenotes from the Yucatan Peninsula, due to their natural beauty and geological formation unique to the area. For weddings and conventions, the resort will also have an area of around 2,800 square meters, which will include a multipurpose room and six sophisticated meeting rooms as well as areas for indoors and outdoors events. With the opening of The Hyatt Hotel, the Quinta Avenida and the downtown beaches will receive a new momentum to the city.

COMMUNITY

Farewell to the Commander The city bids an emotional farewell to the director of the Heroic Firefighters of Playa del Carmen. Friends, family, colleagues and the citizens gather to honor Alejandro Contreras Sánchez for his 15 years of service BY MELISSA ROBLES

he Commander in Chief of the Heroic Firefighters of Playa del Carmen, who served for fifteen out of his 47 years, was taken away as a result of his four-year battle with colon cancer; his tenacity and legacy remains among his colleagues and the community he served. On Friday, April 3, Alejandro Contreras Sánchez, director of the Heroic Firefighters of Playa del Carmen, died from cancer. A day after the wake, on April 4, an unprecedented tribute was made. His body laid to rest on board a fire truck which was taken through the city and was followed by an entourage consisting of patrol units from the Civil Defense, the fire brigade and private companies. The loud sound of sirens was a symbol of this courageous and passionate man who never gave up on his job. He worked during six municipal administration regimens in his lengthy career and was always ratified to be director of the fire department, such was the confidence, the high level of trust, and regard they had in him. The last roll call “Alejandro Sánchez Contreras! Present, Present, Present!” was given on the premises of the fire brigade as a final goodbye. One of the recent rescue missions he led was of a young man who was haunted by depression. The man had climbed a CFE (electricity) pylon before wanting to jump off into the void to end his life. Alejandro Contreras’ expertise and the experience of his team managed to save his life, lowering him using rappel.

There are 7 universities in Playa / Photo:Shutterstock

Universities and Higher Education BY THE PLAYA TIMES

More than 20 patrol units of firefighters, and the Civil Defense, among others, took part in the last roll call of the Commander in Chief / Photo: The Playatimes

It is painful to see that a person with such wealth of experience is taken away from us. He left big shoes to fill.” Lucio Salvador Arguea Operational Deputy Director of Civil Defense

His legacy transcends through to his children. His eldest son, who bears the same name as his father, is a paramedic for the Ministry of Public Safety of Yucatan. With pride, he said he will continue his father’s work and fulfill a promise he had made him to create his own academy. “I take away with me so many good memories of my dad. My plan is to continue his legacy, if possible go beyond his teachings,” he said. He recalled that his father had battled cancer for four years. The last infection that afflicted him was swift, as he was already weak from

the chemotherapy. Lucio Salvador Arguea, operational deputy director of Civil Defense, acknowledged that the loss is too great. “It is painful to see that a person with such wealth of experience is taken away from us. He left big shoes to fill.” “Vulcano Commander” as he was known among his troops, is survived by his sons Alejandro, Daniel, Eduardo and Bryan, 22, 21, 20 and 15 years respectively. His body was cremated; his ashes remain close to his loved ones. Goodbye Commander Vulcano, may you rest in peace.

Every year around 1,600 and 1,800 high school students graduate from high school in Playa del Carmen. Out of this number, between 600 and 800 sign up for a graduate degree. Less than half of these go on to attend one of the seven universities –public and private – in the municipality; the rest migrate out of state or do not end up pursuing a degree. The limited offer of degrees and courses, and the urgency of entering the workforce are factors that prevent the youth from becoming trained professionals in a state whose focus is geared towards the tourism sector. Due to the economic flow from the tourist industry, more than a thousand students decide to pursue a technical career at high school and as a consequence, they end up dismissing going to university. The highest aspiration of youth in the area –according to the statistics from the education centers in Playa del Carmen– is to attend technical college.

16% students

complete graduate studies

Kodomo

Specialized Center for Autism BY MELISSA ROBLES On June 23 last year the Specialized Center for Autism “Kodomo” open its doors in Playa del Carmen. The center provides service to 30 children between 2 and 14 years old. 28 of the children have either a partial or full scholarship. From Monday to Friday they attend a therapy session for two to three hours. Damarys Menes Ramos, the chairman and founder, says that those with the condition can never be completely independent, and although there is no cure, it must be addressed at an early age in order to provide the children the best quality of life. The center’s goal is to engage the child with its environment. Eight children attend regular school. The therapy is provided one on one. The parents are always present, since the children are taught many activities from learning to go the

bathroom on their own to bathing alone, as well as motor skills such as physical activities. “The parents are involved in the therapy because we want them to learn to not depend on Kodomo, it is important for us to empower them,” explained Menes Ramos. Training is also provided in the schools where the child is integrated. Eight professionals work at Kodomo offering language therapy, behavioural and sensory therapy. These services are coordinated by the principal. The team of therapists meet every Thursday in order to discuss the progress of each individual child. Located on the Arco Vial less than ½ a mile from Highway 307. Kodomo is a nonprofit organization operating with their own resources and donations. 90 percent of the kids have full or partial scholarships. The waiting list is approximately 70 kids.

Mo / Photo: Komodo

There is a review by the board of trustees in order to be admitted, four evaluations and a socioeconomic study are conducted. Kodomo represents a model for autism therapy centers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States one out of 88 kids has

autism spectrum disorder. This condition requires several tests in order to be diagnosed and often it is confused with other syndromes or even with hyperactivity. Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication as well as restricted and repetitive behaviour.

In the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) socio-demographic report for the state, out of 100 people aged 15 and over, 4.9 have no formal education, 54.4 completed basic education, 0.4 have a technical or commercial career after completing only elementary school, 22.8 completed higher secondary education, 16.0 completed graduate education and 1.5 are not specified. Data from the ninth Playa del Carmen Council, responsible for the Education, Culture and Sports commission, indicate that in the municipality there are 6,000 high school students and the dropout and failure rate ranges from eight to 15 percent. According to this same institution, in Playa del Carmen there are 10 public and private schools which provide students with a technical high school diploma. The real challenge is not whether there is enough educational opportunities for the youth, or if they should migrate or remain in town. The challenge is getting them to become professionals and have them decide to become better trained individuals who can pave the future of the region’s tourism industry, which requires more operative and technical workers, and to a lesser extent, specialists in humanities and social science.

April 15 - 28 2015

COMMUNITY

Cristo Rey School Fundraiser Rotary Seaside Playa del Carmen banded with nine organizations pledging to raise approximately $100,000 pesos to fund new classrooms and supplies BY WEBB ELKINS AND VICKI LYALL

n March 23, the Cristo Rey School District started to receive several sizeable gifts as part of a new school building. Led by Rotary Seaside Playa del Carmen, the total pesos donated to date is $71,000 with additional $21,200 pledges to be paid. The final total will be between $93,000 and $100,000 pesos. To date, approximately $45,000 pesos has been spent on the classroom equipment, with remaining funds to be applied to additional needs as identified once the school is open, or for supplies throughout the school year. Rotary Seaside served as point for the project, the club itself didn’t have any remaining charitable funds to contribute -after their last drive for the Red Cross hospital-, but individual members made personal contributions totaling half of the funds raised as well as bringing together nine other organizations to help pay for an “adopted” classroom for teaching English along with items for the school and its kitchen. By the end of April, each classroom will have received two drawer file cabinets for teachers, plastic shelving, posters, art supplies, pens and pencils, pencil sharpeners, wall clocks and waste baskets. The English classroom was not supplied with any

Playa has 162 public and private schools / Photo:Agency

Academic Diversity for a Multicultural Destination BY MELISSA ROBLES

Proud fundraisers from Rotary Seaside Playa and other organizations / Photo:Andrea Ruiz Perron

furniture by the government so, in addition to the regular classroom supplies, that classroom also received folding tables and 28 stools for the students, and a small folding table and chair for the teacher. The school kitchen received a donated industrial grill and large refrigerator, a few cook pots and a wok, and security grills; money was also donated for an administrator’s office. North American Standards Property Management donated pressure-treated wood and hooks for three classrooms to hang backpacks. Commemorative plaques naming each of the organizations con-

tributing to the project were handed over to the Cristo Rey’s School’s staff in a ceremony that included school administrators, teachers and students as well as representatives from the organizations involved. These will later be placed in the classroom as the construction is finally completed. The organizations, besides Rotary Seaside Playa del Carmen, which contributed included the Swisher Family, the Pugsley Family, the Kemperfelt Rotary Club of Barre, Ontario Canada, Lunch Bunch Ladies, El Amate Condominium, Alizes Condominium, Alizes and Amigos Condominium, Grupo Cocina and NAS Playa.

The characteristics of Playa del Carmen as a multicultural destination has resulted in a great assortment of educational services. Mexico is no stranger to hosting different school systems according to the demand across its different regions. This city is one of the few, if not the only, where all the different teaching methods exist, within the 162 public and private schools. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture of Quintana Roo, the municipality has 31 public schools and 16 private preschool education facilities; 49 public and 17 private elementary schools; 13 public high schools, plus 10 private distance learning middle schools; three Multiple Education Centers (CAM) who care for children with disabilities; an Institute of Job Training (ICAT) that specializes in educating people through various workshops for work-

force development; five public and seven private high schools; and seven universities. A Pentathlon school educates teens using military discipline and the State Institute of Adult Education (IEEA) teaches adults lacking basic education. There are two campuses of the National Commission for Educational Development (CONAFE) which send high school level students out to the communities of Uxuxubi, Vida and Esperanza, where they teach children as a way to earn a scholarship, allowing them to pursue a degree. Officially, Solidarity has a population of about 34,000 students, but because of the high population of adults looking to excel as well as the very high migrant population that comes and goes in this city, providing a service as essential as education represents a continual challenge for authorities, who each year are forced to open new schools to meet the demand.

ADVERTORIAL

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Inauguration Officielle

English Summary available on our website theplayatimes.com/category/on-parle-francais/

et Cinéma Français Au

Rendez-Vous

Closet caption / Photo:Agency

Le dimanche 26 avril aura lieu l’inauguration officielle de la Chambre franco-mexicaine de Commerce et d’Industrie accompagnée d’une projection du film Saint Laurent de Bertrand Bonello

Les Arts Fleurissent Dans Toute La Ville PAR FABRICE GILBERT

PAR PIERRE LAPORTE ET JEFF SANCHEZ

’est avec un grand plaisir que nous annonçons l’inauguration officielle de la Chambre franco-mexicaine de Commerce et d’Industrie Mundo Maya le dimanche 26 avril 2015, au Palm Hôtel de Playa del Carmen. Seront au rendez-vous plusieurs chefs d’entreprises régionales et internationales. Échanges et collaboration seront les mots d’ordre de cette soirée de Gala qui s’annonce grandiose. En effet, pour l’occasion, des invités d’honneur nous feront le plaisir d’être parmi nous tels que le Gouverneur du Quintana Roo, le Président de la CFMCI Générale et Madame l’Ambassadeur de France. L’objectif de la Chambre est bien évidemmentt d’être le vecteur de développement des entreprises françaises sur le territoire mexicain. Déjà forte d’un an d’expérience, c’est un défi prometteur et constructif, que le Président Jeff Sanchez et le Directeur Pierre Laporte ont décidé de relever avec succès.

L’objectif de la Chambre est bien évidemment d’être le vecteur de développement des entreprises françaises sur le territoire mexicain.

