Edicion 105 by theplayatimes

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 0 4 · N u m b e r 1 0 5 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 24 Pa g e s · Ma rch 22 - April 4 , 2017

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Cancun Beache s in

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We surveyed locals about their favorite beaches in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. White sand beaches and turquoise waters - find out which beaches made the list! >P. 15

DISCOVER MEXICO

Fastest Fish in Mexican Caribbean >P. 9

ENTERTAINMENT

So m ething Sweet to Li ste n To >P. 21

Photo: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

· ANIMAL WELFARE

· ART & CULTURE

SOMETIMES MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

MURALISM IN MEXICO

SOS el Arca dog shelter started in Sylvie Goetz´s home and quickly grew into a shelter bursting at the seams, until one tourist changed everything

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Photo: : Wikimedia

Photo: SOS EL ARCA

MARCH 22 - APRIL 4

2017

Our resident anthropologist, Alejandra Campo, explores a short history of the famous art movement and its effect on the nationalism of the country

Looking for something to do? Check out our What’s On section online at www.theplayatimes.com for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and special events

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March 22 - April 4 2017

DIRECTORY

Editorial

Rebecca Page General Manager & Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Ian MacKenzie Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design Photo: The Playa Times

design@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Brand Manager Cell: 984 169 1637 marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Street Food Kicked Up a Notch

Erika Serra Public Relations Cell: 984 119 1586

BY REBECCA PAGE

publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Sales Cell: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx

love to eat. The extra weight I´ve piled on since moving here is a testimony to my love of eating. My problem is that I love Mexican street food. Tacos, tortas, tostadas, oh my! I love them all. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for my not so summer-ready body, Playa del Carmen has a plethora of street food available, and now it´s moving off the street and into the kitchens of some of the world-class chefs in the Riviera Maya. On Saturday, March 11, I went with a couple of friends to the Riviera Maya Beer & Street Food Festival held at El Pueblito Mayakoba. Although this was the second edition of the festival, it was my first, and I didn’t know what to expect. The event drew over 1,000 people and was designed to showcase the best ¨street¨ food the top chefs from the best resorts and restaurants in the Riviera Maya have to offer. There were over a dozen chefs who presented their best street-inspired menus. Armed with my food and beverage tickets, I walked through the event, eyeing all the delicious creations laid out before me.

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

First up, was the grill of Nadine Waechter-Moreno from Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. Her menu included grilled chicken and green onion, asparagus wrapped in bacon, yuzu koshu, and Japanese coleslaw, all inspired by Nadine´s time spent living and working in Japan. The chicken and green onions were served on a skewer, as were the asparagus and were so tasty, but the show stopper for me was her Japanese coleslaw. With finely sliced carrot and cabbage soaked in a vinegar/sugar mixture and seasoned with a Japanese mayonnaise, the coleslaw was so incredibly flavorful and light. It’s not often a coleslaw stands out in a meal, but this one did! Next up was the memela yaca en mole amarillo from Juan Pablo Loza of Rosewood Mayakoba. Memela is like a flattened cake made with masa and topped with a variety of different ingredients. Typically served in the state of Oaxaca, picture memela as kind of a thick tortilla. The topping Juan Pablo chose was shredded yaca (jackfruit) in a mole amarillo. They asked what I wanted for toppings, and I said ¨everything¨ - including chapulines (grasshoppers)! Wow! I found heaven, and

it was served on a memela! The yaca was so perfectly flavored with the mole that I kept asking if it was pork. And yes, the chapulines added just the right amount of salty crunch! Last, but certainly not least, was the shrimp burger by Carlos Zamora from Viceroy Riviera Maya. All night people had been telling me that I needed to try this burger. Well, I love burgers, and I love shrimp, so it wasn’t much of a hard sell. To say this was the best burger I have had is probably not an exaggeration. No, it wasn´t a burger in a traditional sense with ground meat. It was a large shrimp served with just the right mix of flavoring and condiments. Truly, one of the highlights of the night! Washing down our meals with a blonde ale from Pescadores, my friends and I commented how fortunate we are that we have such incredible food in our region. Whether you’re sitting on a plastic stool next to a taco cart eating cecina Yecapixtla or a shrimp burger surrounded by the region’s world-class chefs, the Riviera Maya has something to offer everyone who loves good street food!

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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: Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1. 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., Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.

TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 22

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BEACH LIFE

March 22 - April 4 2017

Invest in Land Now, Build Later Whether you are looking for eco-sustainable communities, rustic lots or gated communities with nice common areas, there are plenty of options available in the Riviera Maya BY THOMAS LLOYD, FOUNDER OF TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

f you’ve been thinking about investing in the Riviera Maya, but are not quite sure about purchasing a house or condo, I have good news for you. You have the option of investing in land. Compared to a finished product, land is more affordable. This allows you to secure a great location for a relatively small amount of money, and watch it increase in value over time. If, at the end, you decide not to build, you can always sell your property and recover your investment.

You can find eco-sustainable communities, rustic lots, gated communities with nice common areas, and even lots for developers. There are plenty of options available in the Riviera Maya for you to choose from, oriented to different styles and budgets. You can

find eco-sustainable communities, rustic lots, gated communities with nice common areas, and even lots for developers. All you need to do is choose the type of home you would like to have in the future and look for a lot that can accommodate such a project. If your long-term plan is to live in this area, make sure to take some time to get to know the neighborhood. If possible, get to know the people, the utilities, services and the location of nearby entertainment. Of course, in the period of time between buying your lot and starting construction, many things can change. But this way you at least have a glimpse of what could be your community. Before you dismiss the idea of building a home in Mexico, you should know that there are plenty of options available to make this project a reality. There are plenty of experienced builders, developers and architects who can help you along the way. They can design the perfect home for you and keep track of the building schedule and finances, so you can enjoy your home in paradise. If you’re interested in building a home in Mexico, sign up for our webinar and learn how you can make this a reality: http://bit. ly/PT_Build_TopMex.

Do you have questions related to property management or vacation rentals? Send questions or concerns to allan@ nasplaya.com / Photo: Allan Lockhart

Ask Allan: Conventional vs. Inverter A/C Units BY ALLAN LOCKHART, OWNER OF NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE SEASIDE ROTARY CLUB IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN Hi Allan, I have three mini-split air-conditioners that are 10 years old and may need to be replaced. I have been hearing a lot about the new inverter air-conditioners. I would like to know if you have any information that would be helpful in making my decision to go with an inverter or not. What do they cost, and will it save me some expense on my electric bill? Thanks, Alex Hi Alex, thanks for your question. The inverter technology is the latest evolution of technology connected to the electro motors of the compressors. An inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor, so it can continuously regulate the temperature. A micro-controller will sample the ambient air (room) temperature, and adjust the speed of the compressor. Compared to conventional air-conditioners, inverter air-conditioning units have increased efficiency, extended life of their parts, and the sharp fluctuations in room temperature are eliminated. An inverter unit, therefore, would be much quieter, with lower operating costs and fewer breakdowns.

There are plenty of experienced builders, developers and architects who can design the perfect home for you / Photo: TopMex

The inverter units might be more expensive to purchase than the conventional A/C units, but this will be balanced out by lower electricity bills. The payback time will be less than two years, especially in areas where the energy costs are high. In layman’s terms, I understand this to mean that with a conventional A/C unit, if you set the temperature to 72 degrees, it will sense the room temperature. When it gets to 74 degrees it turns on the compressor until the room reaches 70 degrees. It turns off the compressor when the temperature reaches 74 degrees again before turning it back on. With the new inverter units, if you set the thermostat to 72 degrees, the micro-controller will set the compressor to this temperature and it will run continuously at 72 degrees. It won’t turn the compressor on and off to maintain the desired room temp. It is the constant turning on and off of the compressor that causes noise, and use of parts and electricity. I hope I have answered your question. I do have a few friends who have bought the new inverter units and are very happy with them. If you keep turning the inverter units on and off, you will probably defeat its purpose. FYI, my next A/C unit will be an inverter unit. Thanks again for your question and your interest in my column. Allan

March 22 - April 4 2017

BEACH LIFE

Emergency Medical Evacuation: What s Covered? John Klug, a Senior Representative for Travel MedEvac answers questions people ask about emergency medical evacuation.

