Biweekly · Year 02 · Number 51 · 20,000 copies · 20 Pages · Jan 21-Feb 3, 2015 www.theplayatimes.com
LOCAL
Risk Atlas Check
A NEW TIME FOR
This safety protocol will provide the necessary guidelines to ensure minimum damage in the event of a natural phenomenon
the State of Quintana Roo
Start Time for Public and Private Schools Morning Sessions:
7:30 a.m. Afternoon Sessions:
1:30 p.m.
For the tourism sector, led by the Riviera Maya Hotels Association (AHRM), the new time zone will improve competitiveness of the destination against other Caribbean destinations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. “By standardizing time zones with the major airports in the Eastern United States we will be more competitive and we will save energy,” says Manuel Paredes Mendoza, the director of the AHRM. Most productive sectors in the state have welcomed the plan. Although only the benefits in relation to tourism have been mentioned, significant benefits will also be evident in banking transactions and the closure of operations, as these will be synchronized with the end of business hours in the east coast of the United States, allowing for more leeway. The petition for time change in the area has been in constant demand since 1981, when the then president of the Republic, Adolfo López Portillo, issued a decree for the Yucatan Peninsula to move its clocks forward by an hour.
>03 ·SPECIAL · PEOPLE
Residents Worth Knowing Rudolf Geers decided to close his art galleries in Playa in order to devote himself fully to the Vida Positiva association which battles against misinformation about HIV
>06
STATISTICS
Photo: Yenny Gaona / Infographic: The Playa Times
Quintana Roo will have an hour more of sunlight and according to the authorities from the Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE) this will result in significant energy savings of 21,285 to 23,454 megawatts
per hour, curbing 20 thousand of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Commission’s deputy Graciela Saldaña, who proposed the initiative to the Union Congress, energy savings will greatly benefit consumption rates and especially favor the hotel sector, “since 60 percent of energy consumption in the state comes from the hotel sector, costing them 150 million pesos a month.” According to the state’s government, the new time zone will improve airline connectivity and transit times with 22 US airports and eight Canadian airports, as they will be in the same time zone. The Caribbean, Central and South American will also be in sync. According to the National Tourism Business Council, this will result in an additional 845 thousand pesos annually for Quintana Roo as a result of having an extra hour of sunlight in which tourism and re c re a t i o n activities can take place.
Photo: Agency
S
tarting on Sunday, February 1, 2015 the new time zone will be put into effect for Quintana Roo, and will be known as the “Southeastern Time Zone”. Last December 5, federal legislators reformed Articles 2 and 3 of the Time Zone System Law of Mexico -with 258 votes in favor and one against- standardizing the time in the southeastern part of the region with the time as the East coast of the United States. Currently, our state, located on parallel 75, has the same time as the City of Mexico, located on parallel 94 west of the Greenwich meridian, which meant that in winter nighttime would fall very early. With the new time zone, clocks will be moved forward by an hour and will permanently remain on Daylight
Savings Time (or Summer Time). February 1, at 2:00 a.m., clocks will be set to 3:00 a.m. in the southeastern area. The northeastern part of the country will be three hours behind, i.e., midnight. In the Pacific, they will be two hours behind and in the Center they will be one hour behind, i.e., 2:00 a.m.
CO2
20,000 tons
le ss of CO2 will be e mitte d in the atmosphe re
1,845 million pesos
revenue from tourism activities
Savings of up to
23,454
DISCOVER MEXICO Riviera Highlights
Puerto Morelos is a small town halfway between Playa and Cancun known for its well-preserved coral reefs and mangrove
Photo: Agency
BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
Photo: Agency
With the reform of the Time Zone System Law in effect on February 1, clocks will move forward by an hour resulting in economic, tourism and energy saving betterments
MW/hour
>07
2
>Editorial DIRECTORY María Morote Editor editor@meridianmedia.mx
Beatriz Lucas Copy Editor
On January 7, the Comet Lovejoy reached the closest point to the Earth when passing 44 million miles from the planet. Known for being the comet that can be seen with the naked eyed, this phenomenon is currently visible from the northern hemisphere at dusk and will reach its maximum visibility on January 30 when it reaches the closest point to the Sun. After this date, it will progressively lose its brightness and will not return to the Solar System for another 8,000 years. The comet was discovered last August by Australian amateur astronomer, Terry Lovejoy, who was using a 7-inch telescope. In order to see it clearly, just go to a light pollution-free place and take your binoculars with you. Its path can spotted easily as it is next to Orion´s belt as shown in the image. On January 18, architect Pablo Lonnie Pacheco gave the lecture Lovejoy: The Green Comet at the Cancun Planetarium. He explained to the audience that the Comet Lovejoy´s tail can reach up to 9.5 million miles. It is characterized by its emerald green color -similar to Cancun´s beacheslikely due to the presence of cyanogen and the diatomic carbon.
Comet Lovejoy and Orion’s belt / Photo: Agency
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CONTACT US AT: 984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx ERRATUM We wanted to clarify that the medical equipment donated to the Red Cross by the Rotary Club PDC Seaside was brought to the facilities in Playa del Carmen not in Tulum as it was mentioned on edition 50 of The Playa Times. The Playa Times apologizes to the Rotary Club PDC Seaside for the inconveniences this incorrect information may have caused them.
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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: 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 21
THU 22
FRI 23
SAT 24
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MON 26
TUE 27
WED 28
THU 29
FRI 30
77°/68° F
80°/70° F
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76°/61° F
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80°/61° F
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74°/63° F
76°/64° F
77°/65° F
AM Showers 40% chance of rain ENE at 7 mph
Scattered Thunderstorms
Partly Cloudy 20% chance of rain SSE at 10 mph
PM Showers 30% chance of rain NNW at 9 mph
Mostly Sunny 10% chance of rain NNE at 6 mph
Mostly Sunny 10% chance of rain NNW at 9 mph
Mostly Sunny 0% chance of rain NNW at 10 mph
Partly Cloudy 0% chance of rain NNE at 8 mph
Partly Cloudy 10% chance of rain NE at 9 mph
Partly Cloudy 10% chance of rain NNE at 9 mph
40% chance of rain ESE at 8 mph
ON
January 21- February 3, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
3
Overload of Boats Prevents
the Issuing of Nautical Licenses BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
After the earthquake, the cenotes were closed for 72 hours as a preventive measure / Photo: Agency
Risk Atlas, the Bible of Natural
Phenomena In the event of an emergency, this safety protocol provides the specifications to ensure minimum damage and in the municipality BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
L
ast January 11, an earthquake of 4.2 on the Richter scale was registered 41 miles southeast of Playa del Carmen, near Tulum. Despite this being a unique phenomenon for the northern part of the state, as a preventive measure the Civil Protection authorities decided to close cenotes and caves for 72 hours in order to avoid any potential collapse and to assess damages, which in the end did not occur. As a result of this unusual event, the Civil Protection coordinator in Playa del Carmen, Guillermo Morales, stated that they are currently updating their “bible of security” or Risk Atlas, which contains precise information and establishes the responsive action protocol in case of an incident. In Mexico, all the municipalities and states of the country must have a Risk Atlas for the existing hazards that can occur in the region, which also informs the authorities on the necessary measures or strategies to take in order to prevent a catastrophe. According to Morales, the Risk Atlas of the municipality also takes into consideration “earthquakes and tsunamis”. Until now, the focus was on the vulnerability of the area against climatic conditions, such as hurricanes or forest and urban fires, in ensuring the economic and social recovery, and outlining the evacuation plan of the area in case these natural disasters take place during the high season, when the number of visitors is at its highest. “The Risk Atlas was created in 2011 and since its conception, it takes into account earthquakes and tsunamis but it does not consider any prevailing phenomenon. The atlas provides a set of strategic guidelines that cater to different sectors: energy, transport and services in the case of hurricanes, storms and strong gusts of wind and rain,” explained Morales. In the atlas of Playa, there are guidelines for the whole municipality. $2 million pesos of federal government funds were invested in order to write the document, which is provided for governmental use in both digital and print formats. “For example, the Risk Atlas has a section for
gas stations, where the safety protocol is stipulated in case of a fire or explosion. The mitigation methods, locations of emergency relief services and hospitals are located at the evacuation routes. It is a safety bible and its information is added to the state’s version which is also included in the national atlas,” he then added: “If any such situation of this kind takes place, the atlas should be immediately and easily accessible. It provides a world of information. We managed to fund it with $500,000 pesos from the City Hall Assembly but we need federal resources, because we have an atlas for the city of Playa but we also need one for the whole coastal area.”