A cette inauguration s’ajoute un autre évènement de taille. En effet, Le Festival International du Film de la Riviera Maya a choisi pour la 4e édition de collaborer avec Blue Events Agency pour son organisation. Ayant accueilli plus de 27 000 personnes l’an dernier sur toute la durée de l’événement, c’est avec encore plus d’idées et d’ouverture sur le cinéma international que les organisateurs ont pensé ce Festival. Ils ont introduit pour la première fois le Prix de reconnaissance qui sera attribué à Bertrand Bonello pour son film Saint Laurent sorti l’an dernier. Le réalisateur nous fera l’honneur d’assister à la projection du film à l’Hotel Grand Sunset Princess de Playa del Carmen le dimanche 26 Avril 2015. Sélectionné au Festival de Cannes 2014 ainsi qu’aux Oscars en tant que meilleur film en langue étrangère pour représenter la France lors de cette 87ème cérémonie, ce film retrace la vie du célèbre grand couturier français Yves Saint Laurent. Après cette séquence de culture française, la grande soirée de Gala continuera au Palm Hôtel.

La mer et le soleil ont toujours agi comme un aimant sur les artistes et la Riviera Maya ne fait pas exception à la règle. De nombreux artistes d’horizons différents aussi bien mexicains qu’étrangers ont élu domicile dans les Caraïbes mexicaines. De nouvelles formes d’art sont expérimentées, de la photographie à l’art mural qui fleurit sur les murs de la ville. Les occasions de rencontrer les artistes et d’acquérir leurs œuvres se multiplient. La Quinta Avenida, cœur vibrant de la ville, se transforme plusieurs soirs par semaine en galerie d’art.

Profitez d’une promenade et de l’évènement Caminarte les mardis et jeudis sur la 5ta entre l’avenue Constituyentes et la 30ème rue à partir de 18h30, pour flâner entre les toiles et les photographies et venez rencontrer les artistes qui viennent souvent en personne présenter leurs œuvres. De l’autre côté de la Constituyentes, c’est dans la 16ème rue, à côté du centre commercial Quinta Alegria, que se retrouvent photographes, peintres, sérigraphes et aquarellistes pour faire découvrir leur travail deux jours par semaine. Du côté des galeries, sur la Quinta entre la 6 et la 8, Le jardin de Marieta vous fait découvrir de nombreux artistes locaux, mexicains mais aussi étrangers, tandis que la galerie d’Art de la Quinta situé quelques mètres plus loin, vous offre une sélection colorée d’artistes locaux. De l’autre côté de la Constituyentes, se trouve la galerie Luis Sotil, à l’angle de la 30ème rue. Emilie vous accueille en français pour vous faire découvrir les œuvres du célèbre peintre mexicain mais aussi une très belle sélection de peintres et photographes internationaux. Pour les plus aventureux, Le Lotus Rouge mérite un petit détour jusqu’à l’avenue 35 à l’angle de la deuxième rue où Natasha vous accueille, elle aussi une française, dans son univers. Une maison de conte de fée à la fois restaurant et salle d’exposition dans laquelle elle fait découvrir ses œuvres, anime des ateliers, organise des concerts et des pièces de théâtre (fermé le dimanche). Fabrice Gilbert est producteur exécutif en cinéma et photo et vit à Playa depuis 2009, www.fabricegilbert.com

Photo: shutterstock

Good Intentions Une Belle Initiative Pour Les Enfants

C’est dans la 16ème rue que se retrouvent photographes, peintres, sérigraphes et aquarellistes Photo :www.playadelcarmen.com.mx / shutterstock

De La Colosio PAR BARBARA MARTIN-DANIEL

Il y a deux mois, les lecteurs de Playa Times version anglaise faisaient la connaissance de Good Intentions Playa del Carmen. Il s’agit d’une organisation sans but lucratif qui aide les enfants de la Colosio, un quartier peu favorisé de notre ville. Comment cette belle histoire a-t-elle commencé? L’été

passé, Aimee Kristi, en provenance de New York, s’installa dans ce quartier. Le premier voisin qu’elle connut fut Emmanuel (âgé de 7 ans). Ils décidèrent de s’enseigner mutuellement l‘anglais et l’espagnol. La maman d’Emmanuel, Ruby Esmeralda se joignit à la classe. La semaine suivante, Emily, leur petite voisine se présenta au groupe et ainsi de suite avec d’autres enfants. Aimee, désireuse de tous les aider, invita son ami Rulo Paullada, à se joindre à eux. Il accepta cette invitation afin d’aider sa communauté. En plus de l’anglais, il apporta ses notions d’arts plastiques. Et puis, petit à petit, s’ajoutèrent Dan De León, professeur de yoga et Michel Lamoureux qui s’occupera de la maintenance du matériel. D’autres volontaires ont également pris goût à cette chaleureuse ambiance du samedi matin : les mamans des enfants, des résidents d’autres états mexicains, des étrangers... Au final, tout ce petit monde totalise 30 enfants et sept adultes.

Le but de cette initiative est que ces enfants apprennent à se connaître et à découvrir le monde sous un autre angle que celui auquel ils ont droit tous les jours et de croire en leurs capacités. Pour ce faire, il est mis à leur disposition chaque semaine une session de 20 minutes de yoga, 20 minutes d’expression artistique et 20 minutes d’anglais et pour terminer, un bon snack avec des aliments sains et énergétiques. Pour les rencontrer, rendez-vous tous les samedis entre 10h30 et 10h45 au coin de la rue 48 et de la 5ème avenue. Page Facebook : Good Intentions Playa del Carmen et Email: akristinyc@ gmail.com. Toute aide est la bienvenue: un local fixe dans les environs (actuellement des mamans prêtent leur jardin),votre bénévolat, vos idées, une coopération au snack ou simplement partager cette belle histoire avec vos connaissances. Merci pour eux!

April 15 - 28 2015

ENTERPRISE FOCUS

Team Kangaroo

understand that part, it gets so much better. I guess key factors are patience and not giving up.

Making The Business

To anyone wanting to start their own business, make it happen, believe in themselves and do not give up!”

of Babysitting a Hopping Success BY THE PLAYA TIMES

HE PLAYA TIMES: WITH PLAYA’S RAPID GROWTH, WHAT KIND OF CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR CLIENTELE SINCE STARTING KANGAROO? Maura López: When we started, Playa was growing so fast, and still is, but babysitting was more for people from the U.S. or the U.K., who are used to hiring a babysitter. Now that Playa receives many more families not originally from here, it means they do not have family members to help and they now need our services. We have also seen an increase in Russian speaking clients.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE DOING BUSINESS IN PLAYA? One challenge we face is keeping up with everything! With so much going on at the same time, nowadays everyone expects immediate answers and replies. Also, living in a city with so many people on holidays or with different work hours, we are open 24hrs seven days a week, and don’t always have the same days off as everyone else, such as weekends. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR ANYONE SEEKING TO START A SMALL BUSINESS HERE? I would tell them to make it happen,

Maura López Founder of Kangaroo Babysitting Crew

The Kangaroo Babysitting Crew / Photo: Nick Poole / Liquid Jungle Media

believe in themselves and do not give up! Starting a business, especially in

Playa, can be stressful due to all the paperwork involved but once you

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS? The key to my success is my team and my desire for their success and happiness. Without them I would not be able to do it alone. I am a down to earth and generous person and building a close relationship with my team has been key.

ART & CULTURE

Enrique Sotres Playa del Carmen’s Local Artist

The Mexican painter evokes the essence of Playa del Carmen in his impressive, tactile, movementfilled landscapes and still-life found in the Riviera Maya with finesse and emotion Playa del Carmen. Oil on canvas, 130 x 70 Cm. (sold)

Calle 2. Oil on canvas , 80 x 60 cm. (sold)

The Painter in his gallery

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

nrique Sotres started dabbling in art over 40 years ago. He had some training in photography, music and painting. It is in painting that he has achieved artistic maturity by creating different styles and applying different techniques such as oil, acrylic, collage and mixed mediums. Furthermore he has been characterized as not having restricted himself to specific subjects. On the contrary, his creations range from pure abstract to realism through impressionism, abstract expressionism and combine different techniques, making each art piece so diverse from each other that they seem as if they were created by different artists. Since his youth he has been keen to experiment by always changing what he does in order to improve or just avoid getting into rigid molds. From the time when he arrived in Playa del Carmen more than 27 years ago, the city has become a recurring theme in his scenic paintings that by many accounts capture the essence of the old Playa del Carmen. He captures that special vibe which represents the origins of what we see now. To date, he has participated in many collective and individual exhibitions. He has been involved and started various cultural movements. His works can be seen in places like the US, Europe, Asia and South America. Three years ago he founded his own gallery and showroom in Playa that bears his name. When asked to explain the most important markets for his work, he

Bahia de pescadores. Oil on canvas with spatula, 120 x 80 cm

“The theme of Playa del Carmen in high quality oil art is very well appreciated” Enrique Sotres Painter states “Basically two: tourists, home and condos owners. Home owners have spent hundreds of thousands on their property, so they are reluctant to devalue it by decorating with something that is not at the same level. They are clients who love decorating with art pieces. They know that it is an investment, not an expense. These

are pieces that by their nature will always increase in value. The theme of Playa del Carmen in high quality oil art is very well appreciated by this market segment. I would like to devote myself fully to art. I will be able to do that as soon as I find a partner responsible for sales.” Enrique Sotres certainly has a very promising future. His gallery is very well located on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets. He operates the gallery personally from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. To find out more, Enrique suggests doing it the old fashioned way, simply come and visit his art work for yourself. Furthermore, he welcomes commissions for specific pieces, as long as both client and artist see eye to eye and the requests are within his artistic line of work. You can also get in touch with him at musica.so3@hotmail.com.

Parroquia del Carmen. Oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm. (sold)

Renown artist of Playa del Carmen for 27 years

April 15 - 28 2015

Art Festival Holbox BY ALEJANDRA BARRADAS

Kids enjoying taking part in cultural and artistic activities at the Caracol Marino / Photo: Alejandra Barradas

Cultural Center Caracol Marino

A Place with Heart

From April 13 to 19, the International Public Art Festival (IPAF) will take place on Holbox island, to the north of the peninsula. The festival, created by Daniel Trigo, cultural promoter and resident of Holbox, has been organizing this event since 2013, inviting different artists and groups to exhibit their work. This festival is acting as a platform on which to open an urban dialogue between artists and residents, and get them to work together and to collaborate for the conservation of this Mexican island, expressing their views through public art installations and murals. More than 20 national and international artists will be involved. The idea behind the festival is to establish a connection between the artists and the inhabitants of the island, to reveal how they saw their home in the past, how they see it today, what they would like it to be in the future, and what they will like to preserve. The

This is a small and floating hub of creativity whose aim is to provide a space of expression for the community BY ALEJANDRA BARRADAS

ight years ago the doors of the culture center, Caracol Marino, were opened for the neighborhood kids, offering different cultural, artistic and recreational activities such as dance, painting, theater, clowns, mandala drawings, in addition to promoting better nutrition, integration and development to children and low-income families. The center is located on 80th Street between Ave. 10 and 5th in the Colosio neighborhood in Playa del Carmen. Its structure is based on the Waldorf system and is supported by people in the community and travelers, mainly young people from around the world who are eager to share knowledge and spend quality time with others in the community. The fee for the children or their parents is almost symbolic, one of the main objectives of this center is to ensure that someone’s financial

Mexican

Movies

For the Film Fanatic Riviera Maya Film Festival

April 23-29 By Melissa Robles

he fourth edition of the Riviera Maya Film Festival will take place from April 23 to 29. Seventy films from 22 counties will be projected free of charge to an estimated audience of 30,000. This festival emerges as an initiative of the State Government to hold events that add to the cultural offerings, proving this is not only a sun and beach destination. The investment of $20 million pesos includes contributions from sponsors and the government. Paula Chaurand, Event Director, said “Tourists will have experiences that will enrich their holiday with attractive cultural events.” What distinguishes this festival from others taking place in Mexico and around the world, is the

situation does not limit their learning or opportunities for children and adults to develop and express themselves. The center is available to individuals or groups interested in putting on exhibitions and cultural events, and those who want to support the center with materials for children, pantry and even physical labor to maintain the center attractive and appealing to children and the community. Caracol Marino also supports movements like poetic action, the Eco barter market, Ekinoxio Performing Arts Festival, and storytelling theatre performances by children for children, amongst other things. This is definitely a great place and most definitely the heart of the community. The center teaches through the initiative and the support of a community, that a better world starts with the desire to share. What better way to achieve this goal than to focus on children, who are the hope for tomorrow.

unique scenery that allows us to watch a movie sitting on the seashore of the Caribbean. One of the sites along with Cinemex and the Cultural Center is Playa Caribe located next to Parque Fundadores with two daily screenings. “The most anticipated lineup of films combined with the landscape of the Riviera Maya makes this a winning formula for a film and distinguishes it from all the others” said Chaurand. A programing team selects the full-length films, of the 70 films selected, 53 are premiers. Thirteen of them are national films and will compete in the category known as “Mexican Platform.” The prize purse offered is of $1,300,000 pesos. Invited talent will attend five galas. The cast of Elvira te daría mi vida pero la estoy usando (Elvira I would give you my life but I am using it) from director Manolo Caro have already confirmed their assistance. Mauricio Islas, Martha Higadera, Angie Cepeda and Aracely Ramirez are some of the guest artists. The Riviera Maya Film Festival will be covered by 90 specialized journalists. From 13,000 spectators in its first year, the 2015 festival expects to welcome more than 30,000. Starting May 13 film screening will reach Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Tulum and Isla Mujeres. All the films presented during this festival in the Mexican Caribbean are free of charge.