John Klug / Photo: John klug

the Bahamas or Bermuda. Some 37 countries. Here’s more details:

By John Klug

o John, we know that Travel MedEvac covers you for a medical transport back to the States or Canada when you have a serious incident here. But, exactly what all is included? Ba s ica lly TME assure s you of M e di cal Evacuation Services directly to your home when you are in a hospital with a serious condition in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean,

• Air Medical Transport to Your Home Hospital of Choice: Your Hospital, Your Doctors, Your Health Network – Travel MedEvac will provide Air Medical Transport every step of the way. No deductibles, no add-on’s, no hassle. One phone call. • Ground Ambulance: All ground ambulance transfers from the hospital where you are being treated to whatever hospital you chose back home are covered. No cost. • Organ Transplant: We will bring the needed organ to you at no additional expense. • Traveling Companion or Family Member: They will accompany you every step of the way. No cost. • Return of Children & Grandchildren: We will bring your minor children or grandchildren back home, with an escort as needed. No cost. • Return of Stranded Vehicle, RV, Motorcycle and Watercraft: We’ll bring everything home for you. No cost • Mortal Remains: If you, your spouse, or a covered family member dies while traveling, we will arrange to prepare and transport the remains home. We will also cover the cost to have a family member or designated friend accompany transport of the remains.

Photo: Agency

In Addition, Five Year Plans Include the Following Enhanced Services • Emergency Ground Ambulance: We cover any out-of-pocket local ambulance expenses that are not covered by your medical insurance. • Stranded Pet Return: We pay to return your dog or cat, including an escort by a family member if necessary. • Visiting Grandchildren Covered: If an underage grandchild visits you without their parents, they’re covered, same as you.

fications of the crew. We own or control some 57 aircraft, and all pilots and medical crew are employees. The pilots have a minimum of 10,000 hours of flight experience. The EMT’s must have 5+ years of emergency room certifications. In many cases, we can have a plane on the ground in Cancun ready to evacuate you in less than 3 hours.

Other companies use the Internet and bid everything out to the lowest bidder. This takes time, and you never know the quali-

Call or email me. John Klug, Senior Consultant Travel MedEvac 984-169-2600 (Mexico) 720-570-7883 (US) John@MexicoTravelCare.com www.MexicoTravelCare.com

Exploring Your Own Backyard BY THE SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM FOR QUINTANA ROO The administration of the Governor Carlos Joaquín González, through the State Secretariat of Tourism, continues to encourage more and more families to get to know and enjoy the natural and cultural paradise that surrounds them, as well as to strengthen the pride and sense of belonging of those who live in the State of Quintana Roo. As part of the “We Travel Through Quintana Roo” state program, which seeks to reduce the inequality for those who have lacked the opportunity to travel and “own” the paradise in which they live, families from the northern and southern parts of the state have started to enjoy some of Quintana Roo’s travel destinations. Members of the Ministry of Public Security and their families, who live in the state capital, took a tour along the Chetumal-Tulum route on Saturday. They traveled 171 miles north to visit the beaches of Xcacel-Bahía de Tortugas and the Xcacelito cenote (natural sinkhole). They then visited the “Magical Town” of Tulum and its legendary archaeological zone from the post-classic period of the Maya Civilization and took a souvenir photo of the walled city that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Simultaneously, children and 6th graders from the Tenochtitlan primary school in Bacalar traveled 170 miles in a Mayab bus. While in Playa del Carmen, in the Municipality of Solidaridad, they took a walk along the Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), and when

In only one month, the Secretariat of Tourism has created more than ten new routes The local population is making reservations and downloading the discount coupons from the Viajemos por Quintana Roo program. they reached the Fundadores Beach, they enjoyed sports such as swimming, soccer and beach volleyball. At 7 a.m., families from the island of Cozumel traveled from the San Miguel dock to Playa del Carmen aboard a modern ferry, thanks to the donation of the tickets by the Ultramar Company. Participants enjoyed the sunrise, and then took an Autocar bus to travel 100 miles south in Quintana Roo to the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto where they visited the Santuario de la Cruz Parlante (Shrine of the Speaking Cross), the Maya-Catholic church, the Pila de los Azotes (Whipping Basin), the Casa

de la Cultura (House of Culture) and the city’s Santa Cruz Museum. Loaded with excitement and memories, the families then returned to the beautiful island of Cozumel. The program has three options: promotions and discounts for those who have their own transportation to travel to the destinations in Quintana Roo with options available on the site; low-cost routes for those who want to travel but do not have their own means of transportation, and routes that are completely free for underprivileged groups. One month after the program was officially launched by Governor Car-

Local families now have the opportunity to explore the region they call home / Photos: SECTUR for Quintana Roo

los Joaquín and the State Secretary of Tourism, Marisol Vanegas Pérez, there are already more than ten dif-

ferent routes designed to mobilize 30,000 people living in Quintana Roo throughout 2017.

March 22 - April 4 2017

ART & CULTURE

Muralism in Mexico BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO When speaking of Mexican mural artists, the name that likely comes to mind is Diego Rivera, one of the most well known. Together with José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and the so-called fourth muralist Rufino Tamayo, they led an art movement in Mexico. They displayed their nationalism in the Palacio Nacional, the Hospicio Cabañas, the Cultural Centre in Siqueiros and the Museum of Culture.

Muralism

responds to a particular stage in the country: the construction of a Mexican ideology Muralism responds to a particular stage in the country: the construction of a Mexican ideology based on the claims of indigenous peoples, with the purpose of carrying Mexico to moder-

nity on a solid foundation. According to government policy back then, it was necessary to build such foundations in these pre-Hispanic roots, the social and cultural miscegenation. The artists were invited to capture in their murals the glories, heroes, and passages of the history of Mexico through the centuries. Easel painting is combined with scenes depicting local customs and Mexican traditions. Among the best-known works of Tamayo, who also painted a fresco at the UNESCO headquarters building, is his piece Duality. Its theme is the cosmic worldview of the Mesoamerican people and features his personally prepared color pigments, like the “very Mexican” magenta and red, also seen in his work “Watermelons.” In addition to them, I should mention Jorge González Camarena (brother of Guillermo, inventor of the color television). His work is of high quality, from his handling of space and perspective to his strong criticism of the government. He left his mark on the walls of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, as well as the University of Concepción in Chile. Less known is María Izquierdo, a surrealist whose very personal style depicted Mexican customs, and Aurora Reyes, whose murals include ‘Attack on the Rural Teachers’. José Chávez Morado, Juan O’Gorman were other great muralists who join this list, along with many others that I will speak about in future editions.

In this photo, the woman has her shawl (rebozo) wrapped around her shoulders / Photo: Pixabay

The Mexican Shawl Learn about the clothing item that has come to symbolize the Mexican identity and culture BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

“El Vendedor de Alcatraces” by Diego Rivera / Photo: Wikimedia

number of years ago, the use of a shawl for carrying babies became quite fashionable again among young mothers above a certain social level. In other times, use of the garment was belittled and was seen as being exclusive to the lower classes and indigenous population. But it was not always this way. The Mexican shawl is considered one of the symbols of the Mexican identity. It arrived to these lands during the time of the Viceroyalty and was part of the commercial exchange that came through the Chinese Nao. The famous galleons would travel here from the Philippines, loaded with Asian merchandise. During this period, the use of the shawl did not distinguish social class. It was used by the upper classes, the Spanish and Creole. Indigenous women and mestizos would add it as an accessory to their dresses, while the lower classes used it as a cot or blanket to load the goods that were sold in markets. At the time of the revolution, it was very characteristic of the attire to be called adelitas. The shawl became part of the traditional dress that was used in the regional dances in Jalisco and the Yucatan. Currently, it is used in the everyday dress of the guares of Michoacán, recognized by its black color and blue lines. Initially created by indigenous women, it caused great admiration among the Spaniards, due to the perfection of its fabric and

design. One had to adopt an uncomfortable position to make the fabric, and it required you to knot the threads one by one to create the beautiful designs.

