Edition 62

S P A M E ID

INS

elebrate CCanada Day

Biweekly · Year 02 · Number 62 · 20,000 copies · 32 Pages · Jun 24 - July 7 , 2015 www.theplayatimes.com

ON PARLE FRANÇAIS! Culture et Communauté

Apprenez à mariés vos vins blanc, sur la lutte contre le Sida et des bons conseils pour l’époque de l’ouragan

in Playa!

The Playa Times and Blue Parrot want to invite you to the first Official Canada Day in Playa del Carmen on July 1, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring guests

>12, 13 ·DISCOVER MEXICO RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS

Get yourself some typically Canadian treats from the food stalls.

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

P

laya will host the very first Canada Day party on July 1, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Blue Parrot, located on 12th Street and the Beach.

Since 1867, Canadians have celebrated the birth of their nation on July 1, when three provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canada Province (now split into Ontario and Quebec) were joined into one country. This union was the result of the Constitutional Act, granting Canada a great deal of independence from the United Kingdom. It wasn’t until 1982 however that Canada shed its dependence from the U.K., the same year that Canada Day became an official holiday.

Canadian patriotism took several decades to catch on because many early Canadians identified

themselves as British.

The whole country celebrated in 1967 for Canada’s 100th anniversary and Canada day evolved into the widespread holiday it is today. Canadian patriotism took several decades to catch on because many early Canadians identified themselves as British.

Typical celebrations include fireworks, concerts, cookouts, and sports games. City parks, streets and museums become hosts to countless activities and festivals, with Ottawa being the main hub of events.

Other Canada Day traditions are gaining foothold around the world.

This year, Playa del Carmen is joining in on the fun.

Mexico is the second most popular destination for Canadians, attracting 25,000 snowbirds every year. Approximately two million tourists came to Mexico last year, and around 50,000 Canadian Men-

Live musical performances with bands covering popular Canadian artists.

Carnival games and activities to keep your kids entertained.

Top quality business networking opportunities and get to know open-minded entrepreneurs from Canada.

nonites live in Mexico out of which 25,000 have dual citizenship.

Canada Day is a great opportunity for local and visiting Canadians, and the culturally curious, to gather and celebrate the Canuck spirit in the Caribbean.

Being an expat living in Mexico is not just about shipping your belong-

ings here, filling in some bureaucratic papers and then spending your afternoons sipping margaritas with your toes in the ocean. Socializing with people from all over the world is an essential part of life in a cultural melting pot like Playa del Carmen, and helps in getting accustomed to the Mexican way of life and mentality in your native language.

Bring friends, and come join members of the community for an afternoon of games, activities, music, contests, prizes, food and fun to mark Canada’s 148th birthday!

Tickets are $150 pesos, which includes $100 pesos in food vouchers and a $50 donation to the local fire department. You can purchase your tickets in advance from The Playa Times and Blue Parrot. Tickets will also be available on the door at the same price.

Hope to see you a Canada Day in Playa!

QUICK GETAWAY TRIPS Discover some of the top destinations within a few hours away from the Riviera Maya, including Santa Elena near Uxmal, Holbox and north of Playa

>20 CANCUN INSIDER News

Renewable energy is taking great precedence in the area. Cancun International Airport is underway to build the new Terminal 4

Photo: Agency

Photo:Agency

A great Canadian cookout.

Photo: Agency

Activities include:

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June 24 - July 7 2015

>Editorial Cross-Cultural Identities and Celebrations Javier Escalante Managing Director javier@meridianmedia.mx

Beatriz Lucas Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Cyrielle Noblesse French Copy Editor

Diego Uribe Marketing Director diego@meridianmedia.mx

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

Ana Martínez Community Manager & Marketing marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Karla Mora Sales & Promopack promopack@meridianmedia.mx

perspective on other identities.

Being among all of my international friends has opened my eyes to what is going on in the rest of the world or even right around me.

More often than not, talking

about customs and participating in cultural events here in Playa helps make you feel complete and connected. We learn about one another, and we take time for everyone’s special day. It is also a way of learning

not take life too seriously. Especially when the barman says, “What is this? Some kind of joke?”

www The Playa Times is a communication platform for the community to voice its hopes, dreams and concerns for the future of Playa del Carmen.

In addition to our Facebook page, carry on the conversation on Twitter @ThePlayaTimes, take a look at some of the most scenic views on our Instagram account /Playa Times, or go directly to our website www. theplayatimes.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you shortly.

Photo: Agency

DIRECTORY

My social life in Playa always sounds like the opening line to a cheesy joke. I am always expecting an American, an English person, a Dutch person, a French person, an Italian, an Argentinian and a Mexican to walk into the bar.

This region is a melting pot of nationalities, customs and celebrations. The best bit about it is there is always an excuse to enjoy food, drinks, and get the sparklers out to celebrate someone else’s historic commemoration.

With July round the corner, the party hosts for the first half of the month go to the Americans and Canadians.

Connecting with people across the world in an instant is something many of us in the region do on a daily basis. It is also a moment of diplomacy where you can stand for your culture as well as get a whole new

Efrén Velázquez Iliana Ceballos

Testimonial

Graphic Design design@meridianmedia.mx

H

ola! I just wanted to say that as a temporary visitor here on a 3 month volunteer project with GVI Mexico, I think your free newspaper is excellent - it has put me in touch with social activities, current news and events and articles that are well written, interesting and informative.

It’s also educated me about cultural and environmental topics - so is just such a great all round resource.

Thank you so much for all the work that must go into it - I look forward to each one as it comes out.

Milton Rosel Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT:

Tessa Mackenzie (Aotearoa New Zealand)

984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @ThePlayaTimes THE PLAYA TIMES RIVIERA MAYA'S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Quincenal.

Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional de Derechos de Autor: (PENDIENTE). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Título: (en trámite). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Contenido: (en trámite). Domicilio de la publicación: Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710. Impreso en talleres Grupo Megamedia Prolongación de Montejo número 301, entre 40 y 42, fraccionamiento Campestre, Mérida, Yucatán. Distribuidor: Meridian Media, S.A. de C.V., Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.

TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 24

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51% chance of rain E at 10 mph

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LOCAL NEWS

Dreamworks Coming to the Riviera Maya

BY MELISSA ROBLES

Dreamworks is coming to the Riviera Maya with plans to open up a Disneyland-style theme park. This project will generate more employment opportunities, increased options for tourists and a strong economic impact.

Jesús Martín Medina, president of the local tourism association, said this project will benefit everyone, but especially tourism aimed at families, which is one of the most important.

“The park will be around 10 hectares in the Punta Maroma zone. It will have villas themed from movies such as Kung Fu Panda, Penguins of Madagascar, and Shrek and will provide at least 2,000 jobs.”

The well-known animation studio will be working with Mexican investors to develop the project. Martín Medina says these high quality developments will help tourists plan a longer stay in the area and promote economic development.

However, there is still no formal arrangement with the local government to request permissions to build, confirmed Eduardo Morentin Ocejo, general director of Environmental and Urban Planning.

The production company has its sights set on property just north of Playa for a theme park based on its famous and highly successful animated movies

The park will be around 10 hectares in the Punta Maroma zone. It will have villas themed from movies such as Kung Fu Panda, Penguins of Madagascar, and Shrek and will provide at least 2,000 jobs Jesús Martín Medina President of the local tourism association To guarantee the protection of the environment, Guadalupe de la Rosa, president of the environmental organization Moce Yax Cuxtal, reiterated the importance that the developers present documents detailing the environmental impact and the report be made public.

The initial investment will be $800 million USD and will include more than 30 attractions, villas, theaters, restaurants and commercial spaces. The park is estimated to receive at least 4 million visitors during the first four years it is open, and at least half of those visitors in the first 12 months. A later addition of an aquatic park is planned.

Dreamworks is not only a successful production company, it has also worked in the television sector, invested in videogames and most recently began working on its entertainment complexes, becoming a franchise.

Dreamworks will be working with Mexican investors to develop the project / Photo: Wikimedia.org

Dengue is transmitted through a mosquito bite / Photo: Agency

Dengue in Playa del Carmen During rainy season, the likelihood of being affected increases and it is important to be educated about how to prevent the spread and to recognize the symptoms in case of infection

BY MELISSA ROBLES

T

his year, 45 cases of dengue have been registered in Playa del Carmen. This virus does not discriminate by the age, social class, or gender, as it is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Dengue is presented in two forms, classic and hemorrhagic; the second can be fatal if it is not treated in time.

The symptoms are fever, general aches and pains, muscular pain, headaches, and aching bones. Municipal health director Oscar Rodríguez Mendoza recognized that cases have gone up since 2014, due to rains and people who are already affected coming from other states.

There is also the fact that the insect uses standing water to reproduce. As a preventative measure, A voltear el vaso (“tip the glass”) campaign was started to get information to locals.

“It is important that people do not have open containers of water, the keep the patio clean, wear long sleeves, and use insect repellent, but cleanliness is the most important,” added Rodríguez Mendoza.

The organization also visits primary and secondary schools, as well as neighborhoods to spray for mosquitos and keep them under control. Another important action is removing garbage where mosquitoes and pests can grow. More than 1,200 tons of garbage have been picked up in local communities so far this year.

Neighborhoods are sprayed to keep control over mosquitos and this is why people are

It is important that people do not have open containers of water, the keep the patio clean, wear long sleeves, and use insect repellent, but cleanliness is the most important.

Oscar Rodríguez Mendoza Municipal health director asked to keep doors and windows open so the insecticide can enter. This chemical does not affect plants, animals, or humans.

The Aedes Aegipty mosquito is also a carrier of another disease, chikungunya. The possibility of infection by this virus is high locally due to the flow of workers coming from Chiapas, a state where various cases have been registered, alerted Jorge Gutiérrez Contreras, head of Sanitation Zone 2.

Symptoms of both dengue and chikungunya are the same, with the difference that chikungunya cause symptoms for a longer time.

Until last year, no cases of chikungunya had been registered in Mexican territory.

However, in December, cases were reported in southeastern Mexico.

In the Riviera Maya, no cases of tourists affected by either disease have been reported.

June 24 - July 7 2015

LOCAL NEWS

5

Ciudad Mayakoba A Holistic Urban Development for Playa

Plans for developing a community integrating schooling, parks, commercial and cultural spaces is going ahead by the end of 2015

C

iudad Mayakoba is the new integrated design concept that will become the first planned residential and business community in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in response to the rapid growth and demand in the housing market that has been occurring in this area over the last decade. Typified by three different categories, the project includes various services: commercial areas, public, educational, cultural spaces, facilities, among others.