You can watch all the trailers of the films at the festival on our website www.theplayatimes. com/category/art-culture/film-fanatic/, or find out more on the festival’s website www.rmff.mx

Mural by Lili Cuca for IPAF 2015 / Photo: IPAF

ART & CULTURE

final intention is to have the artists represent visually what the inhabitants want to express, by means of a rich cultural exchange. International artists will participate in different disciplines such as murals, short films and interactive public art installation, among others. All works exhibited must be produced from recyclable, biodegradable materials and minimal environmental impact products. Holbox is an island experiencing rapid changes. There has been many projects to further develop the island, including building large resorts and more residential and commercial property, on what is currently a sanctuary for flamingos, birds, pelicans and other exotic birds. A lot of new people including some locals have a vision that closely follows the development taking place in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum. But it seems that this kind of development is not the will of all. “The goal of the IPAF 2015 edition, referred to as Dreaming of Holbox, is to help people visualize their dreams, to discover other people’s dreams as well, as a means of uniting visions and helping guide their future together,”states Daniel Trigo.

DIRECTORY

April 15 - 28 2015

MUSEUMS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M E N .·. National Museum of Underwater Archeology-Cedam Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Puerto Aventuras Blvd. AP 1, Puerto Aventuras (984) 873 5002 Museo de arqueología subacuática-CEDAM Xel-Ha Archaeology Museum Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Xel-Ha Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 240 (984) 803 4403 / 01 800 009 3542 www.xelha.com . · . CA N CU N . · . Maya Museum of Cancun Tues-Sun, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Blvd. Kukulcán km. 16.5, Hotel Zone (988) 885 3842 Museo Maya de Cancún

Ka’Yok’ Planetarium of Cancun Tues-Fri , 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Palenque Ave., SM 21, MZ 05, LT 1 www.ventanaaluniverso.org

ACCESS TO PUBLIC BEACHES MUSA Cancun Underwater Museum Tues-Sun Nizuc Reef and Manchones Reef (998) 848 8312 / (998) 578 7097 www.musacancun.org www.musaislamujeres.com Mexican Folk Art Museum Tues-Sun, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (summer) / 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (winter) Xcaret Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 282 (984) 206 0038 / 01 800 292 2738 www.xcaret.com.mx .·. TULUM .·. Museum of Prehistory Mon-Sun, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dos Ojos Park, 307 Federal Highway, 17 km. before Tulum Museo de la Prehistoria Parque Dos Ojos www.cenotedosojos.com .·. COZ UM EL .·. Museum of Cozumel Island Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rafael Melgar Ave. and 4th St. (987) 872 0914 Museo de la Isla de Cozumel .·. OTHERS .·. The Caste War Museum Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 26 17th St., Tihosuco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto (983) 208 9203 Museo Guerra de Castas

CULTURAL CENTERS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M E N .·. Cultural Center of Playa del Carmen Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 115th Ave. and Cruz de Servicios Ave. (984) 873 2134 Centro Cultural Playa del Carmen La Ceiba Park Tues-Sat, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. First St. South and Av. 60, Colonia Ejido (984) 859 2327 Parque La Ceiba

El Edén Jardín de Arte Mon-Sat, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Constituyentes Ave. and 95th St., Catarinas Building (984) 859 3076 El Edén Jardín de Arte .·. CANCU N .·. Cultural Center of Cancun Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Prolongación Yaxchilán Ave. SM 21 (998) 884 8229 casaculturacancun.blogspot.mx

.·. CA NCUN .·. Las Perlas Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 2.5, next to Hotel Imperial Las Perlas Langosta Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 5 Tortugas Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 7, next to the ferry terminal Caracol Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 9.5, next to Mocambo Restaurant Gaviota Azul Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 9.5, next to Coco Bongo Marlin Beach Tepén St., next to Hotel Barceló Tucancún Beach Chac Mool Beach Blvd. Kukulcán km. 14.5 Ballenas Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 14.5, next to Hard Rock Hotel Delfines Beach Kukulcán Blvd. km. 16, next to El Rey Ruins Puerto Morelos 307 Federal Highway km. 324, next to Puerto Morelos Town Square .·. PLAYA DE L CA RME N .·. 1 Xcalacoco Cancún-Tulum Road km. 3, entry by Coca-Cola 2 Punta Esmeralda 112th St. 3 CTM Beach CTM Ave. 4 Shangrila 38th St. 5 Mamitas 28th St. 6 Playa Caribe Access from 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th St. and Constituyentes Ave. 7 Piñatas Beach Second St. next to Fundadores Park 8 Playacar First South Ave. next to the ferry terminal

Cancun Theater Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (ticket office) Kukulcán Ave. km. 4, Hotel Zone (998) 849 5580 www.teatrodecancun.com.mx Cultural Center Caracol Marino 80th St. and Fifth Ave. (984) 267 3136 Centro Cultural Caracol Marino El Hongo Tues-Sat, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sun, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 19th St. South Sur and 80th Ave. (984) 109 5356 www.el-hongo.com

Cultural Center of Puerto Morelos 2 Niños Héroes Ave. Puerto Morelos Casa Cultura Puerto Morelos .·. TULUM .·. Cultural House of Tulum Alfa Sur St. and Gama Oriente St. (984) 871 2496 Casa de Cultura de Tulum

RUINS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M EN .·. Archaeological Zone of Playa del Carmen Open 24hrs Paseo Xaman-Ha, Playacar Phase I . · . CA N CU N . · . El Meco Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, Prolongación López Portillo Ave. El Rey Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Kukulcán Blvd., in front of Playa Delfines, Hotel Zone San Miguelito Archaeological Zone Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Kukulcán Blvd. km. 16 Ixchel Temple in Isla Mujeres Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garrafón Park, Garrafón Road, km. 6, Punta Sur (998) 877 1105 . · . T U LU M . · . Archaeological Zone of Tulum Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, km. 128 (983) 837 0796 Archaeological Zone of Cobá Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Carretera Federal 307, desviación Nuevo Xcan, a 47 km. de Tulum

.·. COZ UM EL .·. San Gervasio Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Carretera Transversal, km. 7.5 El Cedral Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. El Cedral, Cozumel .·. OTH ERS .·. Chichén Itzá Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cancún-Mérida Highway, 75 miles before Mérida (985) 851 0137 www.chichenitza.inah.gob.mx

.·. CA RRETE RA PLAYA-TULUM .·. 9 Punta Venado 307 Federal Highway km. 278, 6 miles from Playa del Carmen 10 Paamul 307 Federal Highway km. 85, 9 miles from Playa del Carmen 11 Puerto Aventuras 307 Federal Highway km. 269, 18 miles from Playa del Carmen 12 Xpu Ha 307 Federal Highway km. 118, 20 miles from Playa del Carmen 13 Akumal 307 Federal Highway km. 256, 23 miles from Playa del Carmen

CENOTES .·. CA R R ETERA P LAYA-TU LU M . · . 1 Cenote Dos Ojos Xel-Ha Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 240

CENOTES ROUTE

16 15

PUERTO MORELOS

14 13

12 11 10 PUERTO MO RELOS - LEON A VICARIO

2 Cenote Ponderosa-El Edén 307 Federal Highway km. 36, 14 miles de Playa del Carmen 3 Cenote Taj Mahal 307 Federal Highway, 15 miles from Playa del Carmen 4 Cenote Manatee 307 Federal Highway, next to Tankha residence 5 Cenote Yal-Ku 307 Federal Highway, just before Akumal 6 Cenote ChiKin Ha 307 Federal Highway, just after Pto. Aventuras 7 Cenote Kantun-Chi 307 Federal Highway km. 266.3, next to Hotel Barceló 8 Cenote Cristalino 307 Federal Highway 307, just after Pto. Aventuras 9 Cenote Azul 307 Federal Highway 307, just after Pto. Aventuras

307

1 2 3 4 5

7 8

7 9 12 Cenote Boca del Puma Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 16 13 Cenote Verde Lucero Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 18. 14 Cenote Chilam Balam Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 18.5 15 Cenote La Noria Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 19 16 Cenote Kin Ha Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 20 17 Cenote Zapote Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 20

PUNTA VENADO

PUERTO AVENTURAS

6 8

.·. TULU M . · . 18 Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal 307 Federal Highway, just after Tulum 19 Gran Cenote, Cenote Carwash and Cenote Calavera 109 Tulum-Valladolid Highway 20 Cenote Aktun Chen 307 Federal Highway, 10 miles before Tulum 21 Cenote Angelita 307 Federal Highway, 11 miles after Tulum

14 Xcacel-Xcacelito 307 Federal Highway, 9 miles from Tulum 15 Papaya Beach Tulum-Boca Paila Road km. 4.5

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

.·. CE N OTES ROU TE . · . 10 Cenote Las Mojarras Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 12. 11 Cenote Siete Bocas Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 15.5

AKUMAL 13

307

XEL-HA 1 14

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PLAYA DEL CARMEN/CANCUN) Muyil Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, 20 km. south Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Uxmal Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 261 Mérida-Santa Elena Federal Highway, Uxmal, Yucatán (999) 944 0033

Emergency

Emergency from cell phone

066

114

Fire Dept. (984) 879 3669 / (998) 884 1202

Hyperbaric chamber (984) 117 0278

Red Cross

TELMEX

(984) 873 1233 / (998) 884 1616

01 800 123 2222

Hospital General

CFE

(984) 206 1690 / (998) 887 3557

01 800 080 0233

CARIBBEAN SEA

VALLA DOLID

109 18 15

TULUM 15

April 15 - 28 2015

3 2

5 6

9 7

4 8

5 11

info@meridianmedia.mx t. 984 8031446

DISCOVER MEXICO

The Buzz in Playa del Carmen The Sweet Legacy of Honey Production The Yucatan Peninsula is Mexico’s biggest honeybee-producing area. Like the Mayans, the beekeeping ritual has been passed from generation to generation, producing one of the most intensely floral flavors BY MARLO HERESCO

oney production is one of the most traded industries in the world. While virtually every country on the planet produces its own honey, each of these countries also imports almost as much honey as they export. The reason: diversity.