Initially created by indigenous women, it caused great admiration among the Spaniards due to the perfection of its fabric and design.

There are cotton shawls, also called ball shawls because the silk was sold in balls to be able to spin it. Along with the articela, they are the most economical. The most famous are from Santa María del Río in San Luis Potosí. They are made of 100% silk and are lighter, more elegant, and expensive. The shawl appears in popular songs like “Santa María Rebozo”, performed by singer Lola Beltran, and is featured in the children’s songs of Cri Cri. Nowadays, the shawl is being used again not only as an accessory but as garment. Regardless of age or socioeconomic status, the shawl has reclaimed our culture and our people.

DISCOVER MEXICO

March 22 - April 4 2017

Authenticity in the Riviera Nayarit In this section, we head to the west coast of Mexico to discover Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH

very year, large numbers of visitors are attracted to the Riviera Nayarit area by its great climate, fantastic surfing, beaches and fresh seafood from the Pacific. However, staying in the hotel zone with its private beach access and organized tours makes it difficult to discover the authenticity of a country. If you’re interested in seeing some of traditional Mexico that’s not arranged by a tour agency, this series will look for just that. First up: Las Jarretaderas. I’m in Las Jarretaderas, located next to Nuevo Vallarta, just a stone’s throw from renowned hotels like The Grand Mayan, The Grand Bliss and Sea Garden and next to the El Tigre golf course. However, its contrast with the aforementioned places could not be stronger. One moves from a two-lane paved street with palm trees, to a cobblestone road that would challenge even the strongest shock-absorbers. Luckily for me, that part looked like it would end quite soon. It did, turning completely into unpaved road with potholes. Welcome to Las Jarretaderas! My goal was to find the local fish shop, which apparently has the freshest and cheapest fish in the area. After a quick stop in the local fruit and vegetable market I

Photo: Frank Van Der Burgh

soon got lost and had to resort to asking people for directions. I was told “Go that way.” Or “Walk as far as the gray truck, and then right. It’s close to the copy shop.” I never found the copy shop. I had to ask numerous times before getting to the right street. One woman sweeping the sidewalk finally had the answer: I was standing directly in front of it. Trusting her, I passed a banana tree and entered a courtyard full of freezers, and well as chickens and other animals. A man appeared and gave me a bewildered look, before I asked him in my best Spanish if he sold any fish. Ten minutes later I was looking inside various freezers, and then walking back to my car with half a kilo of unnamed fish.

The best way to see the whales is with a tour / Photo: Frank van der Burgh

El Niño and the Thrill of the Whale BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH One big reason to get excited for winter in the Bay of Banderas area is that you get to see the visiting humpback whales. These amazing animals travel up to 25,000 kilometers from arctic feeding grounds to the tropical areas, where they mate and give birth, before heading back north again. This is provides a great opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. So what should you expect if go? Unfortunately, this year a little bit less. El Niño is to blame for this, and in the bigger picture, perhaps we are too. The waters of the Pacific that are warmed by El Niño attract more orcas, who eat baby whales whenever they get a chance. There is less necessity for the whales to go all the way to the Bay of Banderas, instead finding warmer breeding grounds along the way. This reduces the number that arrive here, and our opportunities to witness the fierce competition

between males. It is an impressive display of jumping, dancing and singing that is performed for their other halves (and us). Regardless, seeing even one whale is better than none, and the best way to make sure is to go on a tour. You can take one on a big ship, on zodiacs, or even catamarans. No matter which you choose, once underway the search begins. Most of the time the ear works better for this than the eye, with the sounds of spouting water pointing you in the right direction. If you are lucky you will see some of them jump, or simply arch their bodies and gracefully lower the tail, just like you see in the movies. From personal experience, I get such an incredible feeling of excitement seeing an animal in the wild like this. My camera never leaves my hand for long, in case one decides to jump next to my boat. Unfortunately I must wait another year to try to get that perfect shot, and so will be on the lookout as I welcome them back to the Bay of Banderas once again.

March 22 - April 4 2017

DISCOVER MEXIC0

Algal Blooms (or Red Tides) These events are happening more often and more intensely, likely as a result of increased nutrient loading from human activities in coastal zones BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI

arge concentrations of aquatic microorganisms are called algal blooms, commonly known as red tides, although this term is used when caused by dinoflagellates. These microalgae can form dense and visible patches near the water’s surface usually in coastal areas. When caused by dinoflagellates the bloom takes a reddish brown color. Given that red tides are not really associated with tidal patterns and are not always colored, scientists prefer to use the

term harmful algal bloom for harmful species, and just algal bloom for non-harmful species instead. These algal blooms are not new, as they are seasonal events that result from coastal upwelling and movement of ocean currents. They have been documented in many localities such as southern Gulf of Mexico as far back as the 1700s. Although these are natural events, the use and abuse of chemicals (e.g. fertilizers for agriculture) and the pollutions produced by human communities is creating a problem (just like climate change). Algal blooms events are happening more

Algal blooms

have been documented in many localities such as southern Gulf of Mexico as far back as the

1700s often and more intensively likely as a result of increased nutrient loading from human activities in coastal zones. Why? Because the growth of microorganisms depends on the amounts and availability of nitrates

such as filter-feeding invertebrates (clams, oysters), the toxins of some algal can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish. So, it is important to be careful when harmful algal blooms are nearby, and reducing the pollution you produce is always a good way to reduce our impact on the planet. More info algal blooms on: oceanservice.noaa.gov/ hazards/hab/

and phosphates which are abundant in agricultural run-offs. Some algal blooms have harmful effects because such a large amount of microorganisms concentrated in one spot can deplete oxygen in the water and many species create natural toxins. As a result, most visible effects of algal blooms are large mortalities of marine and coastal fish, birds, mammals and other organisms. Harmed wildlife such as dead fish were even mentioned in the records of Spanish explorers near Tampa Bay. Importantly, given that humans still consume large amounts of marine wildlife

Algal blooms events are happening more often and more intensively / Photo: Florencia Cerutti

Fastest Fish Visiting the Mexican Caribbean BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI The fastest fish in the ocean are within the group of billfishes which are large predatory fish like marlins, swordfish and sailfish. They all have a spear-like rostrum or ‘bill’ used to slash their prey and have a large dorsal fin. Billfish are found all over the world but sailfish prefer tropical and subtropical waters. Some scientists think it is only one species of sailfish worldwide, while others think there are two separated species (Pacific and Atlantic). Sailfish is considered highly migratory. They have been known to travel as far as 3800 km in the northwest Atlantic! Their migratory patterns are likely linked to waters between 21° to 28° C. The Atlantic sailfish gathers in large groups in the Mexican Caribbean, giving us the opportunity to see them during winter. The Atlantic sailfish can reach up to three meters and owes its name to the spectacular dorsal fin which stretches nearly the length of its body. It can also streamline itself by retracting it into a groove

Non-impact observation is the best way to see these lightning fast fish / Photo: Wikimedia

Atlantic Sailfish Facts Known to travel as far as 3800 km. Migratory patterns likely linked to waters between 21° to 28° C. Gather in large groups in the Mexican Caribbean during the winter. Usually do not exceed 36 km/hr but have been clocked at 75 km/hr. Can go as deep as 200 meters. in the dorsal side of its body. It is thought they use the dorsal fin to herd fish, make itself look bigger to fend off predators, cool down after periods of high activity, and to increase body stability while swimming and hunting. They are usually found in the upper layers of water but can go as deep as 200 meters. Although they usually do not exceed speeds of 36 km/hr, individuals have been monitored at speeds of 75 km/hr which is one of the highest speeds reported for aquatic animals! It is primarily caught in sport and artisanal fishing, and

declines have been observed in Central America, Iran and India. However, despite its importance in sport fishery, there are no stock assessments or reliable landings data to understand the species and the threats it may face. Although it is a highly prized game fish due to its size, strength, jumps, and speed, non-impact observation of the amazing wildlife we get to see through snorkeling tours seems a better approach to me than chasing and/or killing these amazing predators through any sort of fishery. For a bit more information: http://marinebio.org.