Ciudad Mayakoba wants to fill the gap of the current art and cultural agenda in the Riviera Maya; with new ideas and projects that

provide cultural spaces for residents and visitors to Ciudad Mayakoba, this development is seeking to strengthen the concept of a Cultural and Artistic Strip, which is already available in the Riviera Maya and for which different companies from the area are already showcasing a number of cultural events.

In Ciudad Mayakoba family time is encouraged and promoted by providing outdoor spaces with picnic facilities, yoga and hiking areas, an outdoor forum for classical music, as well as a variety of services and safety.

The development is planning to offer a selection of basic services including childcare and preschool edu-

cation services as well as elementary and high school all the way up to University services. The latter will be offered with the support and representation of some of our best universities in Mexico that offer alternative postgraduate and master’s courses in the region to national and foreign students who wish to study in the Riviera Maya.

Similarly, it is supporting City Hall of Solidarity by helping them

with the Great Urban Park as this will benefit the community of Playa del Carmen.

The developer’s experience in this sector is complemented by following the UN Habitat’s guidelines, which advocates parks as an essential component for a city’s healthy social life. The rationale behind this assessment is based on the fact that parks create social interactions among different sectors of the population –

due to the day to day activities from dog walkers and families-, they also help to reduce crime rates by getting teens off the streets, and encourage people to relax and distress by taking part in outdoor activities.

The master plan for Ciudad Mayakoba has been meticulously designed to respect the environment. It is hoped that this ambitious project becomes the first development of its kind in the Riviera Maya.

Solidaridad Aerodrome Development The owners will define in the future how they want to use the land to take advantage of a mixeduse property, commercial, residential, and so forth, but it will be decided later.

Gabriel Mendicuti Loria State Secretary of Quintana Roo

Current Aerodrome in Playa / Photo: The Playa Times

BY JOE MALDONADO

The new aerodrome in Solidaridad, which is located near the community of Puerto Aventuras, will be up and running in 2016, according to recent communication by state level authorities.

Because of this, the current airstrip that is located in downtown Playa del Carmen will be closed, and its future is in the hands of investors who plan diverse residence and commercial projects.

Urban planning experts such as the Association of Civil Engineers

The airstrip in Playa will be replaced with commercial projects, and a new airstrip will be located near Puerto Aventuras, with inaugurations planned for mid-2016 and Architects of Solidaridad (CIC) recommend that this area be used as

an entry into the city to avoid further traffic problems, due to the current traffic and vehicle loads.

Precisely because of urban planning issues, such as the safety of drivers who travel daily near the airstrip, both state and local authorities decided to remove it and reopen it in a place where there is not as much development Gabriel Mendicuti Loria, State Secretary of Quintana Roo, recently informed that construction work on the new airstrip is advancing as expected, so a mid-2016 inauguration is planned.

As far as the current airstrip in

Playa is concerned, he mentioned that it belongs to private citizens, and it is not in his hands to decide what happens to this zone. In fact, the Organization for Environmental and Urban Planning of Solidaridad has already analyzed various proposals.

“The owners will define, in the future, how they want to use the land to take advantage of a mixed-use property, commercial, residential, and so forth, but it will be decided later,” he explained.

Although he isn’t discarding the construction of a strip mall, he said that for the moment there are no proj-

ects planned, and additionally, they would have to submit to an evaluation by the federal authorities.

The CIC president, José Miguel Zarate, wanted to remind us that a few years ago, it was proposed to convert the airstrip into an access road to historic Playa del Carmen, in order to relieve some of the traffic on Avenida Juárez.

The idea is that this possible road would only be one way, for vehicle entry, and that Avenida Juárez would also be one way, as an exit only road.

Authorities may consider this option, because traffic flow is necessary within the city. However, it would first depend on the property owners and how much they want to coordinate with authorities to create a solution, beneficial for all. This new road would help the flow of thousands of vehicles that use the area each day.

6

COMMUNITY

June 24 - July 7 2015

Quit Your Job and Become A Psychologist in Paradise

NAME M a ri sa M a rz á B e n a i ge s

dance class and we are very happy. We end the day with a good dinner in our apartment.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I am from a city in Spain near the Mediterranean Sea called Castellón. It is close to Valencia. It is a popular tourism destination because its beaches and beautiful mountains are so close to each other.

HAS PLAYA BEEN A GOOD PLACE FOR YOU TO WORK? WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING HERE? Playa is a good place for my profession because there are a lot of areas where I can use my knowledge. At the Alfa School, I am a teacher of psychology, I work in human recourses and do individual and group therapy. I like my routine here. I can combine my hobbies with my job very well. I love swimming, dancing, meeting different people and talking with a good friends.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PSYCHOLOGIST? Originally, I wanted to be a journalist but that meant studying in another city, which I didn’t have the money for. The schools in my city offered a few careers and I chose psychology. When I began my studies, I fell in love with psychology.

Photo: Marisa Marzá Benaiges

Where do you go to find work?

Agencies update their listings every day / Photo:Agency

A quick guide on where to find work in Playa, the Riviera Maya and throughout the state on the web

A

few editions back we gave you a rundown of the best websites and blogs to find information on all types of topics. This time, we are highlighting some of the key and reputable agencies that keep a listing of job offers. These get updated on a daily basis, so make sure to check in on them regularly to snatch up your lucky break!

ASOCIACIÓN DE HOTELES DE LA RIVIERA MAYA, A.C www.rivieramaya.org.mx Facebook / Asociación de Hoteles de La Riviera Maya A.C. Twitter / AHRMVacantes Plaza Paseo Coba, 2nd Floor, Diagonal 5 sur, Suite 316, Playacar Fase II Tel: 984 859 2234 /859 2276 / 206 1598 For those interested in working in the hotel sector, this association can point you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.

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Do you want to take part of our Expat Profiles?

Email edition@meridianmedia.mx

EXPAT PRO F I LES

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

TULUM TIMES

PORTAL DE EMPLEO DE LA RIVIERA MAYA www.portaldeempleodelarivieramaya.org.mx A human Resources Agency for the Riviera Maya.

You can create an online profile, upload your CV and do a search for businesses in the area. ÁNDALE www.andale.mx You can also find the free Ándale magazine available around town.

This classifieds magazine is a staple source of information for Playa del Carmen, having been around for over 11 years now.

COMPUTRABAJO www.computrabajo.com.mx This website provides information for job offers throughout the whole of Mexico. You can upload your CV and create an online profile of yourself. Job offers tailored to you can be sent directly to your email.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS? I work in my perfect job as a psychologist and I teach psychology in the morning. Then, I take a break to swim in the sea. I love swimming! After my swim, I eat at home with my little cat and return to work. When I finish work, my husband and I go to

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOVE MOVING HERE? WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? The hardest part about moving here was leaving my family and my friends.

Bring my family and friends here!!!

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COMMUNITY

June 24 - July 7 2015

CAN CUN INSIDER

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Solar Energy Use Cancun International Airport is making improvements and plans to build a new terminal / Photo: wikimedia.org

Cancun International Airport Terminal 4

BY JOE MALDONADO

Airport Facts Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most important tourist destinations in the country and the number of visitors continues to increase year after year. In 2014, more than 17 million people passed through Cancun International Airport, compared to 15 million in 2013. Flights to Cancun account for 70 percent of the tourists arriving in the area, an increase of 2 million visitors from 2013. In 2014, Cancun had an average of 400 flights, 100 more flights than 2013. The additional passengers and flights have placed demands on the airport, including the need to add more gates and make repairs to existing areas. As a result, the airport is expanding Terminal 3 and, in December 2014, the plan for building Terminal 4 was presented.

The development of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is predicted to continue in the coming years. The Riviera Maya alone is estimated to have 80,000 hotel rooms within the next 25 years. Cancun International Airport is predicted it will have more international flights than the Mexico City airport. Although Mexico City has more flights daily, Cancun is reported to have more international flights.

The projected investment for Terminal 4, including platforms, access points, roadwork, and parking is $2.6 billion MXN. From this investment, $215 million MXN is slated for construction of a terminal train and the remainder for the rest of the planned construction, including the construction of Terminal 4. After federal authorities approve the project, the terminal is estimated to be completed in for to five years.

Currently, Terminal 1 is used for charter flights from North America, including local charter airlines. Terminal 2 is used by some international airlines, as well as all national airlines, and the new Terminal 3 is used for the majority of the international flights for North American and European airlines.

It is estimated that around 930 new jobs will be created. Of these, an estimated 430 will be temporary and 500 permanent. 30 temporary jobs will be created during the preparation of the site for around and 400 jobs will be created during the construction phase lasting about four years. 500 jobs will be available once the project is completed and are seen to provide jobs for around 50 years. All the jobs during the preparation and construction phases are temporary, and the rest are permanent.

In 2014, more than

17

million passengers used Cancun International Airport.

70% of the areas visitors arrive via Cancun International Airport Daily flights increased

25% over 2013

Hotel rooms in Riviera Maya expected to reach over

80,000 within 25 years

With depleted resources and rising costs, renewable energy is becoming a much-needed alternative. The Federal Energy Commission is encouraging residents, businesses and hotels to capitalize on the area’s sunlight and ensure that the state has a bright future

BY JOE MALDONADO

D

know Did you

that...

ck to 1839 espite the growing use of Solar Panels date ba t Edmund cis renewable energy techysi ph ced when French e material that produ nology, there are cases Bequerel discovered th en exposed to light. wh in which advancements small electric current are made more slowly because of re in described the natu the high cost of investment. This is In 1905, Albert Einste er won a Nobel Prize, lat the case with solar energy panels. of light, for which he lectric effect, providing oe Even though they represent savexplaining the phot r modern technology. fo ings in energy consumption, the a real breakthrough majority of homes and businesses ra gy was used to powe In 1954, the technolo prefer to pay the electricity bill. spacecraft.

Even though big hotels have inoltaic vested in energy saving technologies onent of the photov Silicon is a key comp cause it acts as a semiand contribute to sustainable develbe cells in solar panels opment in destinations such as Canr. to uc nd co cun and the Riviera Maya, they have not installed solar energy panels. install solar panels and with them, do many According to Gerardo Castañeda Adame, superintendent of the Cancun branch things to benefit students.

The northern part of Quintana Roo is not as of the Federal Energy Commission, half of the energy generated in the hotel zone of Cancun is active in installation as the southern part of the state. Although the necessity to have pump sysdone through 34 solar energy panels.