Due to the boat “overload” no more new Nautical Tourism Licenses will be issued in the jurisdiction of Playa del Carmen, explained David Antonio Galeana, Captain of the Port, who stated that such permits include sport fishing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing and boat tours. In the jurisdiction, which goes from Playa del Carmen to Punta Pájaros in Punta Allen, there are 850 boats with a Nautical Tourism License. The municipality of Solidaridad holds around 400 permits, which has resulted in an overload of vessels in Playacar, in the center and from El Recodo beach to Punta Esmeralda. This is to say, Playa del Carmen holds close to half of the nautical permits, resulting in an intense maritime activity. Although there are no new permits there are renewals. The cost of the Nautical Tourism Licenses is based on the weight of the boat. From 0 to 3.5 tons, the cost to renew the license is $1,394 pesos. From 3.5 to 500 tons, the cost is $1,787 pesos. These are the only types of vessels in Playa del Carmen, as there are no vessels for nautical tourism larger than 500 tons. In the event that vessels that large were to exist, the cost would be $4,877 pesos. The license renewals are done annually and can be processed any day at the Port Captaincy offices, located on Ave. Benito Juárez with the federal highway. “Nautical tourism follows the laws of Navigation and Maritime Commerce, the Federal Law of the Sea and the protocol for nautical
tourism activities related to sport fishing, recreation, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayak, jet skiing and boat tours,” explained the Captain of the Port. It should also be noted that the lack of a marina in Playa has resulted in the significant overload of boats as there is no specified area for docking. In Puerto Aventuras, there is a marina with 500 spots, but they are all taken and consequently, they also have a saturation problem.
The municipality of Solidaridad holds around
400 permits
“In Playacar there are more than 200 boats. Unfortunately there is no marina. Puerto Aventuras is also saturated. The boats that stay overnight also contribute to the overload which means that there is no more room for vessels in operation.” He said the main reason for denying new nautical permits is the “saturation” and the “internal traffic”. “There are more and more requests for licenses. What happens is that people tend to replace smaller vessels by larger ones of 33 feet, in order to take more people on tours, but the actual number of vessels is not increasing”.
Nautical licenses include diving and snorkeling / Photo: Carlos Underwood
The atlas provides a set of strategic guidelines that cater to different sectors: energy, transport and services in the case of hurricanes, storms and strong gusts of wind and rain” Guillermo Morales Coordinator of Civil Protection in Playa del Carmen The Risk Atlas takes into account all types of incidents, even tsunamis although the chances of one occurring in this region are minimal. All the strategies and guidelines that the authorities must follow are taken seriously. Nationwide, this information must be incorporated into an extensive manual for the whole country, so there is a reference and record for all the municipalities. The atlas is updated annually.
4
LOCAL NEWS
A Look Into the Local Recycling Process Green initiatives need more people and businesses to use them and help make them more efficient and convenient for all BY BEATRIZ LUCAS
A
s the Municipality of Solidaridad creates approximately 450 tons of garbage every day, the local government does recognize the importance of recycling. They are actively working to promote recycling within the community and make it a part of the local culture. However, without the support of residents and business owners to help encourage and participate in these strategies, there is no way to ensure recycling will eventually become part of everyone’s daily life. There are two recycling initiatives. The first, Reciclatón takes place the first Friday of each month. The second program, Kilo Verde takes place on the third Saturday of each month. Visit the Facebook page Medio Ambiente Solidaridad for more specific information and to find a collection site near you. The difference is that for Kilo Verde you get the added bonus of taking home free plants in exchange for your
Reciclatón program in Playa del Carmen / Photo: Facebook Gobierno de Solidaridad
recyclable waste. This is a great initiative to get people to recycle waste, since residents receive compensation for the effort they are making. In 2010, the Waste Management and Prevention Act of Quintana Roo came into force, with the purpose of reducing the consumption of non-bio-
degradable plastic bags. Additionally, the current municipal administration has made it a mandatory requirement that applicable business owners in Solidaridad recycle. Those who do not comply and cannot provide proof of participation will be fined. Despite these initiatives, many
residents and small business have had a difficult time finding a convenient and inexpensive way to recycle. When people’s recycling bins are full and uncollected or seen as impractical, recycling refuse is commonly being put into communal ordinary bins. This is partly because there is no local curbside recycling program and it often means you have to store your recyclable waste over a period of two weeks minimum, that is if you do not miss the next recycling event and have to store them for longer. La Ceiba Park used to have a permanent recycling collection spot. The re-instatement of a permanent recycling place in the city would be the easiest, cheapest and most effective approach for encouraging recycling in the community. Furthermore, it is dry recyclates -paper, cans and plastics- that most people think of as recycling, but not garden waste -branches, bush cuttings and grass trimmings– or food waste, which makes up a third of what we throw away. There is no easy way to
Newspaper Cigarettes and magazines
Chewing Gum
Maritime Land Zone Grants BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD Coastal areas in Mexico are delimited by a 20 meter land strip which goes from the high tide line to inland. This imaginary strip is known as the Federal Maritime Land Zone (Zofemat). Although it belongs to the nation, the federal government grants it to individuals who want to use it for any purpose. The cost varies according to the area and its features. General-use concessions predominate in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This kind of grant allow beneficiaries to get benefit from these areas by placing deck chairs and infrastructure in order to offer touristic services, as in the case of hotels and condominiums. 40 percent of the grants are of this type, 30 percent are protection grants and the rest ornamental.
The grant of coastal areas cost
$2,043.86 pesos per year Zofemat is the dependency in charge of processing grants for individuals before Semarnat. Zofemat Offices are on the third floor of Playa del Carmen Treasury Department Building in Ejidal district which is on 125th Ave. and 14th St. Those interested must fill out a form called Formato Único de Trámites de Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre (Application Form for Federal Maritime Land Zone Processing.) They also require an identification or acta constitutiva (articles of incorporation) in case you apply as a business as well as documents related to the area expected to be granted such as plans and a use description.
Coastal areas belong to the nation but they are sometimes granted to individuals / Photo: Carlos Underwood
The process is free locally but the federation requires a payment of $2,043.86 pesos through the Form E5 which is provided in the same offices at Zofemat´s Section of Collection, Regularization and Inspection in charge of Jaime Jesús Hoil Dzul. Also, one or several payments for the Zofemat´s technical visits to the place will be required to get the grant. The costs varies since they depend on the geographic location of the area and its surface. The process takes around 90 days. During this period, Semarnat will decide if it gives the grant or not. Currently, Playa del Carmen is the second place of the state where more grants are given. Around 70 million pesos are collected every year from this type of processes. Quintana Roo is the first place nationally. Grants are valid for 15 years and they can be renewed. Payments can be made bi-monthly or yearly.
to
Years
10 Plastic100 bags
Years
5
to
Years
2
10 Cans 100
Years
Fruit peal
1
Years
6
Years
Year
3 Paper
Source: tusaludpuravida.blogspot.mx
months
months
Decomposition Rates
collect garden or food waste from resident across our city, and which in most cases can be easily composted in residents’ own gardens. Although, at the turn of the year, there is an exception to the rule as both local recycling programs are accepting old Christmas trees until March 2015. Despite some problems with the current system, they still provide a way to recycle and they are a better alternative to normal waste disposal, due to the major implications the decomposition of waste has on our environment. The situation will only improve if a greater number of local residents start using these services. In the meantime, our best solution for dry recyclates is to invest in a semi-large container that can be kept out of eyesight and another smaller container near your ordinary trash can, where you can offload and separate your recyclable goods. Once those accumulate you can sort them into your larger container, which will be ready for a quick drop off at the Reciclatón and Kilo Verde.
100 Cell phone SIM cards
Glass
400
January 21- February 3, 2015
COMMUNITY
5
Turning Good Intentions
Into a Reality
help more members of the community, Good Intentions is looking for A seven year old boy, Emmanuel like-minded people who want to conEsmeralda, inspired Playa residents tribute to the endeavor, as well as Aimee Kristi and Raul Paullada to find a permanent location where they set up the social action movement can meet every Saturday. known as Good Intentions. The proj“The idea is to help kids from difect, which was officially launched ferent social classes, including those in the summer 2014, started as a underprivileged or more privileged Spanish-English language exchange backgrounds, that want to learn program between neighbors Aimee how to make a difference,” says and Emmanuel, who were joined Raul. “We are still counting on the soon after by Raul. More adults and kindness of others and we welcome children from the Colosio neighbor- those who are willing to offer some hood started taking part; they are of their time and skills or who wish now currently attracting around 30 to donate money to the cause. We kids every week and seven regular want to attract both kids and adults volunteers. More that have ‘good incontributions and tentions’.” Good help, especially in Good Intentions project Intentions operates terms of finding as an all-volunteer attracts around a permanent loorganization. cation where they “We are so gratecan meet on a ful,” says Aimee, weekly basis, will one of the foundallow them to grow ing members of and reach more the project, “Since children in Playa we started six del Carmen. months ago, we’ve Good Intenreceived the suptions is a free “kids club” that has port from friends, colleagues, orgathe aim of helping kids follow a good nizations such as Fusión Maya and path in life and help them understand El Jardín Community Centre who they have a bright future ahead of hosted our Christmas celebrations, them. They meet every Saturday and a great number of volunteers all at 11 a.m. for two and half hours who have dedicated their Saturdays and take part in a variety of activi- to these kids, helping them to grow. I ties, from practicing yoga, learning cannot thank them enough.” how to play an instrument, learnThey need a place where they ing English, among many others. can regularly meet every Saturday For young children and teens, often to continue their work. Donations, in the difference between academic species or in kind for the project will success and failure is the amount of provide the kids with more opportime they spend with carrying adults. tunities to learn and feel confident. Through the activities carried out They need a safe and fun environwith the Good Intention project, ment where they are free to discover these children learn new skills which new things and broaden their horihelp them to maintain an upbeat atti- zons. If someone wants to help with tude and self-awareness, open their Good Intentions, you can find out minds and see the world as a place more from the Facebook page /Goodof opportunity. IntentionsPC or email Aimee directly In order to keep growing and at akristinyc@gmail.com.