TULUM

March 22 - April 4 2017

Veterinary Care in Tulum

Whether you live in Tulum or just passing through with your furry friend, it is good to know who can help you when your pet needs medical care BY ASHLEY CAMPO

et’s face it - most of us are better about taking care of our pet’s health than our own. How often do you make it to the doctor on a regular basis and in contrast, how often are you checking in on any possible problem that might arise for your furry friend? Chances are, your pet receives more

Photo: Pixabay

frequent medical care than you do. When considering a move to Tulum, good veterinary care is certainly something running through your mind. Are there any good vets in Tulum? What if something happens “after hours”, how will we get ahold of someone to help? Etc. etc. The great news is - you’re in luck! We are really lucky here in Tulum to have some wonderful veterinar-

ians to take care of our little ones. Not only do we have excellent veterinarians here in the area for preventative care, they are available for all of our unexpected emergencies or scares. Here are a couple worth saving the contact info for to have ready next time you need to make an appointment.

Clinica Veterinaria Tulum also known more casually as Dr Juan. They are available to book appointments via whatsapp at (984) 871 2026. Playa Pet Tulum The line for the clinic and to book appointments is: (984) 160 0051 and the cell that they use for after hours emergencies is (984) 877 5099.

Both work with the wonderful local animal charity, Help Tulum Dogs to help stray or poorly cared for dogs in the area. Dr Juan and Playa Pet Tulum take great care of our furry friends and are compassionate and caring for us worry-prone pet owners. You are sure to leave the clinic feeling relieved knowing your pet is in good hands.

UniTy Means Strength BY VANESSA NINI A few years ago, a group of local producers decided to create a union called, ‘Union de Productores Sustentables Cozumel’, in order to enter the local market as a group. For them unity means strength. Martha Chavez is one of their members. After working many years in the local market, she decided to open her own shop, and she invited the local producers to sell their products there. Most of the souvenir shops in Cozumel sell the same things. Martha’s shop, Kuun Cafe Productos Locales is completely different. Everything is made in Cozumel, sustainable and natural. From natural sun block to local organic honey, it is amazing how much choice there is. Ten local producers are selling their products in the Kuun Cafe shop.

Swim Freedive Cozumel offers exciting new activities for aspiring mermaids / Photos: Mik’N Drik

Gliding like a Mermaid Swim Freedive Cozumel offers exciting new activities for aspiring mermaids

After working many years in the local market, she decided to open her own shop, and she invited all the local producers to sell their products there.

BY VANESSA NINI

ave you ever wondered what it would be like to swim like a mermaid? It is possible to make that wish a reality with Swim Freedive Cozumel. I spoke to Julie, who is the little mermaid behind this new activity. The Playa Times: Julie, how did you become a mermaid? Julie: I’m from a rocky place called Colorado, not really close to the sea. From the age of six, I was on the swimming team. It always made sense to me to combine my love of the water with a professional career. I finally found my dream job in Denver on the education team at the downtown aquarium. However, in 1997, I became a diving instructor and I decided to trade the aquarium for the beauty of the wild coral reef. In 2006, I took my first freediving course and immediately began competing internationally. Over the years I have been a member of the USA Freediving Team, as well as a record holder. Today I consider myself a retired competitive freediver. I find the joys of freediving instruction much more rewarding. I teach freediving, regular swimming lessons and mermaid swimming lessons. One of my friends was a professional mermaid and she shared her passion with me. I used to work as a professional mermaid for Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel, putting on shows and gliding on the coral reef. What kind of course do you recommend to become a mermaid, and is it accessible to all? To become a mermaid swimmer you have to be somewhat aquatic and a good swimmer. Cozumel is an ideal place to learn because the water is so clear and shallow there. I offer different courses including: • Mermaid Fitness: Perfect gym-for-water workouts, all with a different twist to ensure a shapely mermaid figure, and leave you with a chill mermaid vibe well

after your workout. • Mermaid Relax: A session which helps to focus the mermaid’s breath for complete aquatic relaxation. • Fit to Be a Mermaid: A challenging workout designed to bring out your inner mermaid as we work on your core. • Floating Mermaid: We use a real merFin as a prop as we work the moves to shape your mermaid figure. www.swimfreedivecozumel.com/mermaids Facebook/Swim & Freedive Cozumel You Tube: Mermaids in Cozumel - Aquatic Fitness & Relaxation.

Photos: Vanessa Nini

The Playa Times: How did you become a producer, Martha? Martha: “Out of necessity. I was born in Chetumal. My father was working in the electronics industry and my mother was a housewife with 10 kids. I didn’t know anything about agriculture and working the land. When I arrived in Cozumel, I was only 11 years old. Later, when I met my husband, we bought land, because at this time it was very cheap and also very wild with no electricity. So we were living in the city. Then in 2006, Hurricane Wilma destroyed everything in Cozumel in 48 hours. After the disaster, there was no work for nearly two years. My husband had been working in tourism.We decided to move onto our land. My husband built our house and I started to produce tomatoes, lettuce and kale to survive. I learned from the Yucatecan people the importance of the moon’s cycle and the crop-growing system, which is the milpa (no monoculture, no pesticide). When the economic situation in Cozumel became better, I started to produce more and invest more to start a small business. Now, I’m producing organic fruits and vegetables, organic honey, melipona honey, coffee, and medicinal plant syrup. I also make natural cosmetics. Everything is made from my own harvest. I love my job. This year I had the opportunity to open my own space in the center.” Kuun Cafe Productos Locales is just in front of the ferry port, close to Fat Tuesday in Plaza Villa Mar. For further information, visit Facebook/@kuuncafe and Facebook/@uniondeprodsustencoz.

Dear Landscaper: Dead Grass & Climbing Vines Having trouble with dead patches in your grass? Looking for the perfect climbing vine for your shady garden? Our friends at Greenway Landscaping are here to help Dear Landscaper: My lawn has a lot of patches where the grass has died. What can I do and why is this happening? Dear Reader: These patches are tied to one of the reasons we love the Yucatan so much, cenotes. We are living on layers of limestone, which is an extremely porous rock and soil deficient. Erosion by rocks, wind and rain combined with the porous underlying rock deprive the grass of the soil it needs for continuous growth resulting in a patchy lawn. To keep your lawn thriving, here is the easy solution: 1. Every 2-3 months simply check the density of the soil in your yard. Look for uneven patches. 2. Trim your lawn.

3. 4. 5. 6.

Sprinkle black compost dirt over each patchy and or uneven area. Add fertilizer to the new soil. Rake the new soil to spread it evenly and allow it to reach the roots. Water all of the lawn and the patchy areas a few times each week.

Dear Landscaper: We have a lot of shade in our yard but want to put a climbing vine on our walls. What is the best vine for the shade? Dear Reader: The vine best for shade is â&#x20AC;&#x153;telephoneâ&#x20AC;? there are four types of telephone. Ground cover has one and wall climbing has three types. (1) Green leaf, leaves stay small and are green.