The companies or houses that install solar tems to give water to animals and water fields panels have special meters. In the case of Sol- has led some to install solar panels in ranches.

Even those with few resources have found idaridad, only 76 clients, between hotels, business and residential buildings have solar panels. a way to create their own panels, like some Capi Madera Gil, the superintendent of inhabitants of the Ruta del Chicle zone that the Riviera Maya, said there are some resi- passes through ejidos in Lázaro Cárdenas. For dents who install their own solar panels, as in instance, Tomás Alberto Burgos, the owner the case of Boca Paila, in Tulum. In Quintana of Santo Tomás ranch, improvised some soRoo, there are seven businesses dedicated to lar panels, allowing him to generate energy the installation of renewable energy sources, that he stores in car batteries. The renewable usually solar panels. Curiously, it is one of the energy provides him with enough on which to communities in urban zones where solar ener- run his electrical devices such as television, gy use is the most common. stereo, and a water pump for his well.

One example of this is in the local school With the increasing sales of solar panels, Vida y Esperanza that is located 20 miles people will grow more accustomed and see from Solidaridad. Thanks to the donation of these as a useful investment, making solar a non-profit organization, this school could panels more widespread.

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ENTERPRISE FOCUS

The Waiting Game

BY PATTIE BERRY - INTERCAM The first country on the list of worries is Greece. The reforms for aid negotiations are still on-going between the Brussels Group and Athens. The reality is that time is running out.

Greece must pay €1,500 million on June 30 to the International Monetary Fund, and it doesn’t have the money, so it urgently needs help. An agreement with the Brussels Group must be ratified by the parliament of several Euro Zone countries before any aid can be disbursed.

As we go to print, several things can happen regarding Greece. The first option is that Athens works out an agreement and obtains the financing it needs to pay its debts. Alternatively, Athens might not pay the IMF at the end of the month, which would not affect its credit ratings, prolonging the negotiations. Or, Greece could declare itself in default and exit, or be expelled, from the Monetary Union, which would have negative implications for Greece and the Euro Zone. The experts’ opinions and the markets are divided about what will eventually happen. In the end, the fact is we keep waiting.

The apparently unwavering weakness of the Chinese economy is another point on the markets’ radar. The vast majority of economic indicators for the month of May were recently published, and there was no indication that any

of the weakening trends might be changing. Authorities are applying monetary and fiscal policy measures to stimulate growth, and we all remain waiting for more announcements because they haven’t been enough.

With the failing Greek economy, weakness in China, and an anticipated rise in interest rates in the U.S., we are made to wait, allowing for the rise of volatility Another event keeping many sleepless at night is the Fed, the U.S. central bank. Recently, most economic data has turned out to be better that forecasts, and that has given rise to the almost certainty that interest rates will be raised this year.

The favorite national sport for anyone involved with the markets is to guess the exact date when the Fed will announce the rise in rates. For now, most bets are on September, but December and October are also strong contenders. So, we keep waiting for the decision, and also for the markets’ reaction, because the rate rise will be a shock, no matter how much everyone is anticipating it.

We suggest patience and caution at this time, as more definitions take place. And we remind you that a diversified portfolio stands the best chance for success when faced with such uncertainty.

Locally made lighting and furniture designs / Photo: Unique Wood & Iron Furniture and Lighting

TPT Meets Alan Shields Unique Wood & Iron Furniture and Lighting We spoke to the inventor from Montreal who creates and designs unique rustic, industrial chic lamps and furniture. Find out what he has to say about setting up his business with his partner Ron Hughes in Playa

BY BEATRIZ LUCAS

T

he Playa Times: What are the advantages of running your business from Playa, compared to Montreal?

Alan Shields: THE WEATHER! I was made for Playa. I have lived here before and have come back many times over the last 25 years. It just feels like home. Another advantage is the beautiful types of woods they have here, simply gorgeous. I fall in love every time I go shopping for wood. All the people I deal with for supplies are fantastic and a great help.

When facing uncertainty, a diversified portfolio stands the best chance for success / Photo:Agency

What have you learned about doing business here?

Lots of bureaucracies. It is not as simple as back in Montreal to open a business here.

Lots of steps to do to get a license, find a place, get in touch with the right people and just waiting for something (like call backs, people not showing up for meetings, etc). It can get a little frustrating but once it is all done, well worth the effort.

Where do you source your materials?

Mostly everything is from Playa. There are a few lamp parts that I have to order from the States, and the antique pulleys come from Montreal.

Tell us about your store opening on July 1.

The store is on the highway, on the same corner as Colegio Weston, north of town near to Avenida 28 de Julio. It won’t be packed with stuff at first because we have to make everything, but there will be many pieces to show you what we do. Every day we will be making new pieces, people should pop in every once

Another advantage [about living in Playa] is the beautiful types of woods they have here, simply gorgeous. I fall in love every time I go shopping for wood. All the people I deal with for supplies are fantastic and a great help Alan Shields Co-owner and Designer at Unique Wood & Iron Furniture and Lighting

in a while to see what’s new, talk and maybe even share some good ideas. We will have food and drinks for our grand opening on July 1. Our place is actually in two parts. One part is the store, and the other is the workshop that is open to the public to come and see what we are doing and how we do it.

To find out more about Alan and his partner Ron Hughes, and their work, they suggests you drop by the shop and speak to them directly while they make the pieces. This will give you an idea of how much they love doing this and that it shows in their pieces. To see their designs, you can also visit their website, www.uniquewoodiron.com, where you can also order online. Watch out for their upcoming newsletter and vote for what should be their next project on their site.

To read the full interview, visit our website at www.theplayatimes.com/category/business-news/enterprise-focus.

June 24 - July 7 2015

ENTERPRISE FOCUS

11

The Rise of the Successful

Developers GMB’s launch party for the new development My Menesse the City set the tone for the cutting-edge real estate solutions for Playa and Quintana Roo

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

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he community of Playa got a taste of what the future will be like as hundreds of people gathered under a marquee in downtown for a cutting-edge launch party of the new development, My Menesse the City.

The developers GMB, Gama Master Broker, led by Marc Pujol and his partner Mariano Borges among others, launched the brand Menesse less than a year ago. Today, they have three medium sized developments underway in downtown Playa del Carmen, all of which almost sold out before even finishing construction.

On Friday June 12, GMB invited the whole community to a stylish launch party letting the community know that Playa has some serious players in town who are setting a fresh and contemporary tone to the city. The night’s highlight was the unveiling of the first foundation stone, followed by some fireworks, and a long list of thank yous to all the project supporters, including MexLaw, Vespa and Doimo Cucine.

GMB is the classic story of visionaries who made some very wise and strategic moves in the development sector. CEO, Marc Pujol, moved to Mexico in 2006 to develop two of the biggest developments in the country. GMB started as a marketing and sales agency working on large-scale campaigns promoting real estate in Quintana Roo throughout the USA, Canada and elsewhere

Marc Pujol addressing the crowd / Photos: GMB / The Playa Times

The cutting edge venue for GMB’s launch party

My Menesse the City, located on Constituyentes between 20th and 15th Street, is, as of today, the most successful project in Quintana Roo in Mexico. Under the umbrella of a conglomerate of Spanish banks, GMB was the master broker to the most luxurious projects in Cancun.

An exemplary development consisted of beachfront condos, at over a million dollars per home. They broke the Cancun market when they sold 80 percent of the project before finishing the construction.

However, in 2014, they changed their approach and started developing themselves to meet the key demands sought after by capital investors: location, location, location.

In Playa del Carmen, they invested over $700 million dollars, an amount that no one else has achieved

before in Quintana Roo. My Menesse the City, located on Constituyentes between 20th and 15th Street, is, as of today, the most successful project in Quintana Roo The laying of the first stone was spectacular. It was also a symbolic moment as GMB while hard at work, made sure that everyone was having a good time and able to mix freely and in cozy, yet sleek, installations.

During his address at the launch Marc Pujol stated, “I want Mexico to gain first place in real estate, giving way to Quintana Roo in second place, and third place should go to my adopted hometown Playa del Carmen.”

The event lived up to the great hype

Playa has some serious players in town setting a fresh and contemporary atmosphere to the city GMB’s slogan “Real Estate Solutions” is a reflection of these go-to market leaders, as they have clearly

and firmly established themselves as the solution to the present and future of Quintana Roo and Playa.

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CULTURE

C om m en t ré a li se r l’ a ll ia nc e pa rf a it e en tr e m et s et vi ns ?

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

Quelques conseils pour marier à la perfection vos plats et ce nectar divin pour le plus grand plaisir de nos papilles PAR ADRIEN ETESSE

D

ans la civilisation ancienne, telle que la civilisation égyptienne, le vin était considéré comme le nectar des dieux et seul le pharaon (considéré comme dieu vivant) et sa famille pouvaient en boire. Le « petit peuple », quant à lui, devait se contenter de bière en guise de boisson alcoolisée (la bière fut découverte en Mésopotamie en -6000 av.J.C). Aujourd’hui les choses ont bien changé et l’accès à ce délicieux « nectar » nous est donné à tous. Dans nos cultures contemporaines, le vin a d’ailleurs une place importante durant les repas. D’ailleurs, les professionnels de la gastronomie comme les chefs et les sommeliers, mettent le vin sur piédestal pour le repas et propose des mariages « mets-vins

». Il y a même des restaurants à Paris qui poussent le vice plus loin avec leur concept « choisissez ce que vous buvez, on choisira pour vous ce que vous mangerez. » En somme, il y a plusieurs manières de réaliser un accord metvin. Mais si vous voulez réaliser un mariage facilement il vous faut procéder de la manière suivant : tout d’abord, il est important de connaître le goût du vin que vous voulez marier. Ensuite, il vous

faut penser que ce sont les arômes du vin qui vont « assaisonner » votre plat. Prenons un exemple : en ces temps de chaleur quoi de mieux que de savourer une délicieuse salade verte au saumon fumé et quartier d’agrumes, orange et pamplemousse et quoi de mieux qu’un sauvignon blanc pour accorder cette entrée ?

Les arômes acidulés et floraux de ce cépage s’accorderont à merveille avec les notes fumées, salées et sucrées du plat.

Pour un vin simple aci-

dulé et léger en bouche, je vous recommande un vin du Mexique tel que le « Monte Xanic –sauvignon blanc 2013 » mais si vous voulez un vin léger et rafraichissant avec un bouquet floral spectaculaire choisissez «Villa Maria –Sauvignon Blanc- New Zealand». Ces deux vins se trouvent facilement dans les grandes surfaces et les superettes gourmets et sont à des prix très accessibles.