The Yucatan Peninsula accounts for:

40 percent of the national production

500 bee species 40 species of stingless bees

There are approximately 20,000 different species of bees in the world, each of which gather nectar from a wide range of plants that in turn, produce their own distinct flavor and grade of honey. When it comes to top honey-producing countries, however, Mexico is a first-rate example. Home to more than 40 indigenous species of bees that produce honey year round, Mexico is the third top honey export country in the world, accounting for seven percent of the global market; 40 percent of which, is produced from the Yucatan Peninsula. According to native bee researcher Dr. Stephen Buchmann from the University of Arizona, Mexico also offers something most countries do not -- stingless bees. Buchmann, who has sampled hundreds of varieties of bee honey from around the world says, “The best-tasting honey comes from the royal lady bee, a stingless species that the Maya people of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula have cultivated for 2,000 years.” Although the tropics along the Yucatán Peninsula are comprised of over 500 bee species, it’s the Melipo-

Melipona bees produce the finest honey in Quintana Roo / Photos: shutterstock / Agency

na beecheii, or as it’s referred to by the Mayans, kolil kab (royal lady), that remains a favorite. Due to its high natural grade and unique taste, natives still use the honey to make a fermented balché, a ritualistic alcoholic beverage similar to mead. The honey is also used as a sweetener and remains highly regarded for its antibiotic properties. Ancient Mayans considered this species of bee to be a link to the spiritual world, one given to them by the bee god, Ah Muzen Cab. South of Tulum is the village of San Antonio Segundo where 80-yearold Don Porfírio Chimal Kanchoc and his 32-year-old son, Julián produce Mexico’s prized stingless bee honey. Don says, “There are some 40 species

More Magic and Cultural

Richness for Quintana Roo

BY BEATRIZ LUCAS The recovery and maintenance of beaches, the recognition of four Pueblos Mágicos, Magic Towns, and the investment in infrastructure in 2015 are part of the guidelines and procedures to maintain tourism leadership status in the Mexican Caribbean. The head of the Department of Tourism for the state of Quintana Roo (Sedetur), Laura Fernandez Piña, explained that these proposals were submitted by the state government to federal authorities to maintain Cancun and the Riviera Maya as flagship tourism destinations for the country, and encourage others. Fernandez Piña explained that during a meeting with the head of the Ministry of Tourism, Claudia Ruiz Massieu, in Mexico City, the financial status of the trust fund for the recovery beaches are included in this scheme Cozumel, Tulum and Holbox. He said he discussed the firm intention of the state government to promote the towns of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Tulum and as part of the program Magical Towns. Currently, Quintana Roo only claims with one, the Pueblo Mágico of Bacalar. The Pueblo Mágico program helps bring significance to select towns that have played a role in the national tradition

and to help draw national and international visitors. The towns represent emblems of important eras for Mexico. Additionally they must be near a tourist area or a large urban center, be accessible by highway and must house important cultural, historical or religious value.

The Tourism Secretariat hopes to maintain the tourist leadership in the Caribbean; through beach restoration project, improving infrastructure and having four more Pueblos Mágicos in the state for 2015 Fernandez Piña said that this September 27, Quintana Roo will have fulfilled the requirements of the new rules of operation and have the necessary work completed in order to assign these four new towns to the program. With regard to investment projects in 2015, explained involved improving the urban image of Chetumal, the Zona Maya, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, downtown Cancun and Isla Mujeres. To date, only Bacalar -in Southern Quintana Roo is the only magic town in the state, while, the neighbouring states in the Yucatan Peninsula account for three magic towns: Palizada (Campeche), Valladolid (Yucatan) and Izamal (Yucatan).

Valladollid, Pueblo Mágico of the Yucatan / Photo: Agency

Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colors, Pueblo Mágico of Quintana Roo / Photo: Agency

of stingless bees, and they produce the finest honey.” He explains that while the European and Africanized bees, which have become the Yucatán’s largest competitor, will rise early and work throughout the night, “The Melipona bee gets up around noon. It is very selective. It will, it seems, only take nectar from the most beautiful flowers.” There are very few stingless bee keepers like Don and his son left to inherit the traditions, knowledge and skills from the now-old Mayan men and women; the very people who created renowned fame for the Yucatan’s honey production. A tribute to this tradition, however, can be seen each year during the full moon of June and December during the Melipona Bee Ceremony at Xel-Há.

April 15 - 28 2015

DISCOVER MEXICO

Beach Rescue Coming Soon BY JOE MALDONADO The hotels Mayakoba and Tres Ríos, as well as the new complex under construction called Kanal, are seeking to mitigate regional beach erosion in an ambitious project to recover between 66 and 98 feet of coastline, benefitting the tourism industry as well as environmental protection. The rescue of sandbanks will encompass approximately 7.5 miles of the coastline and between 2,000 to over 3,000 hectares of the shore. This extensive restoration project involves the private sector and two big universities, the local Universidad de Quintana Roo (UQROO) and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). By the time this is completed, the investment could exceed $50 million dollars. The Mayakoba hotel announced they will provide the first $15 million dollars to start the project. At this present time, these resorts are waiting for the federal government, led by President Enrique Peña Nieto, to rule on the issue. During a discourse on infrastructure last year, the President highlighting the recovery of sandbanks for Cancun and the Riviera Maya. However, due to the drop in oil prices the government was forced to make various cuts, postponing projects such as this one as well as the Transpeninsular Train that would connect the city of Merida with Cancún and Playa del Carmen. The hoteliers are waiting to get the official green light for the project, but, in the event of the contrary, the private sector still has the consent from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to perform the task on their own. In 2010, there had already been a sandbank restoration proj-

Seaweed An Organism With Many Potential Uses The fast encroachment of the marine algae has become quite a turn off for many, despite the number of environmental benefits it provides BY MELISSA ROBLES

n recent weeks there has been an increase of seaweed on the beach of Playa del Carmen. According to the head of the Department of the Federal Maritime Zone, Ercole Carpineti Rico, every day more than 50 tons of this organism cover the 52 miles of the municipality’s shores. The problem with the seaweed is that it is not a pretty sight and causes a foul odor, even though it provides substantial benefits by preventing further sand erosion. “It helps with the recovery of the beaches, since in those places where it is not collected, it safeguards up to 16 feet of the shore”, explained the civil servant. By acting as a natural barrier for the coastal dune, it prevents the waves from taking the sand away, “the same seaweed cushions the impact of the wave”, said Ercole Carpineti. Hence why the seaweed is not removed on beachfronts where there are no hotels or beach-

es outside of the urban area. Given the large number of bathers, the residue is collected with a tractor or by hand from Playacar to Xcalacoco. The most affected points are the beaches at the hotel The Reef Coco Beach and El Recodo.

The Top Three Benefits of Seaweed Acts as a natural barrier for the coastal dune. Helps with sand retention by acting as a cushion to the impact of waves. Acts a natural fertilizer used for the reforestation of the coastal dune.

The Seaweed is also used for the reforestation of the coastal dune. The Director of Zofemat stated they have been burying the seaweed from Playacar to Punta Esmeralda in order to plant regional species like the ephedra, beach morning glory, water cabbage, which are creeping vines and plants that help with sand retention. The diver’s union already submitted a project to use this organism as compost, which should be approved shortly. Susana Enriquez Dominguez, a graduate in Biology Science and with a PhD from the University of Madrid said the seaweed extracts from the nitrogen and phosphate from the sea making it an excellent fertilizer. Despite the numerous benefits of seaweed, it still an invading organism whose growth is not welcomed by the hospitality industry. While it is used to create sandbanks, the research suggested it would be advisable to find a use for it in the food industry.

Protection Plans: Restoration of sandbanks planned for 7.5 miles of coastline in Playa. Estimated investment value of $50 million dollars. Twelve artificial reefs will be placed along the coastline. Creation of 66 feet of beach by extracting sand from marine banks.

Benefits of Sandbank Stabilization: Sandbanks act as a natural buffer against storms and wind. They provide tremendous economic benefit to the local economy. Maintaining a healthy sand dune system is the least costly way to maintain a recreational beach.

ect for 2.5 miles of coastline from Playacar to the Ultramar pier. For the current project, Mayakoba will place eight artificial reefs, five of those reefs will be temporary. They will extract sand from four marine banks in order to create almost 66 feet of beach. The Tres Ríos Hotel would place four artificial reefs along the coast, develop a land protection system for the sand dunes, as well as improve the protection barrier at the estuary.

Ercole Carpineti Rico Head of the Department of the Federal Maritime Zone

Seaweed acts as a natural defence against erosion / Photo: Agency

Photo : www.shutterstock.com

It helps with the recovery of the beaches, since in those places where it is not collected, SitAcan safeguard up to 16 feet of shoreline

Mayakoba, Tres Rios and Kanal Hotels are taking beach protection into their own hands / Photo: shutterstock

DISCOVER MEXICO

y l d n e i r F Kid es Activiti -Ha Park Xca-Ha Park / Photo: Xca

for 10 mins plus a practice round. Children between 6 and 12 pay $100 pesos for the same. Bookings: 984 206 1323. Website: www.racingdakart.com La Ceiba Park Spring Day Camp, two week course including storytelling, art, environmental education and games of skill, nutrition activities. April 14-25. Parque la Ceiba – 60th Street South with 1a Street, Colonia Ejidal Sur. For more information and to reserve place, contact Lei de Landero at parquelaceiorafaunaycultura.org. Phone: ba@florafaunaycultura.org 984 8592327 Sailing, Windsurfing and Laser lessons, everyday from 3 p.m., Saturdays all day. Course for beginners on Monday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sailing for kids 8 years old and over. Windsurf and Laser for kids 12 years and over. The Sailing Club, Club Deportivo de Velas, Marina Puerto Aventuras. Space is limited so don’t wait until the last minute to register. For more information and to sign up contact Raul 984 5933229.

Pawahtun Scouts / Photos: Pawahtun Grupo 4 Scouts

Horseback Riding: Professional instruction all year round. Courses run from Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday 8, 9 and 10 a.m. Inscription to courses require an annual subscription fee as well as monthly payments. Hipico Playa del Carmen, located in Rancho Guadalupana, 2nd entrance, next to the Sindicato de Taxistas just south of Xcaret on 307 south. Minimum age 7 years. Bi-lingual instruction. For more information, visit the Facebook //Hipico Playa del Carmen, email hipicoplayadelcarmen@gmail. com, or phone them at 984 115 5826.

hether you live here or are travelling through, this list of family friendly places and activities will help keep kids of all ages entertained in the city.

POOLS FOR KIDS Parque Xca-Ha, Cenotes, paddling pools for kids and cafeteria. Avenida Chemuyil, between Parque Villamar I (next to Avenida 110) and Boulevard Misión Villamar I, 984 138 3112, de 10-6pm. Facebook / Xca-ha Oficial. Price: kids and local students $20 pesos, adults $40 and the elderly $20. Free entrance for kids on April 30. La Vagabunda Fiesta, buffet available with a pool for all clients. Ave. 28 de Junio and the Highway, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m Facebook /La Vagabunda Fiesta. Kiin Ha indoor swimming pool. 25 meter pool, squash courts, fitness center. Swimming lessons and open swim hours. Ave. Contituyentes between 85 and 90 Streets. Phone: 984 879 9930, or email: kiinha@telmexmail.com.