(ground cover) (2) Barigato, leaves are small white with green. (3) Limon green, leaves are small and lime green. (4) Julieta telephone, leaves get large and are pale yellow and green. These are best at climbing trees, and give a beautiful jungle feel to your space. All telephone will grab and attach to your wall or tree so future painting can be difficult. We attach ours with chicken wire so we can pull down to paint without harming the plant. Others like mandeville or copa de oro will do ok but not give the blossoms you hope for without the Sun. These will not attach to the wall and will need wire to keep them in place. Send your questions directly to greenwaylandscaping@email.com

Photo: Greenway Landscaping

CLASSIFIED

SALES ASSOCIATE Multi-state real estate development company with office in Playa del Carmen has sales position. Must have sales experience and be fluent in English: office@beaches-r-us.com 1

Antonia now works as a chef in La Casa del Habano / Photos: Raquel Garza Gonzalez

Breaking Bread in Cozumel Meet Antonia Alice Meschi, chef by profession and chef at heart BY RAQUEL GARZA GONZÁLEZ

ntonia Meschi was born in the small town of Cuneo in northern Italy, land of red wine, white truffle and delicious cheese. She decided to move to Cozumel when she discovered the island while on a 10-day vacation, and it has been her home for two and a half years. “I simply felt that Italy was no longer my home,” she told me. “I knew that this place could make me very happy. What I like most is the blue sea that I see every day. It gives me a lot of serenity. I also like the fact that I can go everywhere with my bicycle and feel safe. Antonia now works as a chef in La Casa del Habano, a restaurant and bar where cigars are tasted along with rich international food. She is currently developing a project for a natural, artisan bakery that also produces fresh pasta, called Baking Bread. “We are currently creating K’ooben Laab. It is a natural product laboratory, a creative pastry shop, a gastronomic experimentation center and a kitchen workshop.” Antonia is an artist in the kitchen. She makes her bread from dough, seasoning, and the key ingredient: a lot of love. She produces pasta, focaccia, gourmet bread, bread with seeds, herbal bread, vegan bread,

desserts such as profiteroles, and many other delicious treats. All are natural products made without any

I knew that this place could make me very happy. What I like most is the blue sea that I see every day. It gives me a lot of serenity. Antonia Alice Meschi Chef preservatives or chemicals. Once you have tried their homemade bread, gourmet desserts and delicious new creations you will feel like you have a part of Italy inside you. It is a place to savor the exquisite homemade flavors of products made with much love and of undeniable quality. You can find Baking Bread at 50th Avenue and Calle 17, phone 01 987 107 8244 and 9871036505. If you want more information about Baking Bread, you can check them out at Facebook/@bakingbreadcozumel and Instagram/BakingBread. Their dessert project is at Facebook/@Vivalapastry.

March 22 - April 4 2017

CANCUN

Cancun’s Top Five

Beaches

Isla Blanca

P^ Zk^ lihbe^] _hk \ahb\^ pbma <Zg\ng l [^Z\a^l% [nm pab\a Zk^ ma^ fhlm ihineZk8 BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III

his past month I asked people about their favorite beaches in Cancun. Punta Maroma is not included, even though it was voted enough to make it. We only considered those that are within a 30-mile radius of the downtown area, and we all agreed on the winners.

5. Playa Chac-Mool - Playa Gaviota Azul (AKA Playa Forum) These contiguous beaches at the heart of Cancun’s Zona Hotelera are considered as one. One side has slow currents while the other is wavy enough for surf lessons. The best part about this place is that it’s perfect for making new friends, especially if you are new in town. Playa Norte Its proximity to the famous nightclub area makes it a very popular spot. 4. Playa Caracol (Playa Presidente – Punta Cancun) Just like its neighbor Playa Forum, this beach comprises more than one beach and it’s close to many restaurants and stores. To the north: Playa Presidente, a vast beach known among locals as ‘the pool’, due to its steady waters. To the south: Punta Cancun. Both sides are shallow, tranquil and isolated. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are a few landmarks worth sharing.

Cancún

3. Isla Blanca This sandy peninsula could easily Playa Caracol have won this poll but for one reason - most people don’t Playa Gaviota Azul

know it. With stunning sights and almost virgin powdery sands, it’s unbeatable for wind sports. There are a couple restaurants in the area, but we suggest bringing your own basic supplies. Isla Blanca remains untouched by any major developments and camping there is a million-star experience.

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres was recently voted the best beach in Mexico (and seventh worldwide).

2. Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres) Located at the extreme north end of the island, Playa Norte was recently voted the best beach in Mexico by Tripadvisor users (and seventh worldwide). It has my favorite sunsets of all the Yucatan Peninsula. It has calm, shallow waters, and there is a diverse range of food to choose from. 1. Playa Delfines This place has everything: vibrant blue water, clean, safe and inclusive public facilities (including a gym and a kid’s playground), a great sightseeing spot with the emblematic Cancun sign, educational/environmental activities (like baby turtle releases) and its own archeological site (El Rey). Playa Delfines meets the highest standards of cleanliness of both water and beach. That’s why it was certified as the best Blue Flag Beach in Mexico, a proof that with attention and care, the sustainable world-class beach we deserve, is possible.

(AKA Playa Forum) Playa Chac-Mool

Playa Delfines

From active to chill, the Cancun area has a beach for everyone / Photo: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

Photo: Cervenauta

TPT FOODIES

March 22 - April 4 2017

Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar P laya d el Ca r m en BY MERA CORPORATION/GUY FIERI’S KITCHEN + BAR Last November, Guy Fieri, celebrity chef and culinary rock star, opened his very first restaurant outside of the United States. It was right here in Playa del Carmen, located on Fifth Avenue, the most important avenue for tourism and commerce on the Riviera Maya. Guy Fieri´s Kitchen + Bar is a unique concept, different from anything seen before in Mexico. In season 10 of his Food Network program, Guy visited some “hidden” restaurants around the U.S. searching for original recipes that have their own group of fans. Here, at his restaurant in Playa del Carmen, the winner of the Food Network Star and owner of franchises, such as Tex Wasabi´s, El Burro Borracho and Guy´s BBQ, offers his own versions of American classics. Guy applies his unique style to each recipe, resulting in original creations that can’t be found elsewhere in Mexico. His menu includes signature dishes from his restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, such as Las Vegas fries. You will also find the winner of the NYC Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash, the unique Mac´N´Cheese Bacon Burger. His ribs and brisket are slow cooked and smoked over firewood for fourteen hours, in the only dry smoker in town. He also offers special dishes like ceviche, for those looking for a more local flavor.

Guy Fieri´s ribs and brisket are slow cooked and smoked over firewood for 14 hours, in the only dry smoker in town, giving them an unbeatable flavor. The restaurant has a capacity for one hundred and people, and its facilities include a deck and terrace with views over the famous Fifth Avenue. Inside there is air-conditioning, live music, big TV screens broadcasting various sports, comfortable seating and a boutique selling clothes and souvenirs to remember your visit to Guy Fieri’s. Trino de la Torre, the establishment’s manager, assures us that “We are committed to making Guy Fieri´s Kitchen + Bar, Playa del Carmen a unique and memorable culinary experience, with dishes full of exotic flavors, prepared with fresh ingredients of the highest quality. We also serve original drinks and incredible cocktails, such as Guy’s signature drink, the Caliente Margarita.”

The menu for the event was inspired by Chef Nadine´s experiences living and working in Japan / Photo: The Playa Times

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen at Riviera Maya Beer & Street Food Festival Chefs Nadine Waechter-Moreno and Corey Collins brought their culinary creations to the second edition of the festival at El Pueblito Mayakoba BY REBECCA PAGE

n Saturday, March 11 the chefs from the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen headed to El Pueblito Mayakoba for the second edition of the Riviera Maya Beer & Street Food Festival. The festival was a huge success with residents and tourists alike mingling throughout El Pueblito enjoying local craft beers, live music, and food from the best chefs in the region. Chef Nadine Waechter-Moreno, executive chef for the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen and Chef Corey Collins, executive chef at the Grand Hyatt´s The Grill at 1-26 were kind enough to take time away from the grill to answer a few of our questions.