Ce genre de mariage se fait également avec les vins rouges, rosés et pétillants…

Chef et Sommerlier, Adrien Etesse

Adrien Etesse est Chef & Sommelier. Pour plus d’information, visitez sa page d’internet www.coucoumexikoo.com, et pour le contacter par courrier etesseadrien@yahoo. fr, ou par téléphone 984 100 61 78.

Choisissez ce que vous buvez, on choisira pour vous ce que vous mangerez / Photos: Agence

Vida Positiva Playa

Une si courte présentation pour un travail d’une telle ampleur

Rudolf Geers, président de Vida Positiva Playa / Photo: Rudolf Geers

Vida Positiva rappel les gens de l’usage indispensable du préservatif / Photo: Agence

PAR BARBARA MARTIN-DANIEL Arrivé ici il y a 17 ans, Rudolf, un homme passionné, s’investit depuis 2008 dans la prévention, la lutte et l’information pour les porteurs du VIH en constatant malheureusement leur stigmatisation par la

communauté locale. En 2011, l’association est officiellement formée.

On y compte environ 50 volontaires.

Annuellement, Rudolf suit des stages donnés par la Deutsche Aids Hilfe.

Sa mission : travailler unis contre le VIH/Sida, contre l’ignorance et la discrimination de cette société, en

apportant son grain de sable pour un monde où nous puissions tous vivre en bonne santé et en paix.

Les étapes primordiales de son travail sont la prévention, la détection et éviter la ségrégation.

La prévention grâce à des réunions dans les écoles et les quart-

iers du Quintana Roo en rappelant à la communauté l’usage indispensable du préservatif lors de toutes relations sexuelles, en effaçant les croyances locales par exemple que les seules personnes porteuses du VIH sont les HSH ( hommes qui ont des relations sexuelles avec d’autres hommes) et les travailleuses du sexe… Personne ne s’est jamais infecté par ses préférences sexuelles sinon pour avoir des relations sexuelles sans protection.

La détection est également en

soi une forme de prévention. En effet, à détecter si une personne est porteuse du VIH, elle peut informer son (ses) partenaire(s) sexuel(s).

On pourra donc lui donner le traitement opportun et ne pas passer au stade suivant de ce virus (le Sida).

Malheureusement, vue la désinformation locale dans notre Etat, la détection se fait en général trop tard et 70% des personnes qui passent le test, sont déjà passées au stade du SIDA et ont peut-être infecté leur compagnon ou compagne.

Dans le Quintana Roo, selon la Secretaria de Salud en Mai 2015, il y avait 1627 personnes avec un traitement antirétroviral (qui coûte aux autorités, en moyenne, 25 000 à 80 000 pesos par mois par patient), sans compter celles en observation et les chiffres inconnus de l’ IMSS et l’ ISSSTE. Sachez que les résidents temporaires ou permanents peuvent recevoir gratuitement l’attention médicale et les médicaments.

Passez le mot, aidez à prévenir, aidez à détecter ! Notre grain de sable est indispensable !

Détails et contacts sur Facebook / Vida Positiva Playa; vidapositivaplaya@gmail.com.

Juin 24 - Juillet 7 2015

N’ayons pas peur des ouragans Le mot « ouragan » peut faire peur aux touristes et aux expatriés, mais finalement il suffit de suivre ces quelques conseils pour le surpasser PAR FABRICE GILBERT

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epuis le premier jour de juin, nous sommes entrés dans la saison des ouragans et ce jusqu’au premier novembre. Mais comment vivre pendant un ouragan ?

La réponse est simple : on continue de vivre normalement en adaptant son quotidien et en étant prévoyant. Si un ouragan devait nous toucher nous ne serions pas pris par surprise. Les ouragans sont lents, 20 à 25 km/h en moyenne. On a le temps de les voir arriver et des abris sont mis en place pour la population et les touristes.

Concernant les habitants restant chez eux, il leur faut respecter quelques règles (expliquées ci-dessous) de prévoyance et de sécurité simples afin de rester à l’abri lors du passage de l’ouragan. Mais surtout, et c’est ce qu’on oublie en général, c’est de faire beaucoup de réserves pour les jours difficiles qui suivent sans électricité, eau, téléphone et approvisionnement. Les rues sont inondées et les magasins fermés et il faut avoir suffisamment de vivres à la maison pour toute la famille (et les animaux) pendant une semaine.

Prévoyez donc piles, conserves, médicaments et trousse d’urgence,

outils, réchaud au gaz pour ceux qui ont des plaques électriques et beaucoup d’eau.

Ici, quelques règles à suivre : 1

AVANT l’ouragan

3

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APRÈS l’ouragan Attention à la forte marée qui peut intervenir après l’ouragan.

2 PENDANT l’ouragan

S’enfermer dans un endroit sûr.

S’éloigner des baies vitrées.

Ne pas toucher aux fils électriques ou téléphoniques à terre, faire attention aux objets prêts à tomber (tôles, planches, arbres…) vérifier l’état des aliments.

Surveiller le risque d’inondation.

Rester calme.

Attendre impérativement la fin de l’alerte pour sortir.

Prêter secours pour dégager les voies.. Éviter les déplacements.

Suivre les recommandations des autorités.

Suppression des objets susceptibles d’être projetés par le vent Se tenir informé en restant à l’écoute de la radio, de la télévision ou regarder un site internet Occulter les ouvertures avec des panneaux de bois cloués et des bandes de papier collant sur les vitres.

Placer ses réserves dans des sacs étanches (aliments, vêtements, médicaments).

COMMUNAUTÉ ENTERPRISE FOCUS

Stocker nourriture et eau, serpillières, seaux, lampes-torches, outils, piles et vérifier les dates des stocks existants.

Se préparer un sac d’urgence en cas d’évacuation avec les papiers importants, argent, médicaments et ordonnances et préparer par membre de la famille une carte plastifiée avec les noms, adresse et numéros de téléphone des autres membres de la famille, des proches et les numéros d’urgence.

DIRECTORY

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MUSEUMS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M EN .·.

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 .·. OTH ERS .·.

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 CU N . · .

El Meco Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

307 Federal Highway, Prolongación López Portillo Ave. El Rey Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kukulcán Blvd., in front of Playa Delfines, Hotel Zone San Miguelito Archaeological Zone Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Kukulcán Blvd. km. 16 Ixchel Temple in Isla Mujeres Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Garrafón Park, Garrafón Road, km. 6, Punta Sur (998) 877 1105 . · . T U LU M . · .

Archaeological Zone of Tulum Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

307 Federal Highway, km. 128 (983) 837 0796 Archaeological Zone of Cobá Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Carretera Federal 307, desviación Nuevo Xcan, a 47 km. de Tulum

.·. COZ UM EL .·.

San Gervasio Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Carretera Transversal, km. 7.5 El Cedral Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

El Cedral, Cozumel .·. 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 RR .·. CA R R ETERA P LAYA-TU LU M . · .

1 Cenote Dos Ojos Xel-Ha Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 240

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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

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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 NOTES ROU TE . · .

10 Cenote Las Mojarras Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 12.

11 Cenote Siete Bocas Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 15.5

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5

AKUMAL 13

307

XEL-HA 1 14

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PLAYA DEL CARMEN/CANCUN) Muyil Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

307 Federal Highway, 20 km. south Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Uxmal Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

261 Mérida-Santa Elena Federal Highway, Uxmal, Yucatán (999) 944 0033

Emergency

Emergency from cell phone

066

114

Fire Dept.

(984) 879 3669 / (998) 884 1202

Hyperbaric chamber (984) 117 0278

Red Cross

TELMEX

(984) 873 1233 / (998) 884 1616

01 800 123 2222

Hospital General

CFE

(984) 206 1690 / (998) 887 3557

01 800 080 0233

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CARIBBEAN SEA

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VALLA DOLID

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TULUM 15

June 24 - July 7 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

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SPOKEN WORD ART WORLD CITIZEN CLASSES, literature related to all art fields of the five continents, every Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave. $700 MXN per month.

ART CLASSES painting & sculpture every Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for adults, Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m for kids. Le Lotus Rouge, Second St. and 35th Ave.$100 pesos to cover materials. $200 MXN per person for classes with 1 to 2 people. $150 MXN per person with 4 or more.

All materials included.

COMEDY PLAYA, every Wednesday and Sunday, 8 p.m.

Lucky Luciano’s, Fifth St. and 28th St. Stand-up comedy in English. Local and visiting U.S. acts. MXN$100.

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.

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.

HEALTH & YOGA GUIDED MEDITATIONS, 7 p.m.

El Eden Art Garden, Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.

“PAY WHAT YOU CAN” YOGA, daily classes, all levels welcome, limited mats & blocks to borrow. Kava Kasa located in Hotel Aventura Mexicana, Calle 24 between 5 and 10. Cost: Donation. For specific times check on Facebook / Kava Kasa.

SPECIAL EVENTS CANADA DAY, July 1, 2 p.m. till 10 p.m., Blue Parrot, 12th Street and the Beach. Barbecue, music, networking sessions,activities for kids. $150 pesos cover charge, which represents two food items and $50 pesos donation to the fire department. Beverages are not included in the cover charge.

JUNE 24 - JULY 6 DOCUMENTARIES AND FILMS

OPERA MAYA SUMMER FESTIVAL. Visit www.operamaya.com, or contact info@operamaya.com for more information.

2015

June 30, 7 p.m., The Legends of Opera & Best of Broadway, Dreams Tulum. Benefit Tulum foundation

OPEN AIR MOVIES BY THE BEACH, Wednesday June 24, Blue Parrot, 12th Street and the Beach. Los Insolitos Peces Gatos. Free entrance. Check www. elcineclub.info/acretlera for the schedule.

July 1, 8 p.m., Apprentice Concert, Universidad del Caribe, Cancun.

Free.

July 2, 8 p.m., Gala de Ópera, Parque Las Palapas, Cancun. Free.

EL CINE CLUB, Every Friday, 8 p.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Free entrance. Check www. elcineclub.info/cartelera for the schedule.

July 3, 8 p.m., Gala de Ópera, location TBD, Playa del Carmen. Free.

SPORTS AMATEUR SOCCER LEAGUE, 11:30 p.m., Parque de la Col. Gonzalo Guerrero, 40th Avenue and 22nd Street across from CFE building.

BICINETA BIKE RIDE, every Wednesday 8 p.m. City Hall, Plaza 28 de Julio, 8th St. and 15th Ave. Explore the cycle paths of Playa del Carmen and meet like-minded local bikers.