Chiltepin Marisquillos Restaurant, free swimming pool for kids while you eat. Ave. Constituyentes, between 25th and 30th. 12 p.m. till 2 a.m. Web: www.chiltepinmarisquillos.com

ACTIVITIES Pawahtun Scouts, available for kids living in Playa and those on vacation. Every Saturday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. La Ceiba Park, 60th Street South with 1st Street South, Colonia Ejidal Sur. In Spanish but English spoken. Age groups and troupes: Manada Wolfs:

7 to 11 years old; Tropa: 11 to 14 years old; Caminantes: 14 to 17 years old; and Clan: 18 to 21 years old. Annual cost is $750 pesos, includes an ID and insurance. For those on vacation, cost is $10 pesos for the afternoon. Check Facebook / Grupo Scouts 4 Pawahtun, or call Diana Oscos: 984 113 612.

Interactive Farm: Children 1 to 10 years old learn about farm animals and how to care for them. The farm is available for hire for parties, and includes a palapa with cafeteria and restrooms. During holiday season the farm is open Tuesday to Sunday from

Explayarte, music/dance/theatre classes for kids all ages. Arco Vial, corner of Diagonal 70, in front of Plaza Centro Maya Shopping Center, Colonia Ejidal. Website: www.explayarte.com.mx, Phone: 9846880461 and 6880462, email: explayarte@hotmail.com. Racing Dakart Go Karts, outside Centro Maya Shopping Center, Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Children and adults over 12 years old pay $150 pesos

Fundadores Park / Photo:

www.american-developme

nt.com

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Normal opening hours on weekdays are 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Price $150 per person. Hipico Playa del Carmen, located in Rancho Guadalupana, 2nd entrance, next to the Sindicato de Taxistas just south of Xcaret on 307 south. Minimum age 7 years. Bi-lingual instruction. For more information, visit the Facebook / Hipico Playa del Carmen, email hipicoplayadelcarmen@gmail.com, or phone them at 984 115 5826.

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS AND PLAYPARKS Rio Brazilian Steak House, Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, behind La Bodeguita del Medio. Great buffet, with a kids play area. Website: www.rio-churrascaria.com. Chiquilandia, next to Cinepolis, Plaza Las Americas Shopping Center, 45th Ave. between 115th Street and Avenida Chemuyil. Kids playpark in the mall. Parque Fundadores Playground on the beach and Ave. Benito Juarez. Slides and swings on the beach in downtown Playa del Carmen. Hot Baking Company - Plaza Inn, Ave. Kantenah and Ave. 75 North. Delicious, healthy and food and juices, with a kids play area. Website: www.thehotbakingcompany.com.

April 15 - 28 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL EVENTS: KIDS CYCLING BICINETA BIKE RIDE, every Wednesday 8 p.m. City Hall, Plaza 28 de Julio, 8th St. and 15th Ave. Explore the cycle paths of Playa del Carmen and meet like-minded local bikers. CYCLING EMBASSY’S BIKE RIDE, every Saturday, 5.30 p.m. Constituyentes Ave. and Diagonal 85. Bike loans and free drinks! Check out the route on Facebook / Playa Bicicletero.

PAWAHTUN SCOUTS, Every Saturday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 pm. Parque La Ceiba, 60th Street South with 1a Street, Colonia Ejidal Sur. Ages 7 to 21. Check Facebook / Grupo Scouts 4 Pawahtun, or call Diana Oscos: 984 113 612. Cost $750 annual registration, includes insurance and ID badge. Those on vacation can drop by for $10 pesos for the day.

LA CEIBA SPRING COURSE, two week course including storytelling, art, environmental education and games of skill, nutrition activities. April 14-25. Parque la Ceiba – 60th Street South with 1a Street, Colonia Ejidal Sur. Ages 5-12. For more information and to reserve place, contact Lei de Landero at parquelaceiba@ florafaunaycultura.org. Phone: 984 8592327

TRENDY KIDS FAIR,

April 18, Yoga and Dancing Workshops and Puppet Shows, from 11 a.m.. Parilla Mucho Gusto, 25th Ave. between 28 and 30. Info: 984 140 8972. Facebook/ Feria Trendy Kids.

DOCUMENTARIES AND FILMS ECOMARKETS BIO-NATURAL, April 15, 8 p.m., Gracias Party, try new dishes and flavor organic wines and artisan beer while enjoying a 50% discount on drinks. Av. 10 between Constituyentes and 16th Street.

> APRIL

RIVIERA MAYA FILM FESTIVAL: April 23 to 29. Free films shown in Playa del Carmen in Cinemex Centro Maya, Parque Fundadores, Cultural Center Playa del Carmen. Check the website for times and listings, www.rmff. mx, and Facebook/ RMFFMX.

14- 28

2015

LA CEIBA PARK ECO-MARKET, Saturday April 18, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., 1st St.South with 60th Ave., Col. Ejidal. BARTER FAIR, Sunday April 19th, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th St. between 10th and Fifth.

SPOKEN WORD

CONCERTS LAUDATE DOMINIUM, Camarata de Cancun, orquestral music and chorus performing songs from Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel, Elgor and Fauré. Friday April 17, 8:30 pm. Advanced tickets: $350 pesos, General entry: $250 pesos, Kids/Students/Elderly: $150. For more information visit the webpage www.cameratadecancun.org, or the Facebook/ Camerata de Cancun.

ANIMAL WELFARE 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.

ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR, every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tenth St. between Av. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don’t buy pets, rescue them! Check Facebook Acción Animal.

AKUMAL COMEDY FESTIVAL, April 14 to 18, Professional stand-up comedy in English, with shows in Tulum, Akumal and Playa del Carmen. For more information on schedule, talent and times visit Facebook/ Akumal Comedy Festival 2015, w w w. a ku m a lco m e d y fe s t i va l . com. MXN $150 donation at the door (funds go directly to the Red Cross).

ENTERTAINMENT

INTERVIEW with Danny Lobell & Colleen Doyle Justice

Akumal Comedy Festival April 14 to 18 BY CRAIG NORTON

Photo: Danny Lobell

Interview with Danny Lobell

Photo: Colleen Doyle Justice

Interview with Colleen Doyle Justice

RAIG NORTON: DANNY, THANKS FOR AGREEING TO BE INTERVIEWED. DANNY LOBELL: It is my esteemed honour and pleasure.

NO SERIOUSLY, IT REALLY MEANS A LOT. WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE. I can’t blame you. BECAUSE, SOMETIMES … WELL, LET’S JUST SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IS AS GENEROUS WITH THEIR TIME AS YOU ARE. SO, THANK YOU. Most people aren’t. No. Thank you.

You grab onto that rope and you keep climbing, and you stay hydrated. No matter what, you stay hydrated Danny Lobell THANKS FOR AGREEING TO BE INTERVIEWED, IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT GIVE COMEDIANS A GOOD NAME. It is not people like me. It is just me. I understand what it means to people to get an interview with me, which is why I don’t like to turn people down. When I saw the glimmer in your eye as I walked into the room to do this, I knew right then that I’d made the right decision. I am nothing if I am not a sport.

MOUNT EVEREST: WHEN CAN WE EXPECT YOU TO ATTEMPT YOUR FIRST CLIMB AND HOW HAS BEING A COMEDIAN PREPARED YOU FOR IT? Tuesday. And to address the second part, as a comedian, you work very hard and hone your craft. Sometimes your knees get weak and your calves feel like they are about to give out on you. You grab onto that rope and you keep climbing, and you stay hydrated. No matter what, you stay hydrated. If it is a tough crowd, it doesn’t matter. You. Stay. Hydrated. You just watched the person next to you chew his own arm off after it got stuck in a rock. You help him by grabbing his other arm and pulling him up next to you. You give him a swig of your Gatorade because you know how important it is that he stay hydrated, too. Your feet are freezing. You are almost out of beef jerky and you have still got miles to go. A vulture is circling over your head hoping that at any minute, you are going to give up and he can feed on you. But you say, “NO VULTURE. NOT TODAY. I’M GONNA KEEP ON GOING AND STAY HYDRATED. I HAVE GOT MY EYE ON THE PRIZE.” I hope this answers what you asked. ABSOLUTELY. THANKS FOR THE INTERVIEW, DANNY. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU PERFORM! You are welcome. Don’t mention it again. I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOU ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS. I told you not to mention it again.

RAIG NORTON: SO COLLEEN, TELL ME – WHO ARE YOUR COMEDIC INFLUENCES AND HOW MANY OF THEM HAVE YOU MET IN PERSON?

COLLEEN DOYLE JUSTICE: Without hesitation, Norm Macdonald, I love everything he is done. He is a genius. Brian Regan always kills me and I can’t forget Bill Murray. There is something about him that just draws me in. When I was little and saw him in Stripes, I wanted to marry him. I did get to meet Norm and it was a dream come true. (I need to get better dreams.)

It is really cool to see all the great things the Red Cross is doing with the money being raised by the shows

would have to say that I would be a giant moth monster that flies around scaring people with my scary face. I would die pretty quickly in the movie because I would instinctively fly into the first giant fire I saw because I’m a moth and that’s what we do. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT PERFORMING AT A COMEDY FESTIVAL IN MEXICO? Well first I look forward to being in Mexico and not in crunchy, brown Minnesota. I don’t know if I can pick one thing. I have had friends do this festival for the last four years and I have heard nothing but great things. It is really cool to see all the great things the Red Cross is doing with the money being raised by the shows. I am just happy to be a part of it.

Colleen Doyle Justice IF YOU HAD TO BECOME A JAPANESE MOVIE MONSTER, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Oh geez, I don’t know a lot about Japanese Movie Monsters because I am not a giant nerd. I know there was Godzilla and some kind of moth giant or something. Regular sized moths are terrifying. I don’t know if you have ever seen a moth up close, which I haven’t because they are terrifying, but they are really scary looking. They are like little hairy nightmares. So I guess I

Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa. If you have a question email: d c r a i g n o r t o n @ g m a i l .c o m

Lineup and Schedule for the Comedy Festival BY AKUMAL COMEDY FESTIVAL The 2015 Akumal Comedy Festival is gearing up to once again bring some of the world’s most hilarious professional comedians to the heart of the Mayan Riviera, kicking off on Tuesday April 14 in Tulum. The first show, to be held at Mateos Mexican Grill at 8 p.m., will launch nearly a dozen comedy showcases spread out over a week, with all proceeds benefiting the Mexican Red Cross. Currently in its fourth year, the

2015 Akumal Comedy Festival boasts an exceptionally strong assortment of comedic talent. Heavy-hitting national headliners including El Cojo Feliz, Roberto Andrade, and Daniel Sosa, plus international headliners Darryl Lenox, Maggie Faris and Derek Sheen, while Festival curator Stand Up! Records’ roster acts such as Chad Daniels, Tommy Ryman and JT Habersaat will return as proven fan favorites. All together close to two dozen comedians will grace the 2015

Akumal Comedy Festival stages, with credits including The Late, Late Show, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and much, much more. A full performer lineup and schedule can be found now at www. AkumalComedyFestival.com, with performances to appear at a variety of venues in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Akumal. Numerous comedia en español shows are also planned for 2015, with admission to most nightly events costing between $150 to $200 pesos. As al-

ways, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the local Red Cross.

Advanced tickets are on sale now through our website, or you can buy tickets from the venues from April 1, 2015 onwards. Discount accommodation rates for visiting comedy fans are also being offered. 2015 is sure to be a bittersweet year for the Festival due to the tragic recent passing of co-founder Gus Lynch, to whom the year’s festivities are honoring, but his spirit is sure to live on through the laughter of the fans. For additional information, as well as the website you can visit the Facebook page /Akumal Comedy Festival and be sure to follow them on Twitter @akumalcomedy.

April 15 - 28 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

ADVERTORIAL

Corona SunSets music festival

sunset and bottling it up for those who need it most with Corona SunSets. Because no matter where you are, no matter who you are, a sunset has the power to captivate and congregate in equal parts. That’s the magic of a sunset, brought to life by Corona. FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE TALKING POINTS Global Tour: The festival will travel from Corona’s motherland in Mexico, to the coasts of the UK, Italy, Shanghai, Ibiza and beautiful Australia. Co-creative Art Installation: At the entrance attendees are invited to contribute to an art installation of prayer flags that will grow as it travels the globe.