BY BEATRIZ LUCAS
The three Wise Men accompanied by The Playa Times team and local authorities / Photos: Carlos Underwood / The Playa Times
Toy Drive for
King Cake Around underprivileged 1,500 children from Puerto Aventuras received a Christmas gift thanks to the collection carried out on the Fifth Avenue on January 5 BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
A
round 563 toys were collected during the event of The Longest King Cake of the Riviera Maya organized by La Gaceta and The Playa Times in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Culture and 22 local sponsors.
The Playa Times and La Gaceta collected
563
30 kids every week
Dozens of people came to bring their toys
toys The morning of January 6 -when the Three Wise Men bring offerings of gold, incense and myrrh to baby Jesus- is the day Mexican children typically receive presents. This tradition is followed by sharing a sweet pastry, the king’s cake, with friends and family. On the night of January 5, organizers of this initiative gathered on Fifth Avenue between 38th and 24th Street, to hand out slices of king cake in exchange for toys for underprivileged children in Puerto Aventuras. A large number of residents and tourists came along to take part in the toy drive. Helping to enliven the evening during the event, the crowds were kept entertained by the Three Wise Men as well as a musical duet. This tradition started six years ago. In January 2014, 4000 toys
Children from Puerto Aventuras received the toys
were collected, 132 businesses took part and the king cake was 570 meters long. The toys collected were given to children in Puerto Aventuras through the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) of the municipality, who also helped with the collection last Monday, January 12.
In total, around 1,500 toys were donated this year. Ana Elisa Martínez Vilaboa, in charge of Social Media Manager and Marketing for both newspapers, was responsible for coordinating the event and ensuring the participation of local businesses and the municipal authorities: the result was a success.
The joyful members of Good Intentions / Photo: María José Couoh
6
PEOPLE
INTERVIEW
Rudolf Geers, president of the Vida Positiva association
From Businessman to
Altruist in the Caribbean With the help of one man, the Vida Positiva association is working to provide prevention campaigns to raise awareness of HIV-AIDS and help reduce social discrimination BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
T
he German Rudolf Geers, president of the Vida Positiva association, is a social activist fighting the battle against misinformation about HIV-AIDS. Geers arrived in Playa del Carmen 17 years ago for his business working in art galleries. In 2009 he made a life changing decision to dedicate himself full-time to informing people about the illness because he found that those infected are often stigmatized by certain sectors of society. For Greers, Playa del Carmen must start by collecting local statistics on the illness and start with launching big-scale campaigns in schools in order to inform the youth on the subject. The only known data for the state of Quintana Roo are collected by the HIV/AIDS National Prevention and Control Center (CENSIDA). Geers started as a volunteer in Cancun when he realized that the “Red Ribbon” was only used to benefit those already infected, but in Playa del Carmen nobody was concerned with the prevention part, he decided to close the gap and dedicate his life to this altruistic cause. According to him, in Playa del Carmen the main enemy is the lack of information and the social stigma that haunts people with HIV. From an art dealer to an altruist, in seven years Geers has managed to bring the authorities’ attention to
Closet caption / Photo:Agency
the problems. Although there is still much more work to be done, Geers has managed to make people aware of HIV-AIDS and get tested, which is a free service at the CROC facilities in Playa del Carmen, located on Ave. de la Aviación with 25th Ave. “I’m from Germany, I have been living in Playa del Carmen for 17 years. I owned art galleries which I closed in 2009. Since 2008 I had been volunteering in Cancun, we started working with the Health Minister and the Hospital General in Playa del Carmen, where we gave talks on prevention and testing in public areas around the city. My goal was to work on the gallery for three years. I was travelling and after some time, my hobby, HIV, became my life,” he then added:
EXPAT PROFILES NAME Webb Elkins ORIGIN Boston, Massachusetts, but I came here from Buenos Aires, Argentina. PROFESSION I am retired. I was an International Marketing Director with Kimberly Clark, the Kleenex company as well as Corporate International Marketing Director for nearly 20 years. Then I worked as Photo: Webb Elkins Senior Vice President with Drake Beam Morin, which helped unemployed executives find new jobs. PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN RIVIERA MAYA I have been in Playacar, in Playa del Carmen, for the last two and one half years, and loving it! FAVORITE SPOT IN RIVIERA MAYA In addition to our flat in Playacar next to the golf course and a beautiful jungle area, my favorite places are the beaches from Playacar to Tulum.
Free HIV-AIDS testing at the CROC facilities in Playa del Carmen, located on Ave. de la Aviación with 25th Ave. “People on the streets I had never seen before were asking me about HIV. They told me they were scared to deal with a person and they didn’t have basic information. Unfortunately there is a social stigma that haunts people with HIV. We have to start making progress with the pop-
ulation’s attitude. They are unaware that a person who lives with HIV is not infectious. Infection only occurs when there is contact with blood, transmission from mother to baby or as a result of unprotected sex. It is not contagious, it is infectious. I use the word ‘infectious’ because saying something is ‘contagious’ increases the discrimination and stigma.” Those who would like to support Geers in his battle can find out more on his Facebook page Vida Positiva Playa A.C.. Although they receive some support from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation much more help is needed to help the association grow. “We don’t receive a cent from associations, AIDS Health Foundation send us supplies, CROC provide us with transport to events and to schools. Because of the stigma and discrimination, many businesses don’t want there to be events in schools,” says Geers, to which he added: “From the tests, which took place in schools of Playa, we have found that between three and five percent of students between 16 to 18 years come out HIV positive. According to our studies, if there was no testing, from the moment a person becomes infected until it progresses to the AIDS status, people have around three to four sexual partners a year. That amounts to between 30 and 40 sexual partners from time the HIV infection becomes AIDS.”
What can you tell us about SAFETY IN RIVIERA MAYA I find the usual living environment extremely safe. The US State Department and press have promoted a distorted picture of Mexico safety regarding robberies and violence. Some places have bad reputations which are occasionally deserved. None of this is indicative of the situation in all of Riviera Maya. COST OF LIVING The first issue is to look at rents and housing costs. These are about one-half the price of most US cities with equivalent activities and lifestyles. Beyond that there are many ways to spend more or less than the US and Canada for equivalent goods and services. Strictly your own management problem, but not a difficult one!
HEALTH CARE This can be as good as the US but at usually lower costs for the same quality. However, it is essential here to find the right doctor and hospital by getting references from people you trust and that have similar values and requirements to your own. BUYING OR RENTING A PROPERTY There are plenty of quality places to rent or buy in Riviera Maya but again it is important to get references from others. If you are a real newcomer with no contacts, it makes sense to call a legal consulting firm that has experience and comprehends what US and Canadian citizens require. GETTING A RESIDENT VISA This is usually a laborious pro-
Me
He
Ea
Unfortunately there is a social stigma that haunts people with HIV. We have to start making progress with the population’s attitude. Rudolf Geers President of Vida Positiva Playa A.C.
Do you want to take part of our Expat Profiles? Email edition@meridianmedia.mx
cess and the requirements seem to change often. Best thing to do is to get a service that will help you work through the local government requirements. LEISURE ACTIVITIES These are abound! Many opportunities for the usual golf, beaches, tennis, squash and paddle tennis. Also all types of water sports, fishing, and eco-tourism! DID YOU KNOW THE PLAYA TIMES? I have read almost every edition in the last year. It serves well in keeping me up to date in the English language on the many interesting activities and options available in the Riviera Maya. It is very topical and of great value to US and Canadian newcomers to the area.
January 21- February 3, 2015
DISCOVER MEXICO
7
S O L E R O M O PUERT An eagle ray specimen / Photo: Agency
Mexican Biologists
Help with Spotted Eagle Rays Research BY JESÚS SIERRA
“
We have a registry of how many spotted eagle rays are in Florida Keys, Cuba and Campeche, we want to start recording observations in Quintana Roo this year,” stated Dr. Kim Bassos-Hull, a senior biologist from the Mote Marine Laboratory. Tracking of these animals in the north of the state will be carried out in collaboration with the organization Blue Core, with special focus on Cozumel.