CYCLING EMBASSY’S BIKE RIDE, every Saturday, 5.30 p.m. Constituyentes Ave. and Diagonal 85.

Bike loans and free drinks! Check out the route on Facebook / Playa Bicicletero.

ANIMAL WELFARE CHARM SCHOOL, every Saturday, 9 a.m. for 2 to 3 hours. Have fun helping dogs become leash trained, balanced and exercised.

Volunteers are picked up at Mega Supermarket, 30th and Constituyentes. Contact info@playaanimalrescue.org.

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

Tenth St. between Av. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don’t buy pets, rescue them! Check Facebook /Acción Animal.

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DISCOVER MEXICO

Copyright The Playa Times 2015

June 24 - July 7 2015

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info@meridianmedia.mx t. 984 8031446

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DISCOVER MEXICO

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DISCOVER MEXICO

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DISCOVER MEXICO

By Catherine Pawelek hether you live in Playa and are looking for a weekend getaway or you are vacationing looking for a change of pace, we found you some smaller hotels that fit even the most budget conscious travelers. Here are four hotels that offer local charm for under $100 USD a night.

W Quintana Roo is in the top three states of the highest number of fires / Photo: Agency

Forest Fires

With the forest fire season over, the National Forest Commission is focusing on capacity building measures, such as educating local youth and establishing preventative measures near dwellings and ranches, in order to better mediate and control future burns

BY JOE MALDONADO

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he 2015 forest fire season is now over, and the National Forest Commission (Conafor) has given its report about burned land during this period in the entire state of Quintana Roo. According to Rafael León Negrete, local director of Conafor, there was a total of 79 forest fires that affected a total of 5,760 hectares. Of this number, 1,600 were in the Solidaridad area, with the Xpu Ha zone being the most affected.

Although there were also various incidents in the western part of the zone, near Villas del Sol, Xpu Ha has been a protected zone for the last 20 years because vegetation needs to regenerate.

“The fire in Xpu Ha was one of the biggest in Quintana Roo; we are evaluating with Semarnat the possibility that the burned area might need more time to recuperate,” he indicated.

He detailed that this zone had been deeply affected by fires in 2009, 2011, and 2013, with hundreds of hectares being consumed.

Authorities suspect that the fires were set on purpose.

In the case of fires close to urban zones, León Negrete commented that it is the duty of municipal authorities to analyze the situation regarding areas marked for development. Because of that, he discarded the idea that the fires were purposely ignited and

r e d n U r o F s y a Getaw $100 USD

restaurant features Yucatecan specialties including poc chuc and pollo pibil. Since this B&B is almost four hours away (375 km via the new toll road and Merida), consider a two night stay, especially since the rooms are only $45USD to $75USD. www. thepickledonionyucatan.com.

Puerto Morelos

“Casa Caribe” is a five-room B&B located just opposite the white sand beaches of Puerto Morelos. The rooms have a coffee maker and a small refrigerator. The chef from The Little Mexican Cooking School, located on the premises, creates a Mexican-style breakfast.

Learn to prepare delicious Mexican dishes by signing up for a cooking class while you are here. Room rates start at $85USD, including Wi-Fi. www.casacaribepuertomorelos.com.

also because there could be financial consequences.

In the final evaluation, Conafor clarified that after Solidaridad, Benito Juárez was the most affected by fires, followed by Bacalar, Othon P. Blanco, José María Morelos, Lázaro Cárdenas and Tulum.

The fire in Xpu Ha was one of the biggest in Quintana Roo; we are evaluating with Semarnat the possibility that the burned area might need more time to recuperate

Santa Elena, near Uxmal

North of Playa del Carmen

Off Carretera Federal 307, only 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, behind the Burger Stop, discover “Hotel Amarte”. This enclave features 24 charming rooms, divided among bungalows, reminding us a little of the movie “10”, with Ravel’s “Bolero” playing in the background. Although it is not right on the beach, a free shuttle will take you there (five minute ride), which is also where you find their luxurious Pavo Real Restaurant. Prices for rooms include free Wifi, pool and continental breakfast, ranging from $50USD to $100USD. www.amartemaroma.com.

In the town of Santa Elena, a stone’s throw from Uxmal you will find “The Pickled Onion B&B”. Winding pathways lead you to rooms with private terraces, which include continental breakfast, pool, free Wifi and TV. The full-service

Rafael León Negrete Local director of Conafor On the national level, Quintana Roo is third highest in forest fires, after the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. After this forest fire season, Conafor will concentrate on conserving zones near dwellings and those used for activities such as cattle ranching, looking to take advantage of sustainable forest growth.

They will also concentrate on working with children and youth to bring to their attention the importance of the forest and taking proper care to conserve it.

Holbox

Directly on Holbox beach “Hotel Mawimbi” is built around a tropical garden with dozens of seating arrangements, carved out of local wood, as well as an open air bar with restaurant. The accommodations are tropically inspired and start at $90USD with continental breakfast. Give yourself enough time to get back to the mainland as the ferry crossing can take 15 to 30 minutes and they don’t always leave exactly on time. Take the Cuota (Toll road) Playa del Carmen to Nuevo XCan, continue Route 5 to Chiquila and then ferry to Holbox ($80MXN). Travel time approximately one hour forty five minutes for the 138KM. www.hotelholboxisland.com Time to pack your bags and chill out. terstock

cy / shut Photos: Agen Photo: Unidad del Vocero

June 24 - July 7 2015

DISCOVER MEXICO

21

The Losing Battle Against Plastics in Quintana Roo Lack of enforcement of the Plastic Substitution Law in the state is a hazardous threat to local well-being

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

P

lastics are a coastal community’s enemy number one. They contaminate the oceans, wash up on the shores of our beaches and create life-threatening hazards to wildlife.

The application of laws enforcing reduction, recycling, and reuse are vital to the health of any community. As a result, in February 2010, Quintana Roo’s Law for Comprehensive Waste Management went into effect. Unfortunately, the 2010 law is rarely enforced.

According to Article 14, the Quintana Roo Council for Science and Technology is the governmental organization responsible for developing this program. Two articles, Article 64

Plastic Facts

50% of the plastic we use, we use just once and throw away.

and Article 4, specifically target reducing and recycling plastics.

Article 4 of the law, demands the start-up of a “Program for Plastic Substitution as a way to reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags that are handed in commercial establishments to carry products.”

Additionally, Article 63 establishes that condominiums, street markets, tourist complexes, as well as, commercial and industrial establishments should have “covered dumpsters.”

These containers would be classified in eight categories to ease the recycling process and avoid contamination. Food scraps, fruit peels and cut grass would go into green dumpsters; glass to white dumpsters; plastics to blue dumpsters; metals to grey dumpsters; sanitary, hospital and biohazard

The production of plastic uses around

8%

of the world’s oil production.

Plastics are a significant threat to an already fragile ecosystem / Photo:Agency

wastes to red dumpsters; paper and cardboard to yellow dumpsters; ink cartridges and toners to orange dumpsters, and non-recyclable or non-reusable wastes to black dumpsters.

Unfortunately, the law and its articles are rarely applied in

Quintana Roo and less so in Playa del Carmen. Also, it is not known whether the Program for Plastic Substitution has been implemented since going into effect as locations, such as supermarkets, do not use recycled plastic bags or classify their

Annually approximately

Plastic takes

500

500-1,000

billion plastic bags

years to degrade.

wastes into different dumpsters. Although these establishments offer reusable bags, very few people opt to use them. Reduction of plastics on our beaches and throughout the community can only begin when enforcement of the 2010 law occurs.

All sea turtle species have been documented with plastic in or around their bodies.

are used worldwide.

Source: www.ecowatch.com

22

ART & CULTURE

Opera Maya Summer Festival

Bringing Opera to the Masses American soprano Mary Grogan brings her vocal and orchestral program to the region for the fifth year in a row

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

F

or the fifth year in a row, student performers will be treating the area to classical music with the Opera Maya Summer Festival. Opera Maya, created by American soprano Mary Grogan, is a unique summer program for students to grow as artists by providing them with both high-level training and performance experience. It also allows locals and tourists the opportunity to hear professional level opera performed in a Caribbean setting - for free!

This year, 70 students and faculty will be traveling to the area from all over the world, including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Europe.

Opera Maya will be performing their Gala de Opera in a series of free concerts in Quintana Roo and Yucatan. Expect to hear what Mary describes as the “hits of opera” - including Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti. The first event being offered is a special event at the Dreams Tulum Resort. The Legends of Opera and the Best of Broadway begins with dinner at 7 p.m. and the concert that follows is being performed by the faculty.

This is the only paid event and the proceeds benefit the Tulum Foundation which provides full university scholarships to students from low-income families.

In addition to the Gala de Opera series and the benefit concert, there will be two performances of “¡Mexico Vive!”, compositions performed in the Yucateca Maya language. The first performance will

Tepich y su templo / Photo: www.ciudades.co

The Caste War: Part I

The Causes and Early Years

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

The Opera Maya Summer Festival begins June 30th and runs through July 11th / Photo: www.operamaya.com

Opera Maya’s SummerFestival (all concerts start at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted) June 30 - 7 p.m. - The Legends of Opera & Best of Broadway, Dreams Tulum July 1st - Apprentice Concert, Universidad del Caribe, Cancun July 2nd - Gala de Ópera, Parque Las Palapas, Cancun July 3rd - Gala de Ópera, location TBD, Playa del Carmen July 4th - Gala de Ópera, Municipal Palace, Tulum July 5th - ¡Mexico Vive!, Municipal Palace, Tulum July 8th - Gala de Ópera, Grand Museo del Mundo Maya, Merida July 10th - Gala de Ópera, Catedral de San Gervasio, Valladolid July 11th - ¡Mexico Vive!, Chichen Itza be held on July 5 in Tulum. The second performance of “¡Mexico Vive!” and final performance for

the Opera Maya Summer Festival will be held at Chichen Itza. Ms. Grogan explained this performance

Commemoration of the 168th Anniversary

of the Maya Caste War

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO During the month of July, the 168th anniversary of the Maya Social Caste War will be held in the city of Tihosuco, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. From July 26 to July 30, visitors, locals and neighboring communities will be able to participate in the different cultural events that will be held to celebrate the anniversary.

There will be many workshops, such as Maya numbers, sculpture, conferences, Maya food, ball games, floral arrangements, traditional games, and dances to jarana music.