Dj Robin Scmulz / Photos:Agency

orona SunSets is a global music festival series inspired by the magic hour of the sunset. Corona SunSets was created to provide a festival experience that inspires people around the world to unplug, unite and celebrate the energy and spirit of the sunset. You won’t find a wall of cell phone charging stations here, turns out some things are enjoyed in the actual moment. SunSets brings together a community of like-minded people

Dj Laidback Luke

seeking the same thing – an escape, a chance to unplug, a shared experience worth celebrating. In 2015, SunSets festivals are encouraging people to put down the phone and reach out for a shared experience like none other. Traveling the world visiting iconic locations from Playa Del Carmen to Ibiza, Rimini and more, SunSets connects the beach with the beats, capturing the Sound of the Beach like never before.

Dj Claptone

Culminating at the magical hour of sunset, the festival unites the best music, food, art and entertainment, creating an authentic connection and emotional escape for people everywhere when they need it more than ever. WHY THE SUNSET? The sunset is a majestic spectacle of nature that shifts our mood and holds the promise of a new beginning. Corona is capturing the sensation of the

Perfect Day: We’ve hand-picked DJs and bands, a beach fusion food chef, traditional beach games, local market vendors and a wind installation artist to create the perfect day at the beach. Beach Setting: Festivals on iconic beaches are a match made in heaven, the best way to leave the daily world behind. Stage Design: As if the beach setting wasn’t enough, the handcrafted Griffin and Crown Stage are an audiovisual spectacle that create a festival experience like none other. Top Music: World-renowned DJs and

musicians will travel with the festival and perform electronic and acoustic music that pair together the beach with beats, delivering the ultimate sound of the beach. Delicious Food: We’ll offer a spread of beach food with a mix of local flavors and delicious bites by rock ’n roll chef Andre Amaro. Sunset Ritual: To honor the sunset moment, a lantern parade will proceed to the Griffin stage, lighting up the sky as celebrations continue into the night.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Event date: May 2 Time: from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Venue: Mamita´s Beach Club LINE UP: We have two stages with the following bands. Griffin Stage: LAIDBACK LUKE, ROBIN SCHULZ, BAKERMAT, CLAPTONE, AUTOGRAF, VICEROY, LE YOUTH, UPPFADE. Crown Stage: NORTEC COLLECTIVE, INSTITUTO MEXICANO DEL SONIDO, PLASTIC PLATES, CENTAVRVS, SALON ACAPULCO. Ticket sales available on Ticketmaster.com.mx, you can also get your tickets at its different sales points and in Mamita´s Beach Club.

DINING OUT

Kibis A Middle Eastern Gastronomy Influence By Alejandra Barradas

ibbeh (known as kibis in Mexico) is a Middle Eastern dish made from a mixture of spiced meat and bulgur wheat. It is typically served as an appetizer, either alone or as part of a spread known as mezze in many regions of the Middle East. It is extremely popular in regions like Iraq, Israel, Iran, and Syria, in addition to being consumed in some parts of Latin America. This dish is commonly offered at Middle Eastern restaurants, and it can also be made at home. It is a relatively easy way for cooks who want to make a Middle Eastern spread for friends. Kibis can be an interesting addition to any gathering. Typically, kibis is served in the form of a torpedo shaped fried dumpling. Three things are always present in kibis: bulgur, meat, and a spice mix known as baharat. In addition to these ingredients, kibis typically features ingredients like finely chopped onions, fresh coriander, mint or pinenuts and in some regions they are served with a rice crust or a battered coating.

From Quinta Avenida By The Playa Times

KIBIS IN YUCATÁN It was in the late 1870s when Lebanese immigrants began to arrive in the Yucatan, in order to get away from the social conflicts in the Middle East and settle in to a peaceful land of opportunity . They introduced the kibis as part of their integration into the community. Lebanese dishes prepared on the peninsula, such as kibis, have adopted some local ingredients, for example beef, pork, xcatic chili and habanero chile, which is now part of the kibis tradition. Kibis are offered daily in the street trade at food stalls

Dining Options Away

and larger events. Kibis are one of the most popular and traditional snacks. You can find them almost anywhere in Quintana Roo or in neighboring states like Yucatan and Campeche, as kibis vendors are easily recognized by a glass tank they balance on their heads. You can find them selling on the streets, on beaches, outside schools or truck stops. So if you are hungry and you see a kibis seller this will satisfy your hunger. You can enjoy them for about $8 to $10 pesos each.

Popular Yucatecan vegetarian fast food, originating from the Middle East / Photos: Agency / shutterstock

Whether you live in Playa or vacation here, there is one thing everyone knows. We have a plethora of restaurants on Quinta. Everything from elegant and expensive to pizza by the slice. But, If you’re on vacation here, you may not know what all Playenses know - there are fabulous restaurants away from Quinta. Here are some insider tips on dining like a local. Our one and most important tip when hungry in Playa: don’t be afraid to wander away from Quinta! If you spend all your time on our famous strip you are going to miss out on many fantastic and inexpensive meals. Walking west towards the highway, especially between 30th Avenue and the beach, and north towards 46th Street opens a whole new opportunity in food exploration you may have been missing on your previous trips. In the mood for delicious chicken? Located on the corner of 2nd Street and 20th Avenue, Asadero el Pollo Estilo Sinaloa has a whole roasted chicken, rice, and salsas for less than a glass of wine in some restaurants on Quinta. Giving them a run for their money for roasted chicken (and more) is La Brocherie on 15th Ave. between 4th and 6th Street.

There is always a battle amongst Playenses for who has the best pizza. Decide for yourself by doing your own taste test. Wander up to 30th Avenue and find Don Chendo located between 24th and 26th Street or head to Romeo on 4th Street between 10th and 15th Avenue. Not satisfied with only two choices? Don’t worry, there are many more - like La Familia on 10th Avenue between 10th and 12th Street and Piola on 38th street between Quinta and the beach. Another insider tip, be sure to ask a local! Talk to the front desk at your hotel or the Playenses you met sitting in your favorite drinking establishment. We all have our favorites and we may even let you in on our favorite hidden gems. Maybe you will discover Dona Paula’s on 6th Street between 10th and 15th Avenue (up the stairs) for some down home Mexican cooking where a full meal will cost you only $45 pesos. The list of fabulous restaurants Playa has to offer is too extensive to even begin to list for you and the restaurants noted above are barely a nibble. So remember, the next time you find yourself wondering what’s for dinner, take a walk and find out where the locals eat!

April 15 - 28 2015

Adapting to a new life in a different culture affects all family members / Photo: Maka Nochi

Children and the Process

of Immigration Our resident psychotherapist gives us six useful tips to help you and your child overcome the hurdles of immigration and integrate successfully into a new life and culture BY ROSAN OUWERKERK In my daily practice as a psychotherapist, I deal frequently with foreign families who just moved to Playa del Carmen. Even though adaptability is a variable factor, the psychological process of immigration affects all major aspects of life. The course of adaptation to a new life in a different culture is an unsteady process that affects all family members. Parents often feel a lot of insecurities in this process and logically this influences the children’s feelings of security and safety. Although most parents succeed in keeping their struggles away from them, children always have a perfect sense of what is going on. In order to ensure feelings of safety, especially for young children, it is important to build a structure of daily routines and to show them that under these unfamiliar circumstances they still have parental control. Since school provides a daily routine I would strongly advise that children go to school as soon as they can. There are Spanish, bilingual and English speaking schools, but the choice depends on the age and the level of education. Children under the age of eight easily pick up a second language while older children usually need extra support. Home schooling is an option as well because the school curriculum system here does not always fit to the needs of the child. Home school can make it more difficult to make friends, adding a potential load on the parents. In this case, I recommend involving them in social activities, like sports and art, to help them adjust. Even though negotiating between parents and children is very common in Western cultures, it is important to make it clear who is in charge of the decisions. This certainly does not mean that children should not have a voice; it is always important to take time to talk about their experiences and wishes. This sounds obvious, but when children notice that their parents are occupied with all kinds of emotional and practical things, they sometimes hide their difficulties in order to not be a burden. Sometimes the opposite can occur, they could vent their emotions with behavioral problems. I need to emphasize that for adolescents, especially around 16 years of age, it can be incred-

Build a structure of daily routines. Children should go to school as soon as they can. Involve them in social activities, like art and sports, help children make friends and adjust more easily. Make it clear that the parent is in charge of decision making. Make time to talk about the child’s experiences and wishes. Talk to other expats.

ibly difficult to adjust. They build their identity by mirroring themselves to their peers and leaving their friends behind can make them feel very uprooted. Clearly they need a lot of understanding, even though they might try to reject their parents by blaming them for “ruining their life”. Last but not least, I would strongly suggest to ask other expat parents for advice. Fortunately, we live in a very friendly community where everybody likes to give support and share their experiences. Rosan Ouwerkerk is a 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

HEALTH 23

SPORTS

Cable Wakeboard Park In Construction The development of a new site for water sport enthusiasts, consisting of three artificial lakes, will start later this year and is estimated to be ready by 2020, in an investment of $9,225,000 USD BY JOE MALDONADO

Cable Wakeboard Park is set to be built on a site opposite to the hotel Iberostar Playa Paraiso which will consist of three artificial lakes and will become a new attraction for water sport enthusiasts. The project aims to promote sports and physical activities, especially wakeboarding and cable skiing; the first consists of surfing on a board while being dragged by a rope, known as the palomier; while the latter also consists of being dragged by a rope, but the skier’s rope is pulled by an electrically driven cable. The company Mayan Cable Wakeboard conceived the project under a scheme in which each and every one of the construction details have been designed to integrate with the natural landscape of the site. The total area available for the Cable Wakeboard Park is 31.40 ha, of which 61.35 percent will be maintained as a conservation area for natural vegetation. The origin of wakeboarding dates back to 1985, on the beaches of California, when Tony Finn, a renowned surfer thought of surfing while being pulled by a boat; the expression “surfing the wake” refers to the wave movement caused by the displacement of the boat. Cable skiing, meanwhile, was created in 1966 by Humberto Armas. The investment planned for the construction and operation of the project is $ 9,225,000 USD. Apart from the three artificial lakes, the site will also have a central building with the ticketing booths and offices, lockers, bathrooms, a store, an equipment rental area, a restaurant, a dining room for employees, a kitchen, a garbage disposal area and a training room. Two of the lakes will be desig-

Leslie Early / Photo: Agency

68, One Leg, No Limits BY SUE URQUHART

Total area for the Cable Wakeboard Park

31.40 ha. 61.35% of the area is kept for the conservation of natural vegetation Two Cable Ski Lakes:

260 meters long by 90 and 130 meters wide One Wakeboard Lake :

494 meters long by 69 meters wide

The construction site of the Cable Wakeboard Park / Photo: Mayan Cable Wakeboard

nated to cable skiing and the other lake to wakeboarding; all three will have a depth of two meters. In the cable ski lakes, there will be five towers wired to form a circuit. These towers will be around 13 to 15 meters long. One of these towers will hold the engine that docks the skiers’ cable. The cable is supported by four to six pulleys, installed in the towers at about eight to 10 meters above water level. The average tensile speed will be 30 km per hour, but can go up to 58 km per hour. According to the rules of cable ski, the ideal length of a track is 310 meters in order carry out national and international competitions of the sport. However, in this specific location, each lake will have a length of 260 meters and a width between 90 and 130 meters. The wakeboarding lake will have a length of 494.46 meters and a width of 69.60 meters. It will also have two wires along the lake and two small islands with natural vegetation. The entire project is estimated to be ready in five years.