I enjoy representing the places I have lived and worked on the plate. Personally preparing food and sharing food for me is a way for me to show I care, whether it be for my daughter and husband, a new friend or a hotel guest.¨ Chef Nadine Waechter-Moreno Executive Chef Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar is located on 5th Avenue on the corner of calle 22 / Photos: Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar

How do you prepare for an event like this? How much behind the scenes work happens? We start preparing for the event like this about a month in advance. First, we brainstorm about what we would like to do and how our last event went. How we would like to present the hotel, what other hotels are doing (to bring something unique), and what would go well with the beer. We have a series of tastings to try out new ideas and see how our concepts will scale-up to the actual event and work on flavors and presentations. For this event, we also worked with the engineering team at the hotel to further customize our custom grill to be able to grill the yakitori the perfect distance from the coals and to hold the containers to keep the yakitori warm.

At an event where the two of you are working together, how do you design a menu that compliments each other’s styles and strengths? Every day is about collaboration in the kitchen, these items, in particular, were more a reflection of Chef Nadine’s experience living and working in Japan and an item that is traditionally served with beer there. In general, we complement each other in a variety of ways, often on the same plate. Your menu on Saturday night included chicken and green onion, asparagus and bacon, yuzu kosho and Japanese coleslaw. What was your inspiration for the menu? Chef Nadine’s inspiration for this dish was from living and working in Japan at the Park Hyatt Tokyo for five years. These pairings are very traditional yakitori flavors, and we knew they could work well together. The yuzu kosho is a traditional Japanese condiment made from yuzu citrus peel and green chilies that really gave us the explosion of flavor we were looking for. How would each of you describe your style? (Corey) For me cooking is a journey that I couldn’t hope to finish in many lifetimes, everyone I meet has something to teach me about food, and I feel lucky to have met so many amazing people so far. I enjoy cooking with bold flavors and not being limited to one regional cuisine of the world. It excites me when I can get people to try new ingredients or a part of an animal they didn’t know they would enjoy eating. (Nadine) I enjoy representing the places I have lived and worked on the plate. My travels and work have introduced me to the cuisines of France, Australia, America, Japan, and Mexico. I hope my style and food brings a piece of these places to our guests here in Playa del Carmen. Personally preparing food and sharing food for me is a way for me to show I care, whether it be for my daughter and husband, a new friend or a hotel guest.

March 22 - April 4 2017

TPT FOODIES

A n Auth enti c

their knowledge with guests from all around the world. They also feel very proud to see how people from other countries value, respect and want to learn more and more about what they prepare, how they live and where they get their ingredients from.

M aya G a s t r o n o m i c E x p e r i e n c e Take a trip with El Pueblito at Mayakoba to an authentic Maya village to learn how to prepare their most traditional dishes BY THE PLAYA TIMES

he Playa Times: Can you describe the authentic Maya gastronomic experience that is offered through El Pueblito? Chef Karla: It is a new culinary experience where guests learn about the culture, way of living, gastronomy and the cooking techniques used in an authentic Maya village. In this experience, guests learn to cook some of the most traditional dishes from the Yucatan Peninsula such as cochinita pibil and relleno negro. They also learn how to prepare their own tortillas by hand, or as the Maya call them, choko wa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; freshly made corn tortillas. The Maya women cooks, respectfully called cocineras tradicionales (traditional cooks), share with us one of the most important seasonings used all around Yucatan and Quintana Roo for preparing traditional dishes: white, black and red recaudo. The latter is used with the spice achiote which is ground using a traditional metate (a flat stone used for grinding) for preparing cochinita pibil. It is a perfect chance to experience the cooking techniques and recipes

that have been used for centuries in their local communities, which are located approximately two hours from Playa del Carmen. Guests are transported in comfortable vans, and upon arrival, they are welcomed with a typical drink from the region (chaya water served in jicaras) and a Maya ritual with copal. What do you hope to accomplish through this experience? For two years, I have been working on a project with local communities in order to help them recover their traditional recipes and local ingredients. One of my main objectives is

How does the program benefit the Maya community? It really benefits them a lot, since part of the money the guests pay goes directly to them. They also have the opportunity to sell them the handcrafts they produce: hammocks, hipiles (Yucatecan dresses), honey and recaudos.

also to support them in reactivating their economy by hosting groups twice a month.

For more information contact El Pueblito at Mayakoba on Facebook or email them at: stephanie.morlet@ mayakoba.com.

How is the program received by the community you visit? They are very happy to share all

Learn to cook some of the most traditional dishes from Yucatan Peninsula such as cochinita pibil and relleno negro / Photos:The Playa Times

How can people find out more information? You can visit our Facebook page, El Pueblito at Mayakoba, where you can send a message, and it will be answered quickly. You can also send an email to stephanie.morlet@mayakoba.com. Is the number of visitors limited? Yes, up to 10 visitors at a time.

HEALTH

March 22 - April 4 2017

5 Health Benefits

of Turmeric This plant, native to India and South Asia, packs a powerful health punch BY SARA JONES

his bright yellow spice packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. Native to India and South Asia, Turmeric is often found in curries and other Asian cuisines, although it’s now grown worldwide. Luckily here in Playa, we can find Turmeric root in some of the supermarkets, however, it is often easier to buy the powdered form. • Anti-inflammatory The anti-inflammatory properties of this amazing root are great for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, relieving suffering when consumed on a regular basis. It is often said that inflammation is at the root of all disease; so combating inflammation can prevent many health complications. • Antioxidant Oxidative damage caused by free radicals can lead to many diseases,

antioxidants protect against this damage. Curcumin, the active substance found in Turmeric, is a potent antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals but also boosts the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, doubling the benefit. • Boost Immune System A substance known as lipopolysaccharide is found in Turmeric, which stimulates the immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. • Lowers Cholesterol Curcumin has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels; high LDL cholesterol can lead to many cardiovascular diseases. It even holds up against cholesterol medication and is becoming more widely prescribed by Doctors in recent years. • Anti-depressant Early studies show comparable benefits of Curcumin against the fre-

quently prescribed anti-depressant, Prozac. It helps to boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, both associated with pleasure, joy and mood. Add Turmeric to broths, soups, teas and curries to gain the benefits. Alternatively, you can take it as a supplement if you can’t get enough into your diet.

• Mango Turmeric Smoothie Blend almond milk with some frozen mango, lemon juice (or lime) and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, some grated fresh ginger root and a teaspoon of natural honey for a morning smoothie Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com

Photo:Shutterstock

Personal Safety in Playa BY SARA JONES Within my group of girlfriends here in Playa, the subject of personal safety is one that occasionally arises. While we generally all feel very safe here, there have been times for every one of us, when walking home in the evening, or even during the day, that we could have benefited from some knowledge of self-defense. We decided to meet up and take a short lesson in self-defense from an expert instructor with a background in the British military. “You shouldn’t be here if you can’t handle getting hurt a little,” he joked before we got started. Wait! Weren’t we there to prevent that from happening? Of course, he just wanted to ensure that we created realistic situations to get out of. Perhaps we should also have been in sandals and shorts? Our instructor taught us some valuable and relevant techniques, which I’ve outlined below: • The main objective is to cause injury to your attacker as quickly as possible, in order to then escape from them.