Additionally, there will be planting of ceiba trees, Yax Ché, which means green trunked tree in Maya and is a highly symbolic tree for the Maya culture. A relay race is organised that will carry a torch through different ceremonial centers of the Maya region, which will end in Tihosuco.

There will also be sporting activities

The Caste war was the revolt of the Maya of Yucatan against Europeans who held political and religious control of the region / Photo: Agency

for children and youth.

Each July 30, the beginning of the Maya Social Caste War is celebrated in the Yucatan peninsula, which is why

local authorities and Maya directors in Tihosuco have prepared these events to keep the memory of the event alive.

The hope is to spread knowledge of

will be the first concert at Chichen Itza that is free of charge and open to the public. While this performance is open to anyone who wants to attend, Ms. Grogan noted the performance is meant to honor the local Maya people. “We will be bussing people in from Piste and the surrounding areas. This is truly a concert for the people.” Since she was a teenager, Ms. Grogan’s goal was to “bring opera to the masses”.

The concert at Chichen Itza is doing just that!

For more information, please visit www.operamaya.com or on Facebook/OperaMaya. For location details for the Playa del Carmen concert, please contact the Cultural Center in Playa, Facebook/Centro Cultural Playa del Carmen.

Each July 30, the beginning of the Maya Social Caste War is celebrated in the Yucatan peninsula, which is why local authorities and Maya directors in Tihosuco have prepared these events to keep the memory of the event alive.

Mayan culture and strengthen Maya identity in new generations.

The intention is also to boost the local economy through artisanal product sales and the sale of food, hospitality, and transport. To get there, take the Federal Highway going to Felipe Carrillo Puerto and from there, onto Tihosuco. The trip is approximately three hours by car or in public transport. It can be a day trip, alternatively you can stay overnight as there is lodging available.

Let’s get to know the history of our state, surely you will learn something and be surprised!

During the 19th century in the Yucatan Peninsula, as in other regions of Mexico, a series of armed uprisings by the indigenous populations took place against the abusive upper classes. These events were collectively known as the “Caste War”.

In eastern and southern Yucatan what is now Quintana Roo, the Maya lived on the outskirts of cities, in the sisal plantations, or in villages far from the city – these communities were known as “indian republics”. Centuries of harsh living conditions, slavery, high taxes, having their land stolen and humiliation were more than enough motivation to yearn for a better quality of life. Additionally, the Maya were used as “cannon fodder” in the wars against Campeche and the Mexicans. However, this was also an opportunity for the Maya to have access to weaponry and learn to use them. The conditions were ripe for an upheaval; they were just missing the ideal opportunity, which would come in 1847 after the assassination of Mayan leader Manuel Antonio Ay.

After centuries of harsh living conditions and abuse from the upper classes, indigenous populations across Mexico rose up to fight against oppression Fortune favored the courage of the Maya; however, just as they were about to take Merida, they turned around and gave up. It is said that they returned to their villages to tend to their crops, their main livelihood, as it was corn planting season.

The Maya took shelter in the jungle as a result of feeling defeated from losing the battle. Suddenly a small wood cross appeared on a tree next to a ts’ono’ot (“cenote” in Maya, the term is a direct translation for water well), which urged them not to give up and to continue fighting for their ideals. Previously evangelized they adopted the cross as a symbol to continue the struggle. The Maya created a theocratic military organization based on their belief in the power of the cross and felt the cross issued orders and actions to follow.

The Maya who fought, were known as cruzo’ob, “followers of the cross” or Maya rebels. The cross continued talking until the end of the war, but it stopped talking forever after all hope appeared to be lost for any chance to win the battle for what rightfully belonged to them, their land and culture.

June 24 - July 7 2015

TPT FOODIES Pizza Poll Twenty readers to judge and define who makes the perfect pie in paradise!

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

A

re you as obsessed with pizza as we are? Thin crust or deep dish, all the toppings or just a plain cheese, we love them all! We are looking for people who love a good pie as much as we do and we know you are out there! Thanks to the overwhelming response for our quest for the best burger, we decided to find out what it takes for an Italian pizza to make it to the upper crust of Playa society!

If you want to be one of our judges, please email The Playa Times at marketing@meridianmedia.mx with the email headline “I love pizza”, or message us on Facebook/The Playa Times.

Contenders must sample from all participating restaurants and fill out the following score card.

Buenerrimo Buenerrimo is a meeting point for families and friends where you can taste handmade pizzas baked in wood ovens. We have various combinations, using only quality ingredients, which can be customized to suit our clients.

We also offer other dishes made with original Italian recipes: pasta, lasagna, salads, piadinas, paninis and our handmade “gelato”.

If we have never tried us, now is the time.

Buenerrimo is located in Playacar on Avenida Paseo Tulum local 17.

La Española, Diàvolo Pizza At Diavolo, we are best known for making our pizzas in a stone oven cooked on firewood. The process is handmade daily, everything is fresh and made using vegetables of the highest quality. We use authentic ingredients to make authentic pizzas. We invite you to try our pizza “La Española”, made using arugula for its distinctive and strong flavor that perfectly balances with the salty prosciutto as well as the aromatic and mellow notes of parmesan slices. The dough is leavened with patience to make a thin crust, which retains the texture you look for in Italian pizza. “Diavolo is real pizza for real people.”

Diàvolo Pizza is located on Ave. Arco Vial, 28 de Julio.

Il Baretto Exquisite, fine and crispy is how to best describe our pizzas. Made to the Roman style, oven cooked using firewood and made with the best produce, results in the best pizzas in Playa del Carmen.

Il Baretto is located on Fifth Avenue with 26th Street.

DINING OUT

23

24

DINING OUT

Tomatillos An I mportant Ingred i ent i n Mexican Cook i ng

By Alejandra Campo

Tomatillo, or simply tomato as it is called in Mexico, is originally from this country and is one of the many fruits that formed the basic prehispanic diet.

Characteristics and Varieties The scientific name of this fruit is physalis ixocarpa, a plant belonging to the solanaceas family. It has protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. This variety is smaller and rounder than red tomatoes and has small seeds. It can vary in color with green, yellow, and sometimes purple and blue tones. Its flavor is slightly acidic and sweet at the same time.

It is known as “shell tomato” because it is covered in a thin, paperlike shell which is easily removed.

It cultivates well in almost every climate. There is another tomatillo, which grows well in milpas, known as miltomate, or tomatillo de milpa. It is very small, intensely green, and has a richer flavor. The milpa is a crop-growing system used throughout Mesoamerica, devised and implemented by the Mayas and consists of clearing a small tract of arable land from a forest area. This tomatillo variety is more commonly found in markets during the rainy season, sold by the farmers who grow it in their milpas or backyard gardens. They are usually sold in

small piles, or “pilas”.

Uses The shell from the tomatillo can be used in the kitchen to take the slime off of cooked cactus, nopales. They also have a medicinal use and can be used to relieve stomach problems, coughs, diabetes, and even anxiety.

In cooking, the tomatillo is used to make spicy salsas for tacos, tostadas, sopes, and other appetizers. The salsa is prepared with onion, garlic, serrano chiles, salt, and a little cilantro. The ingredients can be used raw, grilled (except the cilantro), or boiled in water.

The salsa can also be used to prepare different plates like chilaquiles, Aztec casserole, enchiladas, pork, quelites or verdolagas (plants that grow in the countryside), pork rind in green salsa, or to compliment some delicious quesadillas. It is also used to prepare other dishes like pork in tomato sauce, pozole, mole verde, or a soup called “gallo” which is prepared with pork rind, garlic, onion, xoconoxtle (a kind of sour cactus flower), cilantro, and the delicious flavor of tomatillo.

Locally, both tomato and tomatillo can be found in the supermarkets and in greengrocers. Don’t miss out on the tasty flavor of salsa verde!

Enjoy!

Tomatillo is the main ingredient in salsa verde / Photos: Agency

Empanadas made using chaya / Photos: María Ramírez de Arrellano

Dining in Izamal A Gastronomic Splendor

BY MARÍA RAMÍREZ DE ARRELLANO The colonial city of Izamal is located in the state of Yucatan and is approximately 45 minutes outside of Merida. The cuisine of Izamal is a fusion namely between Mayan and Hispanic, which has evolved since the time of the Spanish conquest into a food with its own identity, which we know as Yucatecan cuisine. However, at the end of the 19th century, many Lebanese immigrants came to Yucatan and many of their traditional dishes have now become a part of daily Yucatecan life.

Izamal was one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization and a great asset to have in the northern Yucatan peninsula. The size of its buildings and the network of roads are evidence of the religious, political, and economic power of Izamal over the vast Mayab territory. The residents developed a unique construction technique based in using large blocks with rounded edges.

After the Spanish conquest of Yucatan, the conquistadors established the ruling system known as econmienda in Izamal between 1543 and 1549, which was the governmental system during the entire colonial period. In the 16th century, the conquistadors built a Catholic church on top of a large pyramid, as well as a Franciscan convent, which is called San Antonio de Padua; these take center stage of the town, and will mostly likely be the very first stop you make.

Izamal is a surprising place, walking along its clean streets and seeing its yellow walls, full of tradition. Imagine the different eras that have marked Izamal’s history, and you will almost get lost in your imagination as you time travel to a magical colonial era. The influences from the Caribbean, the Dutch, the Lebanese, and the Spanish, have culminated in the Yucatan cooks having taken to stuff peppers with Dutch Edam cheese and to serving Lebanese kibbeh with salsa. The essential green of the Yucatan is earthy chaya, a Swiss chard-like leaf packed with iron and other nutrients vital for a healthy diet.

For the foodies among you, to sample the unique flavor of Izamal, stop at a typical lo-

Hand made tortillas are made throughout the day at Kinich El Sabor de Izamal

Izamal will inevitably make time travel to a magical colonial era cal restaurant, Kinich El Sabor de Izamal. The restaurant is an airy hacienda, with tall archways and long windows leading to the thatched roofed dining room. The mixture of Mayan and Spanish culture is evident, through the different cooking techniques, as well as how their dishes are presented. There are two kitchens, one with a wood stove and the other conventional. At the woodfired stove, a woman is making tortillas by hand, allowing you to enjoy this traditional style of cooking. To captivate your senses, among the typical and most sought after dishes are the Yucatecan style pibil (marinated pork wrapped in spices and banana leaves cooked on the barbecue), renowned to be the best in the country, and sopa de lima (chicken soup with tortilla pieces flavoured with a type of lime).

Want to sample authentic, traditional, Yucatecan food? Go to Izamal.