Amazing. This is the one word that describes Leslie Early. By the time they are over 65, most seniors have already experienced all their athletic challenges. A few may introduce modified sports but not many seniors with physical challenges begin a new athletic pursuit in their golden years, let alone in two sports. Except Leslie Early, a remarkable woman, who at age 68, has started scuba diving and stand up paddle boarding. But what is even more remarkable is that Leslie has only one leg. She gets around via wheelchair, her artificial leg and/or a walker. Now she has two other modes of transportation, above and below the water. When 53 years old, Leslie was skiing and realized something was terribly wrong with her left leg. Tests resulted in a diagnosis of nerve disease, but it wasn’t until years later that she was told she had cancer of the leg tissue and the survival rate was poor. She needed her leg amputated. That was 15 years ago, and for Leslie the biggest challenge was realizing that she could no longer do everything.

To keep fit Leslie pushes herself six kilometers in her wheelchair to Puerto Aventuras and back Always an athletic person, in her early years while at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon campus, Leslie played both basketball and volleyball. At only 5’2” you know she must have been fast, and indeed her nickname was Gunner Les. Never married, Leslie’s independence has led to her strength as a woman and the ability to do practically anything. She owns and operates the Hummingbird Cabins and

Breakfast near Fauquier BC. With the ability to sleep up to 16 people, Leslie does her own maintenance, cleaning and cooking. She purchased a paddle board in Canada, strapped on her walker with bungee cords and has become a familiar sight paddling the Arrow Lakes near her home in British Columbia. Fluent in Spanish and loving the Caribbean Sea after visiting Paamul, west of Playa Del Carmen, Leslie purchased a palapa in 2013 and has since made it her winter home. In November 2014 she purchased a board in Mexico. But that isn’t all. She decided she also wanted to try scuba diving. Through ScubaMex in Paamul she has become a certified diver. Always a strong swimmer, the undersea world is now unfolding for her but getting into the dive boat in rough water can be a challenge. Titanium legs are expensive and Leslie must maintain her weight in order to ensure an exact fit. When a machined titanium piece cracked while she was in Mexico last year, she temporarily lost her mobility. But it wasn’t long before the replacement was on the way. Neighbours re-calibrated her new leg and she was back on her feet. If that isn’t enough, to keep fit Leslie pushes herself six kilometers in her wheelchair to Puerto Aventuras and back. Twice she has been pulled over by the Federal police who, concerned about her visibility and safety on a busy divided highway, insisted that she have a flag on the chair and wear a high-vis vest. Now when they pass her on the highway, they honk and give her the thumbs up. For many, retirement is a time to kick back, take it easy and enjoy the golden years. Leslie’s golden years are full of fun, exercise and new challenges. She is an inspiration to all that know her. Sue Urquhart lives in Vernon, BC, Canada and Paamul. You can contact her at dnurquhart@hotmail.com.

April 15 - 28 2015

ENTERPRISE FOCUS

ADVERTORIAL

A Brief History of

Coldwell Banker I

n 1906, San Francisco was victim to one of the most devastating earthquakes in history. Some real estate brokers with few ethics saw a possibility of big business by taking advantage of this situation, buying properties at ridiculous low prices from owners who were in need of money, and selling these properties for a much higher value. A young Colbert Coldwell, a real estate agent, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with these practices; as a result he created his own company with the aim of giving the most honest and professional service. On August 27, 1906, he created TUCKER, LYNCH & COLDWELL. Other real estate agents had the same vision and ethical ideas of how a real estate company should operate. So, in 1914, Benjamin Arthur Banker got together with Colbert Coldwell to create a new company dedicated to giving the most professional service provided by a real estate company. Coldwell Banker & Company set the mark for quality, honesty and service standards. These standards are shared by all who belong to the firm. In the early beginnings, they were focus on commercial properties, but in 1925 they created the first Coldwell Banker office dedicated to residential properties in San Francisco. Between the 50s and the 70s, they grew to cities like Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington D.C. In 1981 they experienced a huge

Coldwell Banker set the mark for quality, honesty and service standards / Photos: Coldwell Banker / Shutterstock

growth by uniting with SEARS ROEBUCK and Co., and by 1990 they already had 50 incorporated offices in the USA, and were starting to venture out into international markets by opening offices in Canada and Puerto Rico.

In 2006 Coldwell Banker was brought from Hospitality Franchise System to create what today is known as REALOGY, an international holding that groups together the most important real estate companies. Today, Coldwell Banker have

over 3,000 offices in 52 countries with more than 100,000 advisors. According to Entrepreneur magazine, Coldwell Banker is in the top hundred franchises worldwide and the number one real estate franchise in the world. Coldwell Banker arrived to Mexico in 1999, when Richard A. Smith

brought the company to Mexico; Smith is also the owner of other 70 Coldwell Banker Offices in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. Coldwell Bankerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international website was given an international award by FORBES, as the most effective and successful real estate site. This site receives 4,000,000 visit a month.

HOMELIFE

Renting

in Mexico Finding a great rental property in Playa del Carmen can feel dizzying especially when living in another culture, follow these tips to make the process as easy as possible and allow you to snag the perfect place BY GERARDO GÓNZALEZ - MEXLAW

enting in Mexico is not that different to renting in other parts of the world, but there are slight differences you should take into consideration. The housing market can be approached in different ways: through a real estate agent, through a representative, through newspaper ads or through the community housing board. When using a real estate agent, I suggest you insist on meeting the owner of the property. In general, Mexicans prefer to rent or sell to someone they know or someone that knows them; although this is not always the case. Due to nature of real estate transactions, it is worth getting to know the neighboring residents in the community. As for the payment method for

this type of transaction, it is normal for the landlord to decide how the rent is paid. Normally, payments are done in cash. You have to make sure the landlord provides you with a receipt, which acts as proof of payment for the month as well as detailing the reason for payment. If you are planning on staying in Mexico for an extended period of time, take into account that the rental prices increase annually. It’s normal that the increase in rent is directly related to how much the landlord wants. Some tenancy agreements stipulate that the increase in rent is proportional to the National Consumer Price Index, but this always depends on the type of lease you have and the notice period you’re required to give the landlord when moving out. It is rare for the rent to increase dramatically. Make sure

you establish the percentage or the amount at which the rent is increased year to year, the penalty fine in case of early termination of the lease and, in case of damage incurred to the property, establish which are the landlord’s responsibilities and which are those of the tenant. My personal recommendation is to take photos of the state of the property as soon as you move in, along with a written record detailing the state of the property in the contract, with a copy for each party. Gerardo González is a lawyer specializing in corporate law and graduate from the UNID in Merida. Contact him at gonzalez@mexlaw.ca

April 15 - 28 2015

HOMELIFE 27

Revamping Fifth Avenue

The Pros and Cons The roadworks on Quinta Avenida come with a number of factors for and against the remodeling plans BY MELISSA ROBLES

n February of this year the municipal government announced the investment of $15 million pesos for the remodelling of La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), which includes the repair of the pavement, installation of urban furniture, garbage cans and reforestation of the area. In order to avoid any inconvenience to tourists, the authorities and private sector involved agreed on a specific timetable for the construction work. As part of the works, pavement sections have to be broken up in order to rearrange the paving slabs, sections of the strips have to be closed off to allow the heavy machinery entry, as well as taking into account the large amount of noise pollution as a result of these works.

“The maintenance was necessary, the reforestation will give a new fresh and pleasant image since there are sections lacking palm trees”. However, the improvements involved result in significant changes. “Without a doubt, the image of a city such as Playa del Carmen will change, we can’t stop the development.” “For those of us who have spent many years here, the Caribbean stereotype, or ideal, is of a place full of palm trees; which is not currently fully fulfilled in the urban landscape

trees to give a seaside aspect while the other opts for shade trees.

They wanted to make it very fashionable and the outcome is that the Caribbean identity, the town’s identity, is being taken away Moce Yax Cuxtal Environmental Association

The maintenance was necessary, the reforestation will give a new fresh and pleasant image since there are sections lacking palm trees Manuel García CANIRAC For Manuel García, director of the National Chamber for the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) in Playa del Carmen, this is a long needed revamp for the city.

of Playa and is different to the current urban landscape. We resist change but it is unavoidable”, admitted the restaurateur. The renovation plans will start from CTM Avenue working their way up towards the center of town. Along the current strip, reforestation will take place from Constituyentes Avenue to Juarez Avenue. The business sector is still undecided about the type of ornaments for this strip. There are divided opinions; one group prefers planting palm

Closet caption / Photo:Agency

The disadvantage of the latter are the horizontal roots, which ultimately will affect the street and buildings’ foundations, eventually lifting the paving slabs as the roots grow. In the tourist zone of Playa del Carmen there are around 300 bars and restaurants. In some of them the “Caribbean ideal” is still preserved, with open structures, wooden supports and thatched roofs, a.k.a. palapas. According to the Moce Yax Cuxtal Environmental Association, the identity of this destination has been modified. “They wanted to make it very fashionable, and the outcome is that the Caribbean identity, the town’s identity, is being taken away”. They acknowledges that Fifth Avenue remains a major tourist attraction, but there must be an urban image to give it identity. “The city’s identity changes with every new government that comes and goes as well as the new type of investors.”

ANIMAL WELFARE

Equine Therapy for Children The Southeast Kuxtal Echinotherapy Center provides a place for children with disabilities and the able-bodied to take riding lessons and enjoy the positive results of being with horses BY THE PLAYA TIMES

or six years, the Southeast Kuxtal Echinotherapy Center has been offering free services to children from Playa del Carmen with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome and other mental disabilities. Although it may seem unconventional, patients of this center have found this alternative treatment very helpful. Brenda Ruiz Rojas, president of the equine therapy center, explained that the project was conceived as a social service for the children with disabilities in the community. Having a team of three volunteers and a groom, the center staff has become an affordable alternative to conventional medicine. “The Southeast Kuxtal Echinotherapy Center is an altruistic association located on Avenida Constituyentes and 130th Ave. It is open every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. We assist a maximum of eight children,” said Brenda. People working at the center

are volunteers: “We have other jobs. Each one of us works in the morning and come to the center in the afternoon. We have achieved positive results. I always say that I am the horse´s helper. We currently work with three horses,” Ruiz Rojas pointed.

$600 pesos per month for equine therapy lessons She explained that they do not charge anything, they only ask for a donation to feed and take care of the horses if possible. As well, the association offers riding lessons for people who want to live the experience. These lessons cost $600 pesos per month. The money is intended for the

equine therapy of children. “The horses are ours, we bought them but we borrow the land. We started six years ago. I liked horses but I had never ridden one. I learned about equine therapy and started to work with it,” said Ruiz Rojas who added that they first borrowed their horses from Punta Venado Eco Park. According to Ruiz, equine therapy gives patients autonomy, it calms them and improves their coordination. The benefits vary for each child disorder. The association is currently looking for support in order to improve its facilities. Ruiz Rojas invited people to give inkind donations such as saddles, reins, horse food and didactic games for children like balls, abacuses and jigsaw puzzles. Those interested can call 984 879 5071 and 984 116 6645 or go to the association on Avenida Constituyentes and 130th.

Your Dog’s Business is

Matteo

Everyone’s Business

was born about November 2012 and arrived at Playa Animal Rescue in January 2014. Matteo is an adult male, tall and slender and weighs about 29 lbs (13 kg). He loves people and loves to play, he is an active dog and would do best with an experienced dog handler. He is affectionate, but a bit stubborn until he is shown who is boss. He is very handsome and has the biggest grin we have ever seen on a dog!