• Moving into the conflict, rather than backing away, can help as you introduce the element of surprise and an attacker won’t expect this. • Some sensitive points to aim for, to cause injury and/or immobilize your attacker, are the throat, the ears, behind the jawbone, above the collarbone, the groin and the shin. • There are ways to escape from binds of different types that could potentially be used if you were overpowered and captured. Yes! We managed to free our wrists from a bind of duct tape in one swift, twisting motion. Try this, it’s empowering! • If confronted with a knife or a gun, slight adjustments to the position of your body, moving it to the side, could prevent fatal injury. • If you are anywhere near your car and your key fob has

a panic button on it, you can press it to your head and it will connect and trigger the alarm at treble the regular distance. Test this out using the lock function rather than the alarm! • Above all, try to be aware of your surroundings. Hold your head high, walk tall and smile at others; these alone can be powerful deterrents. Stay safe! Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com

Photo:Shutterstock

ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL EVENTS PLAYA DEL CARMEN MAGIC WORKSHOP FOR KIDS Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning Tuesday, March 28 through May 20, 6:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Mago Chai. For kids 8 years old and up cost is $2250mxn.. Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue South and Avenue 60 Diagonal in the Ejido. In Spanish. Facebook/Taller de Magia para Niños SOCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT Friday, March 24 4:00

p.m. to 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, March 25 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Both globally and locally, civil society organizations, groups and movements play an increasingly important role in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies. Social participation is also a process of building citizenship through the involvement of society in the decision-making of public agencies. Cost is $40mxn for both days. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. In Spanish.Facebook/ Curso Gestión social para protección del ambiente y territorio PUEBLITO MAYAKOBA

March 22 - April 4 2017

TULUM FAST 2017 “FESTIVAL ARTES SANADORES TULUM” (FESTIVAL OF HEALING ARTS TULUM) March

23-26 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Four days full of information and synchronized activities. Check the page for activities, times and costs: Facebook/FAST 2017 ¨Festival Artes Sanadores Tulum¨ THE INTELLIGENT WALL S atur-

day, March 25 9:00 a.m. Now that walls are in fashion, let’s build and intelligent one with recycled bottles filled with trash. Join this workshop to find out how. In Spanish. Casa Chachalaca, La Veleta, Tulum. Facebook/El Muro Intelligente

Tuesday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. With Chef Karla Enciso. Federal highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba WITHOUT CORN THERE IS NO COUNTRY, Wednesday, March 22 from 11:00

a.m. to 2:00 p.m. With Chef Karla Enciso. Federal highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba COOKING WITH JACKFRUIT , Fri-

day, March 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. With Chef Karla Enciso with special guest. Federal highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba.

LIVE MUSIC, Every Tuesday & Friday

during Happy Hour everyday from 12 noon to 6:00p.m. Enjoy Alfreddo in Carboncitos Calle 4 between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue. Facebook/CarboncitosFacebook/Alfreddo

ROCK NIGHT, Wednesdays 9:00 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC, Every night from 8:30

-12:00 a.m. Live rock bands. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/Choperia Playa del Carmen

p.m. to 1:30 a.m. La Bodeguita Del Medio en Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue with Calle 34. Facebook/LaBodeguitaDelMedioenplayadelcarmen

ACOUSTIC NIGHT, Mondays 8:00 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Live acoustic bands Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Cal-

le 28. Facebook/Lucky Luciano Playa del Carmen LIVE JAZZ, Thursdays 9:00 p.m. to

11:45 p.m. Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/Lucky Luciano Playa del Carmen DJ NIGHT, Every Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. When you buy a bottle of Bacardi, you will receive another of Bacardi Oro. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/Choperia Playa del Carmen.

ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR, every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7

p.m. Tenth St. between Ave. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don’t buy pets, rescue them! Facebook/ACCION ANIMAL

ery Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Facebook/Kava Kasa ECOTIANGUIS DESAYUNO, every

Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jardin de Todas Centro Comunitario, Avenida 80 & Calle 3 Sur (Ejido). Facebook/El Jardín de Todos

ery Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II. Facebook/El Árbol Playacar

COOKING SCHOOL FLAVORS & AROMAS OF THE DIFFERENT CHILIS OF MEXICO,

from 10:00 p.m. McCarthy’s Irish Pub, 5th Avenue with Calle 22, Playa del Carmen. Facebook/McCarthy´s Irish Pub Playa del Carmen

KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET ev-

March 23, from 8:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outdoor movie night presenting “Black Swan”. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba

to 8;30 p.m. Enjoy Mexican food, live music and Traditional Mexican games. Free entrance. Federal highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba

LIVE ROCK MUSIC, Every night

MARKETS

EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR MARKET, ev-

SOUNDS & FLAVORS OF MEXICO , Friday, March 31 from 5:30 p.m.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

ANIMAL WELFARE

CINE CLUB (ADULTS) Thursday,

FARMERS MARKET, Sunday, March 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A wide variety of gourmet products and handcraft from the community plus activities for kids. Free entry to the public. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. Facebook/El Pueblito at Mayakoba

LIVE MUSIC & DANCING

MARCH 22 - APRIL 4

2017

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. Facebook/Playa Animal Rescue KITTEN CUDDLING, every Satur-

day 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers needed to help socialize kittens. It’s also a great de-stressor! For more information, contact info@cocosanimalwelfare.org Facebook/Cocos Animal Welfare

PARQUE LA CEIBA TIANGUIS,

every 3rd Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60. Facebook/Parque La Ceiba.

DOG WASH, every Saturday 11 a.m.

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

PLANETARIUM FOR KIDS ELASTIBALL. Wednesdays at 5:30

p.m. Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. Learn about properties of plastics and elasticity. Ages 4 years and up. $25mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/ Planetario de Playa del Carmen SPACE SHIP. Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.

Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Fridays at 1:00 p.m. Want to be an astronaut? Start with learning to build your own space ship to take you on various space missions. Ages 8 years and up. $25 mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

p.m. Sunday (July 24) at 12:00 p.m. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/Planetario de Playa del Carmen

THE BRAIN. Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Fridays at 4:00 p.m. Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Make your own brain hat and learn the parts that make it up and their function. Take the hot home to to help you remember

FOSSILS. Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Travel back in time and discover plants and animals that have survived until now. Learn about their story through centuries. Get your own fossil and paint is how you like. Ages 6 years

8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. Muay Thai: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 p.m. Judo : Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.

VIRTUAL REALITY. Fridays at 3:00

and up. $25mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/Planetario de Playa del Carmen THROUGH MIRRORS. Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. Sundays at 1:00 p.m. You are invited to know about kaleidescopes and make your own to take home. Wonder at the diverse geometric forms that you decorate to your liking that transport you to your imagination. Ages 8 years and up. $35mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/Planetario de Playa del Carmen

ART CLASSES

MARTIAL ARTS JIU JITSU/MUAY THAI/JUDO Jiu Jitsu: Mondays thru Thursdays

all that you learned. Ages 8 years and up. $25mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/ Planetario de Playa del Carmen

FASCINATING GEOMETRY. Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Review a bit of geometry make your own colored figures such as cubes and stars. Available different levels of difficulty to match your abilities. Ages 8 years and up. $15mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/Planetario de Playa del Carmen

Free trial classes for adults at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu. Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex. Facebook/Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Playa del Carmen

KARAOKE ART NIGHT, Thursday

cluded. Facebook/Le Lotus Rouge

nights at 9:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. Sing, dance, and paint. Free. Facebook/Le Lotus Rouge

VIOLIN, VOICE, GUITAR & PERCUSSION, Tuesday thru Friday starting at

ART CLASSES, Thursdays from 4:00

p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. $200 pesos, materials in-

3:00 p.m. Please contact their Facebook Fan Page for specific schedules. Facebook/Xuuxnë Oficial

For more information and events visit: w w w. t h e p l a ya t i m e s .c o m / W h a t ´ s O n