June 24 - July 7 2015

HEALTH

25

Divorce How To Protect The Children Resident psychotherapist, Rosan, explains the implications for the children and gives some guidelines for parents on how to work together to ensure the child’s well-being

BY ROSAN OUWERKERK

A parental plan for co-parenting should include:

A

s a trained mediator, I have dealt with a lot of complicated divorces involving children. When there are problems in a relationship, most parents try everything to keep the family together and feel they have failed if they don’t succeed. They realize children will suffer the most as a result of divorce. Because of this, some parents stay together for the sake of the children not realizing this can be a lot more damaging than an actual separation. However, if parents decide to divorce, there will be unavoidable consequences to the family dynamics.

In this article I will explain the implications for the children and give some guidelines for parents on how to deal with this.

First of all it is very important that parents announce the divorce to their children together. Even more important is that they try to put their relational conflicts aside and figure out an explanation that doesn’t involve blame. Children have the right to love both parents equally, and parents have the obligation to protect them from the feeling that they have to choose sides.

I cannot emphasize enough that parents have to assure the children the separation won’t change the love they both feel for them. It can be very threatening for children to see that the love between parents is gone, and they regularly question if the love for them will change as well.

Parents should be very clear that their decision has nothing to do with them. Children have the tendency to blame themselves for the divorce, with thoughts like “what if I …, maybe they would have stayed together.”

Communicating on the level of parents instead of ex-partners is often a challenge. Feelings of sadness and anger associated with the end of a relationship can be overwhelming. This process of mourning will take time; for children

A schedule during the week for taking care of the children.

Birthday and holiday arrangements.

Information sharing about school and daily issues.

Types of decisions to be taken together as parents.

Parents need to keep the children away from all the negative emotions they have about each other / Photos: Agency

I cannot emphasize enough that parents have to assure the children the separation won’t change the love they both feel for them it is crucial that they will get some clarity about their future as soon as possible.

I strongly suggest that parents make a parental plan. This plan should include a schedule of who sees the children during the week and how to give substance to birthdays and holidays. Additionally, how to share information about school, other daily issues, and which kind of decisions they should make together. If it is practically feasible, co-parenting would be most beneficial for the children.

To protect the children’s loyalty towards both parents, divorcees need to keep the children away from their conflicts and all the negative emotions they have about each other.

If parents are not able to leave the children out of their fights, the children will develop a conflict in their loyalty. The result can be that they start talking negatively, even by making up stories, about the father when they are with their mother and vice versa. Or, they show major behavioral, emotional or even physical problems, an unconscious way just to get the parents together again. When this happens, parents need to share their concerns with each other because they share the same interests: the wellbeing of the children.

If parents are stuck in their fights and are not able to communicate as parents, mediation is required. Especially because this can be incredibly

damaging for the children, causing traumas that might frustrate the child development in many ways.

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

26

SPORTS

Local Team Battling to Represent Mexico in World Series

Delfines Taxistas baseball players / Photo: Juan Sosa

B Y J UAN S OSA

The Guadalajara Chivas set to play Interplay on July 2nd / Photo: Juan Sosa

The Guadalajara Chivas to Visit Playa del Carmen in July The world famous team is set to play a friendly with our Interplaya team on July 2nd

BY JUAN SOSA

I

n a recent press conference, the head of Interplaya announced the visit of the Chivas soccer team of Guadalajara, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 2 at 8p.m. They will play against the Interplaya team at the Mario Villanueva facility in central Playa.

Jair Real Cobián, the director of the Playa del Carmen team, explained the details about the Chivas’ visit, which will be during their pre-season.

It will take place in Cancun from June 24 until July 3. The entire team will be there to complete training.

Friendly Match Between Chivas and Interplaya When: Thursday, July 2 at 8 p.m.

Where: Mario Villanueva Madrid How Much: $250 MXN (through June 22) $300 (after June 22) Ticket sales to the friendly match began on Monday, June 8. They can be bought at the palapa in the Mario Villanueva Madrid sports facility for $250 MXN until June 22, and $300 MXN from June 23 to July 2.

Ticket booth hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

At the recent press conference, Jair Real Cobián was accompanied

by David del Toro, Second Division general manager, and Jacinto Aguilar, Third Division president, both of whom officially represent the club in the Mexican Soccer Federation (Femexfut).

Lastly, it is important to mention the relationship that links Real Cobián with José Luis “El Güero” Real. “El Güero”, a member of the management team at Chivas, is famous as the scout who discovered Mexico’s beloved Chicharito. He is also the uncle of Playa’s Real Cobián, linking Guadalajara and Playa del Carmen and making this project a reality.

Playa Athletes Competing in the National Paralympics 2015

BY JUAN SOSA The Playa del Carmen league joined the state selection to participate in the 2015 National Paralympics, which began Monday, June 8 in Queretaro. Solidaridad took part in discus and shot put with one athlete in the category of blind and visual deficiency F12, B3.

Others athletes from Quintana Roo competed in swimming, wheelchair basketball, and artistic dance. The participants are performing very well so far, giving it their all in the National Paralympics. They were received and registered by sports officials in Quintana Roo and started competing on Saturday, June 13.

Swimmers competed in the Olympic size pool of the “Queretaro 2000” sports complex. The participants are Diana Cristel Pérez, Víctor Pérez de Jesús, Camila Ramírez, Leslie Lucia Cervantes Moreno, Carlos Aristegui Caballero, Edit Cruz, Andrea Jiménez Rivera, Dayra Beatriz

Puc Robertos, Isaac Aquino. Trainers are Javier López and Julio Euan.

So far, Playa resident, Víctor Javier Pérez de Jesús has won two gold medals in 100m and in 400m in crawl S9, Leslie Lucia Cervantes Moreno won silver in 400m in crawl S9, and Samanta Cabrera Ruiz achieved bronze in 100m freestyle S14.

The Williamsport program is designed to take Mexican baseball worldwide. Many boys have played in this league and today they have great opportunities to play in professional leagues in the United States and Mexico.”

Williamsport program source

Quintana Roo athletes are performing very well so far, and giving it their all / Photos: Juan Sosa

The Caribbean sportsmen and women are bringing home medals in Queretaro In artistic dance, Lucia Guadalupe Victoria Tejero will make her debut, accompanied by her trainer David Yervez Ku, as will Jeanelly Góngora Magaña in table tennis, along with her trainer Ramsés Treviño Moreno.

These athletes are representing

Playa del Carmen’s Delfines Taxistas baseball team is preparing to travel to Monterrey as the next step in the process of the World Series of baseball, taking place this year in the United States. They will play against other teams from around the country to compete for a chance to represent Mexico in the upcoming World Series, which will include teams from every continent.

Delfines Taxistas received the chance to represent Region 6 in the upcoming Monterrey tournament after participating in a local tournament in May. They beat Liga Petrolera from Mexico City; Liga Marítima from Veracruz; Liga del Oriente from Yucatan; Liga Estrellas from Quintana Roo; and Academia de Béisbol from Guanajuato.

the sportsmanship of those with disabilities, and are competing in various events such as swimming,

cycling, bocci ball and soccer. All events will take place in the “Queretaro 2000” sports facility.

The team of sixteen young baseball players will travel to compete in Monterrey, as well as four advisors. José René Alcocer is in charge of the regional athletes, Floricel Juárez is the manager and Juan Rodolfo Zamudio is the coach.

In other baseball related news, from June 10 to June 13, Cancun and Playa del Carmen held regional tournaments for players ages 1112. Ten teams competed for two chances to play in the nationals which will be held in July in Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Lastly, sources in this program commented “The Williamsport program is designed to take Mexican baseball worldwide. Many boys have played in this league and today they have great opportunities to play in professional leagues in the United States and Mexico.”

June 24 - July 7 2015

SPORTS

27

Goooooooal!

Amateur Soccer Scores Big in Playa Interested players have the option of playing on the beach or a traditional pitch

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

I

n 1988, a group of residents, led by Mr. Juan Tun, created the adult beach soccer league, Liga de FĂştbol Playero Riviera Maya. The amateur league was a huge success with practices and games every weekend. Although they do not know exactly how many teams were part of the initial league, you will now find over a dozen participating, including teams from Princess Hotel, Cemex, Xplor and Bomberos.

Currently La Liga is the best-organized beach league in the state of Quintana Roo, with approximately 500 members The amateur league plays near the volleyball court on the beach / Photos: Agency

The present director, Mr. Santiago Garcia Mendoza, has promised to continue to grow and promote this organization with the assistance of

the municipality and the athletes.

Although beach erosion, seaweed, and expanding restaurants and bars

have sometimes impeded the ability to practice on Playa’s beaches, there is an area next to the Cozumel ferry

pier in that offers up sufficient space to play.

Currently La Liga is the best-or-

ganized beach league in the state of Quintana Roo, with approximately 500 members, giving this group the enthusiasm to continue moving forward and expanding. For more information contact them at ligadefutbolplayero@gmail.com.

There is also a more loosely organized amateur adult soccer group, made up of people from all over the world that call Playa del Carmen their home. Represented are Argentina, Thailand, Mexico, USA, Israel, France, Holland and Italy.

They meet up on Tuesday nights at 11:30 p.m, after several of the restaurants close, where many of the players work. After work is the time for them to unwind and play a sport that most grew up playing.

You can find this pickup soccer game in the Parque de la Col. Gonzalo Guerrero on the corner of 40th Avenue and 22nd Street, across from the CFE building. Although it lacks the structure of the more formal leagues, it more than makes up for it in energy and fun for the players.

28

ANIMAL WELFARE

The Vet Will See You Now Veterinarian from Acción Animal, Dr. Omar Orlando Garcia Vega, helps answer some the more common questions pet owners may have

BY BEATRIZ LUCAS

B

eing the guardian of either a cat or a dog is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities. It is important to inform yourself on the proper care and pet health problems to ensure that you are a responsible pet owners. To help you along, we have enlisted the guidance of Veterinarian Dr Omar Orlando Garcia Vega, who works at Acción Animal in Playa del Carmen. We asked him to help us answer frequently asked questions. This FAQ is the first in a three part series.

easily combined with other preventative treatments, and they are effective for up to three months.

Frontline. This is a topical flea and ticks medication, applied once a month between the shoulder blades. Dogs, cats, pregnant females tolerated this very well, and it is safe to use on puppies and kittens as early as eight weeks. This medicine will remain effective after a bath of swimming.

Bathe your pets once a month with shampoo or using a special soap with insecticide.

Part 1.

There are different types of preventatives that can help protect your pets.

Ivermectina is an antiparasitic, treating ticks, fleas and heartworm, that should be applied every three months.