Maximum length (snout to tail):
16 feet Weight:
507 pounds Life span:
20
years Habitat:
bays, estuaries, coral reefs Dr. Bassos-Hull and her team have been tracking spotted eagle rays since 2009: “It is an important
species for the Caribbean ecosystem and for the Gulf of Mexico. Eagle rays feed on molluscs and, just like other predators, rays play an important role in regulating their population. In turn, eagle rays are food for some shark species.” The largest eagle rays can measure up to 16 feet from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, weigh up to 507 pounds and live for 20 years. Dr. Bassos-Hull and her team of six biologists have seen a decrease in eagle ray populations since 2010. “We think this may be due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, but we are not sure, it could also be a result of the cooling of the water streams, illegal fishing mostly for food, combined with their extremely low reproductive rate, pressure from ecotourism activities that do not respect their feeding areas, as well as the increase in the population of their predators. All these combined make these rays a vulnerable species,” says Dr. Bassos-Hull. The Mote Marine Laboratory has collaborated with fishermen from Cuba and Campeche and have already tagged over 300 species. The aim is to fill the research gaps by finding the rays’ growth rate, their population size, whether they breed with other eagle rays and where they go during the winter months. “In Mexico, eagle rays are not a protected species, which complicates things for us. This year, with the help of Blue Core, we will start recording sightings in Cozumel.” Their reports can be found on the Facebook page Spotted Eagle Ray Connection. “Everyone can also upload photos with the date, place and time of the sightings,” said Ixchel García, member of Blue Core.
P
uerto Morelos is a hidden sleepy Caribbean town nestled in between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This is a destination for those who want to avoid the crowds and choose to contemplate the natural landscape away from distractions, while still being able to enjoy a tasty bite to eat. Puerto Morelos extends from Petempich Bay all the way to El Cid Marina. Those who choose to live here are a very eclectic lot with their own way of life.
Distance in miles from Cancun: 22; Playa del Carmen: 20
HOW TO GET THERE Car Puerto Morelos is located at the halfway point between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, along the federal highway Carretera Federal. The International Airport is just 7 miles north of the town.
of fish. Well worth it. To snorkel, the fishermen’s cooperative has boats along the pier that take you to the reefs for $25 USD per person. They provide life jackets and snorkel gear. For divers, as well as the numerous reef sites, there is an underwater shipwreck. Cost for two submersions is $70 USD per person. Check the many dive shops in town. A great place for beginners to advance divers.
Taxi You will have to negotiate the price in advance with the driver. Standard rates from Cancun or Playa del Carmen are approximately $300 pesos. Taxis are also available in Puerto Morelos from the taxi rank on the Carretera Federal and in the Town Square; base price is $30 pesos per ride.
The Cenotes Route With eight cenotes spread along a 12 mile road just outside of the town, this is the perfect place to go “cenote hopping”. For more details check our previous “Highlights” dedicated to this route, www.theplayatimes. com/2014/10/15/the-cenotes-route/.
Bus The ADO bus station in Cancun and Playa del Carmen has frequent air conditioned buses that go to Puerto Morelos for $25 pesos per person per trip. Otherwise, you can take the Mayab buses from the Carretera Federal for the same cost. You can check routes and schedules on www.ado.com.mx and http://transportamex.com/autobuses/mayab-autobuses/. Colectivos From the ADO station in Cancun, in front of the main entrance, opposite the parking lot, you can take the Playa Express colectivos. From Playa del Carmen, the same Playa Express colectivos leave from Second Street between Av. 20 Norte and Av. 25 Norte. Price from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen per person per trip is $25 pesos.
WHAT TO DO Snorkeling and Diving in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park Home to some of the healthiest reefs along the coast of Quintana Roo, with abundant schools
Ya’ax’ Che Botanical Gardens Located 1 mile south of Puerto Morelos, km. 320 on the Carretera Federal, the lush 150 acre grounds take you through 2 miles of pathways with plants labeled in both English and Spanish for your information. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is $10 USD. Crococun Zoo General admission is $366 pesos; kids six to 12 years pay $244 pesos. Free for kids under five years. Residents receive a 30% discount. Entrance fee includes a guide. Located on the Carretera Federal at the entrance for the Now Sapphire Hotel and Dreams Riviera Hotel. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Km. 31 Carretera Federal.
8
DINING OUT
The Children of the Corn I,
Origins and Myths By Alejandra Campo
Yum Kaax god
id
D
you know that the Aztecs would eat popcorn, a food we’ve now associated with going to the movies? Corn is an endemic plant of Mexico even though the name comes from the Taíno Haitian language mahis.
ORIGIN It was domesticated thousands of years ago and took hundreds of years of breeding and selection to find the perfect mix for its cultivation and consumption. Old Mexican and Mesoamerican towns would grow around maíz plantations as they depended on the plant for its nutritional goodness and abundance.
USES AND SYMBOLOGY Undoubtedly, the roots of Mexican culture are linked to the plant since the activities
and ceremonies of pre-Hispanic societies would depend on the crop cycles. For instance, the festivals and fairs that still take place today in Mexican communities coincide with agricultural cycles of corn, even if the festivities are made in honor of catholic saints. Corn played such a big role on Mexican culture, it is said that the Mayans interrupted the Caste War in the Yucatan Peninsula with the first signs of coming rain as it was time for planting and heading to their corn fields. All Mexican cultures had gods that were related to corn. Some of the most popular were Tláloc, the god of rain, known as Yum Kaax for the Mayas, even though the exact names cannot be confirmed. These myths speak of the importance of this plant for ancient Mexican civilizations, as it was the main component of their diet at the time and still is to date. Symbolically, the Mayan myth Popol Vuh states that man was created from corn, a gift from the gods: “Man’s flesh is made from the yellow and white corn; from the corn dough came the arms and legs.” As such, it is not for nothing that a famous anthropologist, Fresia Camacho, says that the heritage of corn in this country is so strong that the Mexicans are “the children of the corn”.
Xtabetún is the most popular digestive drink of the Yucatan peninsula / Photos: Agency
A Great Way to End a Meal BY ROCÍO NORZAGARAY Family dinners and the excesses of the winter festivities are over. We are back to our normal diets and daily routines. Nevertheless, there is something that never comes to an end, we’ll never stop going out and trying new flavors from the wide variety of restaurants our town has to offer. Digestive drinks are an excellent way to finish a meal. Their origin is unknown although many experts attribute their creation to the Muslims of the 16th century. Apparently, most testimonies show that this civilization was responsible of the propagation of digestive drinks worldwide, just like the Catholic Church did with red wine. These beverages were known for being made from herbs but at the end of the World War I they were given a formal definition: “Liquors are scented hydro-alcoholic drinks obtained from the maceration, infusion or distillation of diverse natural vegetable substances, mixed together with either scented alcohols or scented extracts, natural and/or authorized, colored or translucent. They must have an alcoholic content of over 30 degrees.”
Digestive drinks are believed to have been created by Muslims in the
16th century Corn plantations / Photos:Agency
Despite the fact that the most popular digestive drinks in Mexico come from Europe, like amaretto, crème de cassis, Cointreau, Galliano or Licor 43,
there are many locally produced liquors, that have been around since pre-Hispanic times. One of them is the xtabentún which is made from honey, corn and the xtabentún flower, also known as balché. It was used in rituals as an offering to Mayan gods and it could only be drunk by priests and the aristocracy who represented them on Earth.
Xtabentún or balché flower
I like to tell my clients that xtabentún is the Mexican Sambuca, although it is not made from anise as is the case of this Italian liquor. There are many more interesting digestive drinks in Mexico. Here are some of my favorites: - Ancho Reyes chile ancho liquor. Go to www.anchoreyes.com if you want to find out more. - Tepache, which is made from fermented pineapple and is sweetened with brown sugar. - Pulcatta pulque made from distilled pulquero agave. There are many flavors but my favorites are ginger and spice.
Rocío Norzagaray is a sommelier and a private chef. Contact her at info@privatechefplaya.com and www.privatechefplaya.com
January 21- February 3, 2015
9
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY 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 EN .·. 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 E N .·. Archaeological Zone of Playa del Carmen Open 24hrs Paseo Xaman-Ha, Playacar Phase I . · . CA N CUN . · . 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 .·. OTHERS .·. 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
17
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
9
2
3
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
10
11
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
6
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
12
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
Red Cross
Hyperbaric chamber (984) 117 0278
TELMEX
(984) 873 1233 / (998) 884 1616
01 800 123 2222
Hospital General
CFE
(984) 206 1690 / (998) 887 3557
01 800 080 0233
4
19
CARIBBEAN SEA
20
VALLA DOLID
109 18 15
TULUM 15
10
CANCUN
January 21- February 3, 2015
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3
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5
4 6 6
5
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
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ENTERTAINMENT
27 TUESDAY
PAINTING LESSONS, every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave.$100 pesos to cover materials.
>JAN 21 -FEB 3
21 WEDNESDAY
GUIDED MEDITATIONS, every Tuesday, 7 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95th St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
COMEDY PLAYA, every Wednesday and Sunday, 8 p.m. Lucky Luciano’s, Fifth St. and 28th St. Standup comedy in English. Local and visiting U.S. acts. MXN$100.