March 22 - April 4 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Something Sweet to Listen To DJ Dulce Rullán is doing what she loves best, making people happy through music BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

laya del Carmen is the jewel of music entertainment. There are so many genres and the musicians behind the curtain are so happy doing what they love best. DJ Dulce Rullán is one of those musicians. A composer and a DJ, she wants to leave her essence through her music. She is an inspiring woman who is making her mark in the world by making people joyful through music. Get to know her better through our interview. The Playa Times: Where are you originally from and how did you find yourself in Playa del Carmen? How long have you been here? Dulce: I´m from Veracruz (Mexico) and I arrived to Playa in 1999 to start working in the hotel industry. There are many genres of DJ music, what type of music do you call all your own? I absolutely adore the funky, groovy sounds (I grew up in the late 70´s-early 80´s) but in combination with newer genres as Techhouse with Latin and afro influence. That is why I define my style as: SABROSó-tech I´m also a composer (I play piano). The piano/composer side expresses my deep and softer and mellow feelings as opposed to the DJ side, which brings up the fun, up-

beat and energetic side. We all have different moods in our personality, so combining my piano and my love for house music allows me to express every single aspect. You can see some of my videos on my Youtube channel: Dulce Rullan For my DJ sessions, you can follow me on Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/dulcerullan What has been the key to your success? Dulce: As a performer, I consider myself very lucky because people are naturally drawn to my music so there is not much more to add to the equation. I’m fortunate to play what I love and have the crowd love it, as well. What do you want your listeners to remember most when they hear your work? I just want them to remember having the best time of their lives and feeling uplifted and happy, at least for that moment when they danced to my music. That is all I care about, making people happy through music. What has been the most fun of starting this venture? By far, finding my true call in life: Music. Please check out DJ Dulce’s events on her on Facebook/DJ-Dulce Rullán.

Dulce Rullán is a DJ and composer originally from Veracruz, Mexico / Photo: Dulce Rullán

Pixanil offers tours focused on the inclusion of the LGBT community and those with minor disabilities / Photo: Ginger M.

Pixanil: Live Great Before It’s Too late BY GINGER M. Pixanil was founded in Playa del Carmen by Mexican biologist Edith Mendoza. The company saw light after she invited Gabriel Leal

(Gabo), a new Hispanic art specialist and federal guide, and Hilda Berriel, also a biologist and federal guide, to be part of the journey. All three of them share the same vi-

sion for their independent company: tours focused on the inclusion of the LGBT community and those with minor disabilities, with minimum ecological impact.

Tours focus on the LGBT community and those with minor disabilities When Edith heard of Playa Amigable (“Where establishments don’t discriminate”) it caught her attention. as Playa Amigable promotes an inclusive Riviera Maya for everyone.

As a lesbian, Edith wants to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. As biologists, Edith and Hilda work to minimize the use of plastic on their tours. “It’s scary to see the quantity of plastic water bottles used,” says Edith “Four, five, eight bottles per person a day on a tour. The cookies are wrapped in a box made of plastic. Plastic is the horror story of Playa del Carmen and all of Mexico for that matter,” she continues “Unfortunately, we can’t say zero plastic, it is impossible.” Pixanil uses containers that are made in Mexico and free of toxic products. They give them to their customers for their personal use, as a gift after the tour, mentioning the importance of reusing them. In February, Edith and Gabo took a lesbian couple on a Chichen Itza tour, their first LGBT tour as Pixanil. One of the ladies, a Canadian with high-functioning autism, was really pleased with the exprience. “I loved that Gabo gave clear explanations and made me feel comfortable to go at my own pace” said Tara “It put me at ease”. The girls loved the fact that they went to local places, far from crowds at all times. “We made tortillas with a Maya family,” explained Valerie, “somewhere we never would’ve known if it wasn’t for Pixanil.” http://www.pixanil.com Facebook/@pixanil/ http://www.theplayatimes.com/ playa-amigable/ Facebook/@PlayaAmigable/ http://www.playapride.com.mx/ playa-del-carmen-tgay-friendly-lgbt

ANIMAL WELFARE

March 22 - April 4 2017

Sometimes Miracles Do Happen

Homeless dogs would be lucky to end up in the care of SOS el Arca, but all they want is one human to call their own. BY NASH

f anyone deserves a miracle it is Sylvie Goetz from SOS el Arca dog shelter, and that is what she calls the event that brought a brand new shelter to reality. Sylvie has been rescuing dogs from the city pound and the streets for years. In the beginning her home quickly turned into an animal shelter. Due to the expense and space required to continue helping the dogs, she created SOS el Arca in 2011, a no-kill, nonprofit dog shelter in Playa del Carmen. The shelter was a mishmash of tarps and fences and difficult to deal with when the rain came, but she had a vision of what SOS el Arca would be one day. And then it happened, this past summer a tourist from South Africa had grown attached to a street dog in Playa. After finding out Cebiam (the municipal pound) had picked the dog up, she was distraught. She called on many people to help her and finally reached out to Sylvie to rescue the dog from the pound. Sylvie retrieved the dog, as the woman had found a good home for it. The tourist came to Sos el Arca shelter and decided she wanted to help make a better shelter for

On February 18, 126 volunteers participated in painting all the concrete walls of the shelter vibrant Mexican colors i / Photo: SOS el Arca

On February 18, 126 volunteers participated in painting all the concrete walls of the shelter vibrant Mexican colors these dogs. The tourist and her father would return and not only offer 3600 square meters of property but also offered to build a new shelter.

The angels from South Africa remain anonymous but what a difference they made in these dogs´ lives! Within a few months, the new shelter was

built, made up of 48 large kennels with indoor and outdoor areas. They also have quarantine and infectious recovery kennels, a bathing area, large playgrounds and a swimming pool. The new building contains two apartment suites for visiting student veterinarians and large dog training areas. Soon Sylvia plans to begin therapy training, where dogs will help children with psychological problems. The outside palapa will host events and fundraisers. After all the years Sylvie has been rescuing dogs her dream was that the dogs at SOS would have a safe, dry place to sleep at night. That dream has come true, each kennel has steel doors that close when the storms come, keeping the rain out but also alleviating the fear of thunder and lightening. The shelter is run on a tight schedule to ensure each dog has daily walks, free play and swimming. Although this project made a huge difference in so many lives, the struggle continues raising funds to ensure the shelter can help as many dogs as possible. The expenses for a shelter this size are huge, including veterinary bills, medication, medical emergencies, food, cleaning supplies, 16 employees, utilities and maintenance. Some of the cost is offset from Sylvie’s restaurant Byblos. The shelter will have onsite veterinarians to help reduce medical expenses and provide low-cost or free help to

those in need. Next step for SOS is mobile medical vans visiting the poorer communities treating and sterilizing animals. She states it is wrong for us to assume every dog needs rescuing. Some people’s living conditions are not much better than their pet, and it is more important to sterilize the animals but not necessarily remove them from a loving family. The primary goal is to make sure the animals in the streets are sterilized and healthy. On February 18, 126 volunteers participated in painting all the concrete walls of the shelter vibrant Mexican colors. It was a fantastic day of locals and expats gathering together to turn this shelter into a bright, happy place. The dogs in this shelter are well cared for, and many have been with SOS for years still waiting for a family to adopt them. You may wonder why would a dog want to leave this place? They have a swimming pool, huge yards, and other dogs to play with but as Sylvie says these dogs just want the love and attention of one special person. They all want to be loved, so they wait and hope for their adoption day. There are currently 196 dogs at the shelter, if you wish to make monetary donation, medical supplies or food donation, volunteer to walk or bath dogs, or if you are looking for a new family member and want to adopt, please contact Facebook/SOS el Arca.

Mi Amigo de la Calle (My Friend From The Street) Mi Amigo de la Calle (My Friend From The Street), is a dedicated group of people with a mission to improve the life of neglected animals in Playa del Carmen and surrounding areas. Since 2014, this nonprofit organization has been collecting pet food, approximately 13.5 tons

to date, which is donated to local animal shelters and Cebiam (city pound). They are committed to raising awareness for street and shelter animals through education, including children’s events and animal conferences. Mi Amigo de la Calle hosts regular adoption fairs and is now

gearing up and looking for donations for their next 3-day free sterilization campaign May 5, 6 and 7th in Yalcoba a small community in the Yucatán. If you would like to donate, attend an adoption event or donate food follow them on Facebook Mi Amigo de la Calle.