M ATT E O

Sherry was born about November of 2013 and came to the shelter in October of 2014. She weighs about 11 kg, is spayed and current on all vaccinations. Sherry was rescued from the local Pererra (pound) and is very affectionate and loves everyone! She loves to play and go for walks.

SH E R R Y

Mocha was born about May of 2012 and arrived at the shelter November 2012. She weighs about 14 kg, is spayed and current on all vaccinations. MOCHA

Mocha was rescued from a busy Street in Playa. She was seen begging at stores, and she had a very bad limp. When she was brought into the shelter, it was determined that she had been hit by a car, breaking her leg and it had already healed badly. Mocha doesn’t let it stop her from getting around, and ruling all the dogs in her pen! She is healthy, happy and ready for a family of her own.

Bella was born about January 2013 and arrived at our shelter in July 2013. B E LLA

When a local woman found Bella living on the beach, this beautiful girl had just had her first litter of pups at only 6 months of age. Although this woman couldn’t keep Bella permanently, she cared for her in her own home for over two months, until room became available for her at Playa Animal Rescue. Bella is a young, small/medium (33 lbs or 15 kg), eager angel, waiting for a great family!

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

BY THE PLAYA TIMES We have all seen it and we all have had to hurdle over dog waste at some point. You think, maybe the owner forgot to bring a bag, or it is from those strays that don’t have anyone to pick up after them; regardless, it is unpleasant and unsightly and can certainly be avoided by those who go out on their daily walks. But why is it so important to pick up dog poop? Doctor Guillermo Padrón Arredondo, Head of the Municipal Department of Health, explained that animal excrement, as a residue carries parasites and bacteria. Once the waste product dries, these bacteria and parasites become airborne and seep into the soil and water table. The only feasible precaution against contamination from these bacteria is to place the waste in a sealed plastic container, enclosing any potential spread of infection. The waste contains dangerous pathogens that both pollute our freshwater supply and can be inhaled by humans, causing gastric illness and intestinal diseases “That are not common, but there is no need to risk it,” he said. Dr. Padrón Arredondo also specified reports of incidents of people visiting health clinics affected by the larva “migrans”, a worm that penetrates under human skin and progresses to the intestines. The specialist stated that the larva is spread by sick dogs that sit in their feces. The cases reported were reported from people who had visited deserted beaches and had not been attentive of where they stepped or settled down on the sand.

Photo:Agency

To combat the dog poop threat, there have been many initiatives in cities and neighborhoods worldwide, such as posting signs, giving out poop bags and fining people, which, overall have done little to stem the tide. An innovative program can be found around parks in Mexico City, where the Mexican internet portal Terra is encouraging people to reach for their pooper-scoopers by offering free Wifi in exchange. They equipped parks with special boxes where people could throw their dog’s poop away. The higher the weight of the poop, the more Wifi minutes are available to everyone in the park. Although, as yet, no such program has been put into action in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya, it is important to pick up after your dog, and remember to bring out a bag or two, or attaching the pet-friendly dispenser -available from vets’ offices and pet shops- to your leach. Leaving the poop on the street or in the park is against the law in most states of the United States and in many other places around the world. It can carry a heavy fine. So enjoy your dog, but at the same time keep the streets clean. Pick up after them.

April 15 - 28 2015

COMEDY CORNER 29

Classifieds I have heard that if you eat vegetables or fruit in Mexico, you will get parasites. Do the locals take medication in order to eat veggies or do they just not eat them? What would you suggest is a safe diet for our visit?

GENERAL SERVICES

Culinarily Cautious Hi Cautious, thanks for the question. What do we locals eat in lieu of the dangerous fruits and vegetables that are laden with parasites, you ask? Mostly alcohol. I am surprised that you heard about the parasite thing. You must have some inside scoop. See, we don’t tell visitors that our produce is basically lethal. We just have a blast watching them writhe in agony on their third day. (The fruit and veggie parasites have very short incubation periods.) Not to mention that our water is essentially toxic, so trying to wash the parasites off the surface of the produce is like pouring gasoline on a grease fire. So what would be a safe diet for your visit? I would recommend that you stick to fried foods. We have a lot of them down here. Boiling oil is the only thing that will kill the parasites. If you are eating at a restaurant, and you want something like a hamburger, make sure it is completely deep-fried. You will feel safer knowing there are no bread parasites that your immune system will have to fend off, and it makes the burger taste better.

If you shake hands with a local or an expat, make sure you sanitize your hand as quickly as possible. Avoid touching your face until you have adequately disinfected the now contaminated appendage. I would use boiling oil just to be safe. If a person has been infected by either bread parasites or produce parasites, they will likely try to spread their disease by spitting in your eyes. If this happens, find the nearest eyewash station. The boiling oil will hurt at first, but it will kill all of the parasites on your eyes. Whatever you do, do not eat a local or an expat. We are all doomed and swimming with parasites. We are delicious, but you just can’t trust that we are not going to give you parasites. Don’t even buy the pre-packaged expats at the local grocery stores. They may seem safe, but the parasites can get into the packaging. So, stick to fried foods and alcohol, and you should be safe, Cautious.

MEDICAL & DENTAL

Hope this helped. All the best C.

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

OFFSHORE HEALTH BENEFITS LTD. Global medical insurance and air ambulance for expatriates throughout Latin America. Access to top-rated hospitals throughoout Mexico, USA, Europe and beyond. 25% discount through The Caribbean Expatriate Medical Group / No application or agent fees. Vonage (USA) 512 296 4976 www.offshorehealthbenefits.com

AGORA LANGUAGE CENTER Intensive Spanish course, private classes, all levels. Profesional teachers. Also Spanish for Playa residents. 90 min class twice a week, $ 800 pesos/month. T. 984 803 2065 Whatsapp/ cel 984 114 9090 6 St. bis, between 25th & 30th, no. 285 Facebook: /AgoraLanguageCenter annecalderon@gmail.com

The Colectivo Kid

When a Daily Routine Comes with a Lesson I have been contemplating buying a scooter. You see, I live on the other side of the highway and my only means of transport are the colectivos (or combis). The ones that run to my area are few and far between and it is not unusual to wait a very long time for one to arrive. I use that time productively, fantasizing about my scooter. Last week I had an experience that almost changed my mind about the scooter. After waiting 45 minutes, I spotted my combi. I did my usual slightly desperate hand wave to flag it down when the driver gave me the “all full” signal. Since the driver was stopped in front of me due to traffic, I begged and pleaded No manches! Estaba esperando más que 45 minutos! Por fa Amigoooooo! Y tengo queso en mi bolsa! translation, “You have got to be kidding! I have been waiting for more than 45 minutes! Pleeazz Buddy! And I have cheese in my bag!” until he reluctantly let me on. He grumpily told me to squeeze in next to a little girl. I squeezed in and looked down to see a little girl eyeing me curiously. “Como estas?” I asked her. She timidly answered “bien” and smiled. I asked her some more ques-

tions in Spanish like, how was school…, and when she realized I was either friendly or crazy she began to ask me questions. “How old are you?” “Where are you from?” “Where do you live?” “Where do you work?” Her mother kept trying to hush her but I answered all her questions in my best Spanish. When she stumped me with a few words I did not know, I had to sheepishly explain to her that my Spanish was not that great. She said, “I will help you!” and began quizzing me on Spanish vocabulary words, at which point even the grumpy colectivo driver began to smile. Finally, she decided to impress me, much to the embarrassment of her mother, with her impersonation of an Argentinian accent and the whole van burst out laughing. After about a 25 minute ride, my stop came and I bid adios to my new little friend and walked another 5 minutes home. “I do not need a scooter”, I thought. “I will miss out on these experiences if I get a scooter!” I woke up the next morning and optimistically walked to the combi stop. After waiting 40-45 minutes and a 20 minute ride, I walked to the Yamaha dealer.

MD PLAYA MEDICAL Specialists in endocrinology, cardiology, general medicine, psychiatry, orthopedics and trauma, dermatology, gynaecology ,obstetrics and children’s medicine. Plaza Paraiso Caribe. 5th Street between Avenues 10 & 15. For appointments call 984 803 0648.

RESTAURANTS

MEXLAW Licensed Canadian and Mexican law firm, English Spoken. Plaza Paseo Coba, Local 301, second floor, Av. Paseo CobaPlaya del Carmen. Tel: 984 147 6502, Email: info@mexlaw.ca

RENTALS & PROPERTIES

CONTACTS & PERSONALS ROTARY CLUB PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE Weekly meetings at SOHO HOTEL. 24 St and 10 st avenue. Tuesdays 12.30pm Visitors are welcome, for more information email: scotlyall@live.com NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS English spoken Tuesdays and Fridays 5:30 p.m. Spanish spoken Monday to Friday 7 p.m. 35th Avenue and 34th Street Playa del Carmen. info@naplaya.com

TAKE BREAK

HOROSCOPES ARIES (MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH)

New projects and ideas have been gaining strength, so this might be a good time to test the waters and see if it feels right to give them the go ahead. Romance sizzles as passions intensify.

TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH)

A conversation may set you thinking about the potential for romance with someone. Try to avoid obsessive thinking, as it will not be helpful. It pays to listen to your intuition over the days ahead.

GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH)

You know what you want and people admire you for taking decisive action. Go about your business quietly, you would do best in the background plotting your next move carefully.

CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND)

If you are looking for love, one person may entice you with an offer you can not refuse. Moderation should be your mantra. Have fun, but use your common sense, too.

LEO This is a good time to get the advice of others, especially if they have succeeded with similar plans. If adventure calls, you will be ready and willing to follow your heart.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND)

The focus zeroes in on matters associated with finances and shared resources. Perhaps it is time to discuss important issues with your bank or financial adviser, especially if your cash situation has been edgy lately.

CROSSWORD

(JULY 23RD – AUGUST 22ND)

LIBRA An item you have coveted for some time could be calling out to you. Perhaps it is time to make that special purchase! Your love life and social life seem very upbeat.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST)

If someone has a proposition for you, give it careful consideration. It may be a worthwhile option. You will likely be in a fiery mood and determined to beat off the competition.

SAGITTARIUS

WORD SEARCH

(SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND)

(NOVEMBER 22ND-DEC 21ST)

You will feel more like your usual self, ready to take charge and blaze a new trail. Creative activities and pleasure options call out to you, too, so dive in and have fun.

Across 1 9 10 11 13 14 15 18 20 21 22 24

Down

Skew-whiff (3,2,6) Name of two US presidents (9) A long, long way to go (3) Cut into cubes (5) Female ruler (7) Antipodean chum (6) Jejune (6) (Musically) lively (7) Command (5) Area sheltered from the wind (3) The Wealth of Nations author (4,5) Infantryman (4,7)

DRAWING ARTIST BOARD CHALK COLOR DRAFT ERASE INK LIKENESS LINES PAD PENCIL TRACE

CAPRICORN A dating opportunity sizzles, but you will need to be quick to take advantage of it. You can make a lasting impression if you spread on the charm. Romance is sensuously alive and yours for the taking.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20THFEBRUARY 18TH

If issues have bugged you and left you feeling tired recently, then a retreat might do you a world of good. You will need the peace and quiet because you will be busy planning, discussing key issues and negotiating terms.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH)

You might have mixed feelings if you are meeting with an old pal or ex. If you are willing to chat, you could be pleasantly surprised at how much he or she has changed.

SUDOKU PUZZLE

(DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH)

Enter digits from 9 to 1 into the blank spaces Every row most contain one of each digit So must every column, as must every 3x3 square

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 16 17 19 23

Flying saucer (3) Expected before now (7) Custodian (6) Abatement (3-2) Weakened (9) Easily foreseen (11) Reliable (11) Spanish gentleman (9) Stimulated (7) Edible tuber (6) Hard work (5) Skating surface (3)

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION

# TPThrifty

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