THE ART OF SOCIALIZING, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave. Paint, sip and socialize. Free entrance.
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.
FREE TANGO LESSONS, every Tuesday, 8 p.m. Roof of The Palm at Playa Hotel, Eighth St. and 10th Ave. Classes by Diego and Lucila.
PROJECTION, OMAR by Hany Abu-Assad, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
BIO CINEMA, Home, 8 p.m. Explanada de la Universidad del Caribe, SM 78. MZA 1, junto a fraccionamiento Tabachines. Free entrance. Check Facebook Arte y Cultura Unicaribe.
DOCUMENTARY WEDNESDAYS 8 p.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Free entrance. Check Facebook El Cine Club for the schedule.
28 WEDNESDAY
OSCAR´S MOVIE NIGHT, every Wednesday, 8 p.m. Roof terrace Be Playa Hotel, 26th St. and 10th Ave. Free entrance.
SUNSET WITH RIC O’BARRY, 11 a.m. El Dorado Royale Resort and Spa. Lecture by the activist about his experience as a dolphin trainer. $200 MXN (includes one drink).
LATIN NIGHT, every Wednesday, 11 p.m. Blue Parrot Beach Club, 12th St. and the beach. 2 x 1 on beers and bottles. Salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and Latin hits. Free entrance.
COMEDY PLAYA, every Wednesday and Sunday, 8 p.m. Lucky Luciano’s, Fifth St. and 28th St. Standup comedy in English. Local and visiting U.S. acts. MXN$100.
22 THURSDAY
PROJECTION, WADJDA, THE GREEN BICYCLE by Haiffa Al-Manssour, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
PAAMUL ECOMARKET, every Thursday, 8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Community Fellowship Church Palapa. DOCUMENTARY FILMS, every Thursday, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
29 THURSDAY
PAAMUL ECOMARKET, every Thursday, 8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Community Fellowship Church Palapa.
FILM SHOWING CINEMA ARTE, Zelig by Woody Allen, 8 p.m. North American directors season. Universidad del Caribe´s terrace, SM 78, Mza 1, next to Fraccionamiento Tabachines. Free entrance. Check Facebook Arte y Cultura Unicaribe.
ORGANIZED PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION, 3 p.m. In front of Dolphinaris Cancun.
23 FRIDAY
DOCUMENTARY FILMS, every Thursday, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95th St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
COCOS BEACH ORGANIC MARKET, every Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Condos Alizes, Avenida CTM and 46th St. Homemade bread and baked goods, gluten-free products, fresh herbs, organic eggs, handmade products, cosmetics, clothing and much more. FREE SALSA LESSONS, every Friday from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Chichen Itza Language School on Fourth St. and 10th Ave. SPANISH CONVERSATION CLUB, every Friday, 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Chichen Itza Language School on Fourth St. and 10th Ave. Practice your Spanish conversational skills for free with others students. CINEMA FRIDAYS, every Friday, 8 p.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Free entrance. Check Facebook El Cine Club for schedule. POETRY FRIDAY, every Friday, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 Street in Colonia Ejido. Listen to and read poetry. Free entrance. PLAYS FROM THE LONDON NATIONAL THEATRE, Sky Light, 8 p.m. Universidad del Caribe´s terrace, SM 78, Mza 1, next to Fraccionamiento Tabachines. Free entrance. Check Facebook Arte y Cultura Unicaribe.
24 SATURDAY
CONSCIOUS RELAXATION WORKSHOP, every Saturday, 10 a.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. Colonia Ejidal. Voluntary contribution. ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR, every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tenth St. between Av. 100 and
KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET, every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Organic produce, fresh home baked goods, artisan crafts and more! Shop local and support Playa.
Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don´t buy pets, rescue them! Check Facebook Acción Animal. EL JARDÍN LOCAL MARKET, every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. El Jardín Community Center, 20th St. and 10th Ave. PASEARTE COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION, every Saturday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Along Sunyaxchen Ave. Photography, sculpture, poetry, music and more. 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.
25 SUNDAY 7TH PUERTO AVENTURAS RACE 1K, 5K, 10K. 7 a.m. Puerto Aventuras Blvd. $150/$200 MXN (children/adults). Check Facebook 7ma Carrera Puerto Aventuras 1, 5 y 10 km.
OPERA THE SINGING OF THE NYMPHS, 12 p.m. Ka´Yok´ Planetarium, Palenque Ave. Sm. 21. $150 MXN. Check the Facebook page Planetario de Cancún. CHESS WITH CITIZENS FOR THE CULTURE, every Sunday, 5 p.m. Colonia Forjadores Park, 105th Ave. and 15th St. South. Learn and play chess. Free entrance. FOAM PARTY, every Sunday, 11 p.m. Blue Parrot Beach Club, 12th St. and the beach. 2 x 1 on beers and bottles. Fire show and breakdancers. Open bar available.
26 MONDAY FLAMENCO DANCE LESSONS, every Monday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th Street, between 10th and Fifth. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com
4TH UNIDOS POR LA PAZ RACE 400m. 800m 5K, 10K, 7 a.m. Cancun City Hall, 5 Tulum Ave. SM 5. $150/$200 MXN (children/adults). Check www. entusmarcas.com.
ACTING LESSONS, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th St. between 10th and Fifth. For more information contact centrocaracol@ gmail.com.
ORIGAMI WORKSHOP, every Sunday, 12 p.m. Ka´Yok´ Planetarium, Palenque Ave. Sm. 21. $40 MXN contribution. Children from 4 years old. Check the Facebook page Planetario de Cancún.
PROJECTIONS FOR CHILDREN, everyday, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Ka´Yok´ Planetarium, Palenque Ave. Sm. 21. $30/$40 pesos resident children/adults. Check www.ventanaaluniverso.org.
FILM SHOWING CINEMA ARTE, Raising Arizona by Ethan and Joel Cohen, 8 p.m. North American directors season. Universidad del Caribe´s terrace, SM 78, Mza 1, next to Fraccionamiento Tabachines. Free entrance. Check Facebook Arte y Cultura Unicaribe.
30 FRIDAY COCOS BEACH ORGANIC MARKET, every Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Condos Alizes, Avenida CTM and 46th St. Homemade bread and baked goods, gluten-free products, fresh herbs, organic eggs, handmade products, cosmetics, clothing and much more. FREE SALSA LESSONS, every Friday from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Chichen Itza Language School on Fourth St. and 10th Ave. SPANISH CONVERSATION CLUB, every Friday, 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Chichen Itza Language School on Fourth St. and 10th Ave. Practice your Spanish conversational skills for free with others students. CINEMA FRIDAYS, every Friday, 8 p.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Free entrance. Check Facebook El Cine Club for schedule. POETRY FRIDAY, every Friday, 8 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 Street in Colonia Ejido. Listen to and read poetry. Free entrance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTARY THE COVE and open discussion with ric o’barry, 8 p.m. El Dorado Royale Resort and Spa. $150 MXN (includes one drink).
31 SATURDAY
. CONSCIOUS RELAXATION WORKSHOP, every Saturday, 10 a.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. Colonia Ejidal. Voluntary contribution. 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. EL JARDÍN LOCAL MARKET, every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. El Jardín Community Center, 20th St. and 10th Ave. Facebook El Jardín-Community Center PASEARTE COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION, every Saturday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Along Sunyaxchen Ave. Photography, sculpture, poetry, music and more. 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. OPERA FROM THE MET MUSEUM, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, 8 p.m. Universidad del Caribe´s terrace, SM 78, Mza 1, next to Fraccionamiento Tabachines. Free entrance. Check Facebook Arte y Cultura Unicaribe.
1 SUNDAY EL JARDÍN BAZAAR, first Sunday of the month, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. El Jardín Community Center, 20th St. and 10th Ave. Facebook El Jardín-Community Center ORIGAMI WORKSHOP, every Sunday, 12 p.m. Ka´Yok´ Planetarium, Palenque Ave. Sm. 21. $40 MXN contribution. Children from 4 years old. Check the Facebook page Planetario de Cancún. CHESS WITH CITIZENS FOR THE CULTURE, every Sunday, 5 p.m. Colonia Forjadores Park, 105th Ave. and 15th St. South. Learn and play chess. Free entrance. FOAM PARTY, every Sunday, 11 p.m. Blue Parrot Beach Club, 12th St. and the beach. 2 x 1 on beers and bottles. Fire show and breakdancers. Open bar available.
2 MONDAY FLAMENCO DANCE LESSONS, every Monday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th Street, between 10th and Fifth. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com ACTING LESSONS, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th St. between 10th and Fifth. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com. PROJECTIONS FOR CHILDREN, everyday, 5 and 6 p.m. Ka´Yok´ Planetarium, Palenque Ave. Sm. 21. $30/$40 pesos resident children/adults. Check www.ventanaaluniverso.org.
3 TUESDAY PAINTING LESSONS, every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave.$100 pesos to cover materials. KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET, every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Organic produce, fresh home baked goods, artisan crafts and more! Shop local and support Playa. GUIDED MEDITATIONS, every Tuesday 7 p.m. El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance. THE ART OF SOCIALIZING, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave. Paint, sip and socialize. Free entrance. FREE TANGO LESSONS, every Tuesday, 8 p.m. Roof of The Palm at Playa Hotel, Eighth St. and 10th Ave. Classes by Diego and Lucila.
*For Cancun events, check the highlighted boxes!
January 21- February 3, 2015
Young Orchestras Mexican
Tour Finale in Town The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Band of the Pella Central College in Iowa have been performing in cities across the country over the last few months and will close their tour in Playa del Carmen BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
T
he Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Band of the Pella Central College in Iowa closed their tour of Mexico with a concert in Playa del Carmen, which took place on January 16 at the Cultural Center’s forum in town. The groups chose to play for the occasion some classics, Latin beats and hits of all-times bands such as Earth, Wind and Fire. Gabriel Espinosa, the director of the Jazz Band and the tour´s organizer, comes from Yucatan but has been living in the United States for the last 19 years. In a brief interview, he explained that these kinds of tours take place every four years. He added that Playa del Carmen was chosen as the closing spot because of its popularity as a holiday destination but mostly for being the venue of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, which is takes place every year around November. “We love to play in Playa del Carmen and both the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Band appreciate this excellent welcome. We are happy to finish our tour here,” said Espinosa who added: “Everything is possible with music, as long as you put in the effort and lots of practice. With love the idea that music plays a role in improving the generation.” The director recognized that Playa del Carmen has become an important place for the world of music ever since the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival has been gathering the world´s best ex-
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the Cultural Center of Playa del Carmen / Photos: Dirección de Cultura de Solidaridad
50 Young musicians are part of both orchestras ponents in this genre. He added that they hope to be considered as guests for the next edition. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is directed by Michael B. Lutch and the Jazz Band of the Pella Central College by Gabriel Espinosa. More than 50 young musicians and students of the Pella Central College in Iowa are part of both projects.
Young members of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Festival of Candlemas Enjoyed with Tamales BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO Festivities in Mexico never stop. We started the year with the king cake on January 6 and on February 2 we have Candlemas Day, among many more to come. Candlemas, much like other festivals around the country, is a demonstration of the mix of Native and Spanish cultures. On one hand, it is a catholic tradition to commemorate the appearance of the Virgin of Candelaria from Tenerife, Spain. It is also the time when it is said that the baby Jesus rose from the manger and was presented at the temple forty days after his birth. According to tradition, there are still many Mexican families who have the custom of presenting Baby Jesus to the temple. These traditions, along with the bearing gifts on January 6 for the arrival of the Three Wise Men and eating king cake, which contains a porce-
lain figurine representing baby Jesus, were brought to Mexico during the evangelization of the country. Typically, those who find the figurine of baby Jesus in their slice of cake must invite friends to tamales on February 2, the day of Candlemas.
Candlemass is celebrated
on February
2
But why tamales? This is when the native influence steps in. These festivities coincided with the cultivation cycles of the Aztecs, during which they performed rituals by praying and bringing offerings to the gods, thanking them for the harvest. Among those offerings were tamales, made from corn dough, a staple food for native people of Mexico.
If you find baby Jesus figurine you must invite to tamales / Photo: Agency
Tamales or tamalli -meaning “wrapped” in the Náhuatl languagecome in many different varieties, shapes and flavors according to the region. They can be savory or sweet, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, long, short or large. Some of these varieties include the zacahuil of the Huasteca region, the uchepos and corundas of Michoacán, the Mayan pibil chicken that is cooked in a pib (a
pit in the ground where food is cooked on hot rocks and covered with palms) and the tamales that we can enjoy in this region, colados (soft) and torteados (hard). If you were lucky enough to find the porcelain figurine in your king cake, don’t act like you don’t know that you must invite everyone for tamales and enjoy this delicious tradition!
ART & CULTURE 13
My Odyssey Through Music SIRENIS By Aitana
A
fter the adventures with my first original band Feder I took some time out for a couple of weeks. To be honest, I was quite discouraged, but soon found I was craving to make music again. Fate helped me out of my bout of depression and near the end of February 2010 I got a phone call from my friend Hector, the former bassist of the Grand Sirenis Hotel band. He knew the band was looking for a female substitute singer for their rock show on Wednesdays, but only for March or until their two new female fulltime singers had learned the entire repertoire. He put me in touch with the band leader Genaro; we had one rehearsal and I was ready to go and really excited. Now, what would life be without a twist of irony? In early March 2010 we had a sudden cold wave and temperatures dropped. Everybody got the flu. That included me and the other two singers; we were all struggling with severe throat infections. Of course that would happen right before my first performance with them. I still remember how I “medicated” myself before and during the shows by mixing the throat medicine Simibrox into my water bottle and having a Tequila shot. This was just to ensure I would be able to sing in the first place, as I didn’t have to just sing any kind of music I had to belt out Rock & Heavy Metal. This wasn’t just an unlucky turn on the first Wednesday, oh no, it was all of them. Forcing my voice with a sore throat did not help my healing process and after each show I was again vocally “knocked out” for a couple of days. Luckily, with or without a sore throat, the band members thought I nailed it and they were even talking about forming a new rock band with me to play after their hotel hours. Nevertheless, this never materialised and turned out to be just one of those passing comments that just stayed in our minds; they were just too busy with their hotel performance, something totally understandable. By the end of March, the two other singers were ready and my time with the hotel band ended. To this day I’m glad when I meet up with them, they are great guys all of them.
Aitana is a singer and a jewelry designer. Contact her and her band at the Facebook pages Aitana Singer Jewelry Designer and Night Brain.
14
HEALTH & SPORTS
Learn Yoga Basics BY ARIELLE THOMAS NEWMAN Downward Facing Dog is one of the most well known and commonly practiced yoga poses. It offers the dual challenge of stretching the hamstring muscles in the back of your legs, as well as strengthening your arms, back and shoulder areas. Although the classic final pose urges you to have your heels to the ground, this is not necessary, nor advisable if you have tight hamstring or calf muscles. A longer, more lifted spine can often be achieved by lifting the heels off the floor, bending the knees at a sharp angle, and directing the ‘sitting bones’ back and up towards the sky. This yoga pose can help calm the brain and relieve stress and mild depression. Potential benefits also include improving digestion and relieving insomnia, back pain and fatigue. HOW TO DO DOWNWARD FACING DOG Start kneeling in Tabletop Pose with hands under your shoulders; fingers spread facing the top of your yoga mat, knees bent and under your hips and your back flat. Keeping the knees bent, lift your knees off the floor, angling the buttocks back and up and pressing your hands
firmly forward and down into the floor. Use your abdominal muscles to help lift up. Your back will be straight and will move towards your thighs. You can stay here with the knees bent about two inches and the heels remaining very high off the floor. Alternatively, as you come into the pose, lift the hips so high and back that the knees have to straighten, then without losing your long back, lower the heels towards the floor, keeping the leg muscles active. In both versions, lift the heart forward and up, and place your head between your arms. To exit the pose, lower your knees to the floor and bring your buttocks back to your heels and rest in Child’s Pose. It is most important to practice Down Dog after warming up the back of the legs. Cobra and Locust Poses are great to prepare your legs and spine for comfortably executing Down Dog. If you have stiff wrists, try elevating your hands on the edge of a yoga mat that has been folded
twice. Or you can use yoga wedges, which are triangular shapes props that are angled higher on one end to relieve stress on your wrist joints. As with any physical activity, check with your doctor for any counter-indications. Remember to have fun. Yoga is for everybody! Arielle is a yoga teacher, writer, choreographer, and former professional dancer
Advice From the Expert RICHARD MCCARTHY There are two facets to being an expert. One is to have a solid education and foundation of knowledge on a particular subject. The other is experience that comes with time and being tested on a daily basis with a myriad of normal scenarios as well as variants from the normal. From this knowledge and experience comes a highest level of expertise of a subject matter. My eight years of Chiropractic education and 25 plus years of treating thousands of cases has made me a back and spine expert. Due to the high number of patients over so many years there are few doctors that know backs better than I do. You can use my expertise and advice to live healthier and happier now and in the future. 1. Invest some time and effort to keep your structural balance. Almost everyone has imbalance because we all do things to cause it. Falls, sports injuries, poor posture, accidents, work injuries, strains, etc... These are but some of the ways to be imbalanced. A spine will not rebalance itself. The best professional to find and correct these situations is the Chiropractor. 2. Take proper care of your back. Proper care consists of realigning the imbalanced areas. Correcting the problems as much as possible can take time depending on how long you have had it and how severe the problems are. At the beginning most people require at
least two sessions per week. As the problems are corrected the sessions can be reduced. A very important fact is that pain is not a good gauge of your structural or back health. In other words not having pain does not mean there is no structural problem. It is usually a matter of time for the problems to arise. Why wait and damage your spine? Why not feel better now and in the future? 3. Maintaining your balance. This means that once your back is corrected as much as possible then you should maintain the occasional follow-up sessions. This can be once a week or down to once every four weeks. There is no way the back will continue to stay balanced on its own. The longer you stay balanced the better you will function, you will be healthier, and you will physically be able to do more with time. I hope that my expertise can bring you an understanding of the importance of Chiropractic Care as it relates to your spinal health. Take proper care of your back and enjoy your life to the fullest!!
CHIROPRACTOR For a safe, effective chiropractor
Dr. Richard McCarthy at The New Gym, Playa Del Carmen
Tel: 984 873 2098
This pose improves: Mild depression Digestion Insomnia Back pain Fatigue
January 21- February 3, 2015
HEALTH & SPORTS
15
Diet Detective Psoriasis By Ana Acosta
P A surfer catching waves on the beaches of Cancun / Photo:Jhonathan Díaz
Cancun, a Good
Place to Surf The Surfing Association and affiliates who represent the state in national competitions,have been making way for the sport in this region since 2000 BY JESÚS SIERRA
“
There is no age limit to start surfing, we surf wherever the waves take us”, explains David Hernández, president of the Surf Association of Quintana Roo (ASQROO), who is in charge of supervising surfing tournaments in the state as well as choosing surfers who will represent the state in national events. The association was launched on December 8, 2000, even though it had already been operating informally since 1998. Today, Hernández confirmed that the association has 97 members, of which 80 percent are men and the rest are women. The youngest member is registered to be 10 years old and the oldest is 55 years old. ASQROO, just like most sporting associations, is hoping to become affiliated with the National System of Physical Culture and Sports (SINADE), the governmental organization that promotes and supports sporting associations throughout Mexico. “In order to become a member of the association, by law we must charge our members an annual subscription fee of $400 pesos a year, since it is a requisite of the Mexican Surfing Federation,” explained Hernández. ASQROO also has sponsors that provide them with monetary and in-kind support, in addition to funds they receive from governmental institutions. Hernández states that the majority of affiliated members live in Cancun, “We also
have representatives in Cozumel, and little by little we are gaining more members around the state.” Those members that have taken part in national competitions have come home victorious with first place wins.
members in ASQROO
97 80% are men 20% are women
ASQROO run four tournaments a year, although these are highly dependent on the surf conditions. “We are aiming for eight eventually, as long as the minimum conditions in terms of ocean swell are met. Cancun is a great place to surf, although the conditions are not always ideal as they are dependent on the season, the tide, the wind, all of which can vary dramatically,” said Hernández. The most popular surf beaches in Cancun are Chac Mool Beach, Delfines Beach and Marlín Beach. To find out more about surfing events and tournaments, visit the Facebook page Asociación de Surf de Quintana Roo.
soriasis is a non-contagious, chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous plaques with silvery, red scales. It affects both men and women equally, as long as they have a strong genetic predisposition. Although the exact cause is still unknown, the most probable explanation to date stipulates that psoriasis occurs when there is a combination of family history coupled with immunological and environmental factors, including diet. It has been reported that obesity, or even just being overweight, is a risk factor in the development and severity of psoriasis. Diet is very important in the pathogenesis of this disease. According to most studies, the best dietary advice for people with psoriasis is the same as for anyone else: eat a diet low in calories and high in fruits and vegetables, even fasting, with care, has been known to be effective. Additionally, diets rich in omega-3 fats, found in oily fish such as sardines, herring, salmon and anchovy,
also showed beneficial effects so their use is recommended. All these diets would help with the suppression of the inflammatory processes. Moreover, arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid rich in omega-6, found in meat products, promotes inflammatory reactions. Therefore, those affected by psoriasis should avoid eating meat, animal fats, egg yolk, patés and sausages. Recent studies have shown a correlation between celiac disease and psoriasis; and although there is very limited data, it has been proven that a gluten-free diet can improve skin lesions. High alcohol consumption has also been associated with the formation of free radicals which bring on the skin inflammation in psoriasis, and as such alcohol intake should be avoided. Finally, oral supplements of vitamin D in patients who do not use it topically, is a therapeutic option due to its immunomodulatory and antiproliferative role.
Ana Acosta is a Nutritionist specializing in maternal-child nutrition, pregnancy & lactation. Contact her at ana@mompreneurs.mx - 984 5938702
16
ENTERPRISE FOCUS
PROFILE:
Entrepreneurs
in the R i v i e r a
Playa del Carmen’s Akumal Microbrewery Born in 2011 and settled in the heart of colonia Colosio this business is the first producer of craft beer in the city BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
T
he first Playa del Carmen craft beer began development in 2011, with their first beer being launched in June 2013. The Akumal microbrewery is located in the heart of the popular Colosio district by the Federal highway, next to the town’s cemetery. Their products are currently available in select bars and restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum, but the breweries next target markets are hotels.
NAME: Jaime de Benito COMPANY: MexLaw POSITION: Vice President of Marketing and Sales CITY: Playa del Carmen
J
aime de Benito was born in Santander, Spain, and grew up in Madrid, where he lived for 25 years. He obtained degrees in Tourism, Communication and Public Relations from the University CEU San Pedro of Madrid and a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication from the University Complutense of Madrid. He gained professional experience during his numerous travels. In 1998, he was selected for an internship, as part of this Master’s Degree, in Los Angeles, United States. After graduating, he worked for the advertising agency Grupo Puntafina, the hotel group Foxá and the tour company Nuba Expediciones, which allowed him travel to India, China, Kenya and Morocco. He accompanied tour groups and was responsible for the development of prospective customers for these companies. When Jaime first arrived in Mexico he spent six months
CURRENCY
traveling throughout the country before settling in Playa del Carmen in 2012, where he worked for Mexico Car Rental. Jaime recently joined MexLaw in November 2014, the only Mexican based law firm operated by Canadian, American and Mexican lawyers who specialize in providing legal services in the real estate sector. The main goal of MexLaw is to convey to international buyers a high level of confidence in Mexican real estate transactions as well as to encourage market development throughout the country. To accomplish this, Jaime was appointed as National Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. He is responsible for continuing to consolidate MexLaw’s main strength: customer service and high level of professionalism. His motivation for this role is to ensure that the firm remains a benchmark for legal services in real estate transactions in Mexico.
* JANUARY20 * Source BANAMEX
DOLLAR
EURO
ARGENTINIAN PESO
Buy 14.35 Sell 14.95
Buy 16.75 Sell 17.18
Buy 1.68 Sell 1.72
DOLLAR CANADA
YEN
SWISS FRANC
Buy 11.98 Sell 12.29
Buy 0.12 Sell 0.12
Buy 16.61 Sell 17.04
POUND
REAL
RUSSIAN RUBLE
Buy 21.96 Sell 22.52
Buy 5.50 Sell 5.64
Buy 4.45 Sell 4.45
2,500 litresproduced per month
40 regular customers
$360 pesos per box Raúl Gómez Méndez, who is responsible for production at Akumal, explained that the brewing and production process takes about one month and comprises of fermentation, clarification, maturation and bottling, before it is ready to be enjoyed. The producer explained that Akumal craft beer has a “unique quality” and has broken the paradigm among local consumers and despite the commercial beers that dominate the market, craft beer has positioned itself as an alternative for people who are looking for a locally produced specialty. “Akumal is a premium beer made of four types of malt which is also different to commercial malt. We have two types of beer, Akum-
Akumal beer is available in the brewery, restaurants and hotels / Photos: Facebook The Independent Brewing Co.
al Clara, American pale Ale at 4.7 percent and Akumal Oscura Porter at 4.8 percent. We have also recently developed an Indian Pale Ale. We started supplying our beers as draught barrels and then moved to bottles. Our beer is now available in quite a few restaurants and hotels and the local market is speaking well of the beer,” said Gómez. “We produce 2,500 litres of beer per month. As with many things in this region, our production is seasonal. We are now supplying Playa del
Carmen, Akumal and Tulum and we have around 40 regular customers,” said Gómez Méndez. Currently, the price per box is $360 pesos or $300 pesos if you return the bottles. There are only two microbreweries in the state of Quintana Roo, Akumal and Curvato, which is produced in Chetumal. Both brands belong to The Independent Brewing Company. For more information on stockists check out the website www.tibc.mx or the Facebook page The Independent Brewing Co.
January 21- February 3, 2015
HOMELIFE
17
Homeowner Conflict Resolutions BY ANTONELLA VÁZQUEZ
I
f you have ever attended a typical Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting, you probably already know why world peace is not easy to achieve. You would think that all condominium owners would have one thing in common: wanting to protect their investment and working with other owners to do so. But in our experience, we have found that lack of communication, commitment and information, can even lead to the diminished value of a condominium property. As a local law firm, we have assisted property developers in filling
the Declaration of Condominium that enables buyers to acquire the title deeds on their property. We assist condominium owners who face losing their property, or who required contracting the services of a new management team and with approving emergency extraordinary fees. We have also assisted some owners in amending their condominium bylaws and legal documents to incorporate new common areas or other improvements. Here are a few simple tips on how to become a responsible condominium owner (for more details, please check our online version at www.theplayatimes.com):
·Try to stay involved.Support volunteers and the vigilance committee. ·Pay the maintenance fee. Use your right to express your concerns on proposed amounts, but do pay the fee to maintain the right to speak and vote in the HOA meeting. ·Attend the HOA meetings (usually two a year). ·You are entitled to see complete financial statements from the management. ·Engage the services of a professional condominium administrator. Every condominium is different and has specific needs - from a single, full-time person, to a large-scale management company.
The Legal Forum The Will in Mexico By Gerardo González
A
will helps to secure the heritage of a person after their death. In this regard, it is important to know that, just like all other legal tools, a will has several variations and approaches. The different varieties of wills are adapted to each person based on their needs, economic situation and the type of inheritance at stake. Note that A Notario Público must draw up all wills. Open Public Wills: These are done before a notary and three witnesses. They consist of a signed and certified written statement. The notary issues an original copy known as a testimony of the public instrument, keeping the original signed copy for backup records, which is kept safe until the event of your death. Closed Public Wills: They are written by the notary or by another person of the notary’s choosing, where each page is signed and kept in a closed envelope. The envelope is then handed over to a notary who remains unaware of its contents till the moment it is revealed to the heirs. Holographic Wills: This is a will handwritten by the notary, who keeps a copy of the will in a sealed envelope. This is the cheapest option although holographic wills run the risk of being deemed in-
valid when the notary does not have the necessary knowledge to draft it. In the case of wills made abroad, they are valid in Mexico as long as they have been certified by the notary or the heirs, before or after the death of the testor. By law, the will must be drawn up in Spanish, which is the reason you may require a translator if your Spanish is weak. Unfortunately, you cannot bring a friend along to translate, as state law requires the translator to be someone recognized by the federal and or state authorities. It is important to note that when a will is made, anything that was done by the person beforehand will be made totally or partially invalid, especially in the case that the conditions regarding a specific asset differ from the latest will. The main reason why you should consider making a will is, first of all, to safeguard your heritage after your death and to be able to ensure your heritage is passed on to loved ones and avoid a cumbersome trial that would delay the process of handing over your assets and would increase the cost of the procedure, which often ends in a family dispute. The best approach is to consult a lawyer on the necessary guidelines for making and managing a will with a notary.
Gerardo González is lawyer specializing in corporate law, and a graduate from the Interamerican University for Development in Merida, where he originates from. If you have a topic in mind you would like him to address in his column, write to him at gonzalez@mexlaw.ca
Communication and commitment are the foundation of HOA resolutions / Photo: Agency
If you are thinking of buying condominium property in the Riviera Maya, our advice is that you take a look at its bylaws and study the blueprints for the unit and the blueprints
for the common areas, and of course do your due diligence. Respect, participate, enjoy and be proactive. Words to live by if you are a condominium owner.
18
TAKE A BREAK Makes 4 servings
HOROSCOPES
Ingredients:
AQUARIUS
2 cups of cauliflower cut into florets
Vegetarian Ceviche
JANUARY 20THFEBRUARY 18TH
You may feel bad about something you did in the past. Somehow your heart is not able to let it go. Don’t be hard on yourself. Realize that you are probably feeling worse about the situation than necessary.
1 chopped tomato 1 chopped avocado 1 chopped green chilli ½ cup of olive oil
PISCES
½ cup of chopped cilantro
(FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH)
4 squeezed lemons
You are going through a period of major evaluation of certain life projects. You may feel some tension and sense that something holds you back. Focus on the place where it affects you most - your heart.
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
ARIES (MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH)
Cut the cauliflower into florets. Marinate it in lemon juice for 30 minutes. Chop the tomato, avocado and green chilli. Drain the cauliflower and mix in the chopped vegetables, the olive oil, the cilantro, chopped, and season with salt and pepper. Serve.
There is a restrictive air that may put a damper on your jovial nature. Use this energy to your advantage and make order out of the chaos in your life. Eat a healthy meal and share your thoughts with others.
You are going through a time in which you have the opportunity to make tremendous advances. These rewards won’t come without hard work and discipline. A fantastic opportunity is at hand.
RECIPE
TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH)
GEMINI Things may not be as sunny as usual. Take it easy and try not get bogged down by negative emotions. Complete projects and stay focused on things that require a great deal of discipline on your part.
CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND)
You are building the foundation for a major life project. This period is not to be taken lightly. Make sure you are building with bricks and not straw, and that the mortar you use is strong.
CROSSWORD
(MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH)
LEO Focus on getting your projects done, but don’t go looking for sympathy from others if you are feeling a bit down. Crank up your stereo as loud as you can and indulge in a scrumptious meal.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND)
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Realize that you’re going through a trying period right now and that you need all the sanity you can muster. Refrain from making mountains out of molehills.
LIBRA
WORD SEARCH
(JULY 23RD – AUGUST 22ND)
(SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND)
Don’t get frustrated if things are not lining up perfectly. Perhaps the situation was not meant to be. Look for a more practical solution. You have all the information you need to make an intelligent decision.
Across 1 4 7 8 9 10 12 17 19 20 21 22 23
Down
Fearful (6) Debit (anag) (5) Technical expert (6) Characteristic of wooded regions (6) Asian desert (4) Handing (a case) on to an expert (8) Immediate boss (4,7) English county (8) Spice from the nutmeg seed (4) English cathedral and university city (6) Written to be performed by a choir (6) Navigator (5) Winter Olympic event(6)
COUPLES DOUBLE LEAP LIFT PIVOT POLKA RUN SPRING AQUAT STEP TURN WALK
SCORPIO
Relations with others may not be at their best, and it may seem like your feelings are being squeezed through the ringer. Keep your chin up and work to get things done right the first time.
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH)
There are opportunities open to you now whether you realize it or not. Remind yourself that having at least one foot on the ground is key to manifesting your dreams.
SUDOKU PUZZLE
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DEC 21ST)
Central American salamander — lax tool (anag) (7) Roughneck (7) Simpleton (9) Seawater (5) Break-up (7) Snarl-up (6) Overenthusiastic (9) Promiscuous (7) Mouth abscess (7) Win back (7) Exhausted the supply (4,2) Trace (anag) (5)
DANCE
(OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST)
Your sober attitude can aid in making extremely practical, well-grounded decisions. Start by getting rid of the stuff that is cluttering up your life. Get to the heart of the issue and stop beating around the bush.
1 2 3 4 5 6 11 13 14 15 16 18
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
LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION
January 21- February 3, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
19
Classifieds
Dear Craig
GENERAL SERVICES
ENGLISH SPOKEN. Plaza Paraiso 10th Avenue South, near the entrance to Playacar, Playa del Carmen. Telephone 984 803 1043
My husband and I are going to be in Playa in May and he wants to visit some gentlemen’s clubs while he’s there. I was wondering if there are any ladies’ clubs that I might be able to visit too. Socially Speculative
Well, Socially, before I can tell you about any ladies’ clubs here in Playa, let me tell you about what your husband can expect from our gentlemen’s clubs. First, a gentlemen’s club is a club for like-minded individuals who share similar values and interests. Typically, the gentlemen who visit these clubs are quite generous, often offering to help unwed mothers put food on their plates or to put law students through school. The club will generally offer beverages and play popular music that makes it easier for the staff to dance. A jovial place, the gentlemen’s club is so popular with its staff that they dance all night – though only one at a time. The gentlemen, when not talking about politics, religion, or how to solve world hunger, watch the staff members dance. The dancing is so enthusiastic –because of the staff members’ love for their employment– that most, if not all, of their clothes fall off. Gentlemen, being noble and kind-hearted, will often give the employees money to buy new clothes. Some of the staff members will also engage the gentlemen in some of their discussions. As there is only enough seating for the gentlemen,
however, the staff members have to sit in the gentlemen’s laps. This is also because the music is so loud that it can be difficult to hear the important and life-affirming things the gentlemen tell the staff. Staff members also provide health screenings for any gentleman who wishes it. These screenings are done in private rooms and generally last for about the last 30 seconds of whatever song is currently playing. Ladies clubs are a little different. Basically, very muscular men who are wearing very little clothing come out on stage and dance provocatively in order to entice the ladies into screaming and throwing money at the men. Far less orderly than a gentlemen’s club, the ladies club a free-for-all of eroticism, over the clothes dirty dancing, and debauchery. I’m not sure where you can find any of the ladies’ clubs in Playa, but I would imagine that your concierge would be able to help you out with that. I hope that helps! All the best,
. g i a Cr
Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa. If you have a question email dcraignorton@gmail.com
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