It is normally applied with a subcutaneous injection, it is also safe to administer orally with tablets.

Deworming tablets. Give these to your pet as soon as they are one month of age. Every four or six months.

Preventative flea and tick collars.

They are a popular choice as they can be

Vet Omar at Acción Animal / Photo: Acción Animal

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MY PET’S FOOD? Through diet, your pet receives everything their body needs: from the energy to keep them chasing balls to the nutrients that form every tissue and keep every cellular process.

Too much or too little of a nutrient can cause upset in your pets. Start by reading the food labels and focus on the first five ingredients.

THESE SHOULD INCLUDE: High in high-quality protein, specifically animal protein. Cats and dogs are carnivores – they thrive on a diet based on meat.

Source: American Kennel Club / Ilustration: The Playa Times

Dangerously Hot Dogs

Moderate levels of animal fat.

A few fresh cut veggies and a bit of fruit.

No grains. Cats and dogs have no evolved need for carbohydrates. Grains (carbs) are added to pet food because they are cheaper than meat, and they hold the kibbled bits together.

BY NASH

No starches (potato or other) to offset meat content.

Acción Animal is a non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of lives of animals. Donations and volunteers are welcome. The shelter and clinic has an adoption fair every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Accion Animal is located on 10th street between Av. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejidal. Don’t buy pets, rescue them! You can contact them on Facebook / Acción Animal.

Photo: whoknows61

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR KEEPING TICKS, FLEAS AND HEARTWORM AT BAY? Due to our warm wet season mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are a large problem in our area. With mosquitoes come the diseases, they transmit. Heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is a blood parasite that lives in the bloodstream of dogs and cats spread through mosquitoes.

The adult heartworm lives in the pulmonary arteries and right side of the heart.

The presence of worms in the heart and vessels causes a strong inflammatory response. Ticks also harbor some diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and dermatitis. It is important to check routinely for them and remove them safely.

Fleas cause severe itching, especially the back and hindquarter region.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans. For this reason, dogs pant with an open mouth trying to cool down. By panting they move cool air onto the moist surfaces of the tongue and the lungs, at the same time releasing heat from their body to the atmosphere. They do have sweat glands on their feet, but the release of sweat is minimal. Another way their body cools, if it is not too hot, is by dilating blood vessels in their face and ears, helping to cool the blood. It is very important, especially in Playa del Carmen that you never leave a dog in a parked car. Even with the windows open this can be deadly. The temperature in a parked car can rise from 90° to 140° or more in just 15 minutes. Is possible for a dog to sustain brain damage or even die of heatstroke in just 15 minutes in a parked car. Some dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke and even death such as heavy fur breeds, short nosed breeds such as pit bulls, boxers and pugs, puppies and any dog with respiratory issues or heart problems.

Regardless of the breed, no dog should be left in a parked car even for a few minutes.

Once a dog overheats his body temperature will rise to 104° - 110°. The tongue and gums will be dark or bright red, sticky and dry.

They will be excessively panting, possibly staggering or in a stupor. These symptoms can lead to bloody diarrhea or vomit, and a rapid heartbeat followed by seizures. The dog may go into a coma and succumb to organ failure if it does not get immediate veterinary treatment.

If you suspect your dog is overheated, find a cool place, wet it down with cool wa-

Temperature inside the car rises

40° in an hour on a cool day.

Most increase in temperature occurs within the first

30 minutes.

Open windows does not mean your dog is safe from heatstroke.

ter, but not ice water. Ice water will constrict the blood vessels and slow the cooling process. Ensure the dog has plenty of water, put cool, wet cloths on its feet and neck. Do not leave your dog unattended and see a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure it does not have a seizure or go into a coma. If you see a dog in a parked car call Centro de Bienestar Animal Municipal CEBIAM or after hours the Police or Fire Department.

TAKE BREAK 29

June 24 - July 7 2015

Preparing to Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Riviera Maya

BITTER HOROSCOPES

By Craig Norton

By Cath er in e Pawel ek

CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND)

Hey Cancer. This week is going to suck for you. Sorry. Blame Gemini’s stupid cosmic New Year. It is totally going to mess with your mojo.

Use your claws to pinch them!!

LEO (JULY 22RD – AUGUST 22ND)

This week, Leo, your friends are going to make you want to puke. They are going to be complaining whiny babies and you need to take control. Spike their drinks with ecstasy. Trust me, you will thank me for it later.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND)

Hey Virgo, you know how Gemini is having a cosmic New Year? Yeah…You are not invited. You should dump your boyfriend for no reason.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST)

Scorpio… All good news: you are getting laid. High fives for everyone!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DEC 21ST)

Sagittarius? Two words: speed dating. Go get ‘em, champ!

CROSSWORD

Libra, you are a winner! This Tuesday, because of the retrograde of Neptune’s higher fifth house of cards, you will be set to take on the world.

Don’t let the last two years of total failure hold you back! Go for the gold, you loser!

RECIPE

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND)

CAPRICORN Thanks to Jupiter and Saturn, our solar system doesn’t spin out of control and the orbits of the rest of the planets are kept in check. YOU, Capricorn, have nothing to worry about this week.

Except for your crushing OCD. That is gonna flare up this week. Big time. Sorry.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20THFEBRUARY 18TH

You MIGHT want to opt for a makeover or wardrobe upgrade, Aquarius. You are looking a little… I don’t know… frumpy? Oh you gained weight? Ohhhhhhhh! Sorry! My bad. Never mind.

You look great.

WORD SEARCH

(DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH)

I strongly recommend hitting up Pier 1 this weekend. Sales, throw pillows, and bamboo in giant vases. Everything’s coming up Pisces!

T

he fourth of July is Independence Day in the United States.

This U.S. Federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from England, authored by Thomas

Jefferson. The legal separation (from Great Britain) is said to have occurred, on July 2, 1776 and there is some debate as to whether the actual document was signed on August 2. Regardless of the historical debate, the fourth of

July is a huge celebration. Even if, here in the Riviera Maya, we don’t have all the things that we grew up with, like fireworks, carnivals or parades, we can certainly fit in our fair share of barbecues, picnics and gatherings with friends and family. It is easy enough to honor the day by wearing red, white and blue and hoisting a couple of tri-colored drinks, decorated with a flag. Who doesn’t remember the multi-colored jello desserts brought in by neighbors or the table laden with cherry and apple pies.

As Christmas and New Year’s, the night before the Fourth was once the focal point of celebrations, marked by exuberant, high-spirited gatherings often incorporating bonfires. When we lived in New Hampshire, the night of the 3rd was often as important as the next day’s celebrations.

If you are looking to turn your Fourth of July celebration into a red, white and blue blast, there are simple ways to make specially themed desserts and cocktails.

Across 1 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 20 21 22 23

Naughtiness (8) Profit (4) The Forbidden City in Tibet (5) Pilot’s compartment (7) Reluctantly (5,7) Loose from moorings (6) Type of tea (6) Buttons and bows etc (12) Maigret (anag) (7) Loosen (5) Responsibility (4) Augment (8)

ENERGY HIDROPOWER INSULATION OIL RENEWABLE HYDROGEN THERMAL GEOTHERMAL STEAM GALOSINE GAS CAPACITY HEAT

ARIES

This week, Taurus, you might also feel undermined by a friend’s comments. Before you get all suspicious, make sure you’re not reading too much between the lines. Sorry! I forgot! You don’t know how to read.

GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH)

Happy Cosmic New Year! June 16 is the annual new moon in Gemini. This will have absolutely no affect on your life and you won’t notice a thing.

Except your own reflection. (As per usual.)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH)

Instructions for a Colored Layered Martini Like a good patriot, why not make a three colored layered martini. Easy enough to achieve with a little practice.

Place a small spoon on the inside edge of a martini glass, rounded side up. Gently pour ½ oz of blue curacao down the side. Clean the spoon and now slowly pour 1 oz of citrus vodka, and then 2 oz pineapple juice and finally ½ oz of grenadine. There are many versions of this drink as a shot, without the pineapple juice, but if you do that, don’t practice, as the pure alcohol will hit you before you get the layers right.

Down

(MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH)

Aries, you are going to feel REALLY paranoid this week. And you should. Why? Oh, I can’t say. But trust me – you will. (They are watching you.)

Themed Cake Instructions Decorate a simple cake with white frosting adding raspberries or strawberries for stars and blueberries for stripes. Simple but impressive.

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

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 12 15 16 18 19

Small congenital skin spot (4) Computer peripheral (7) I hope not! (6,6) Get away (6) Pink Lady, for example (5) Don’t mention it! (3,2,3) Cheer up on ash (anag) — German philosopher. d. 1860 (12) Brought together in one place (8) Square cap worn by Roman Catholic clergy (7) Inn (6) Prejudiced person (5) Lake (and nothing else?) (4)

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION

30

COMEDY CORNER

Classifieds GENERAL SERVICES

Dear Craig, I found that your response to Understandably Upset’s query about the seaweed problem was rude and arrogant.

As a fellow Canadian, I was ashamed of your response. I too did not know about where the seaweed came from until you explained it. But I thought that the way you explained it was unacceptable, especially for a Canadian.

Cranky Canuck Dear Crankers …

Can I call you Crankers? It is catchier.

Yes, my response was rude and arrogant. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with my “style.” Also, can I add that you and Upset might want to discover something called Google? It is getting kinda popular for searching things online that you don’t know about. I am not a marine biologist, and knew nothing about sargassum until I Googled it. Then I knew enough to make fun of Upset for being such a whiny entitled tourist.

Also, being Canadian does not mean that I HAVE to be polite, any more than being Scottish means that I have to marry a sheep. We Canadians love a good sarcastic reply, so THANK you for your email. I REALLY enjoyed it.

Do you have any idea how many emails I get a week from tourists complaining about Mexico?

I hardly use any of them because they are either borderline racist or just flat out racist. For somebody to tee up something that I could knock out of the park was too tempting to avoid.

Why do you think I live in Mexico? The people are friendly, help out their neighbours, and family is super important to them. They can be rude, sometimes, but that is usually when a tourist is demanding that they get rid of things like mosquitos, butterflies, or seaweed.

I write an advice column meant to poke fun at silly questions or comments that people make concerning Playa, or Mexico. It is literally my job description. If you don’t like it, then I HIGHLY recommend you don’t check out Bitter Horoscopes (Page 29). Again, a different take on daily horoscope that tells you that because Mercury is in your seventh house, everything is going to be peaches and cream for you. Instead, I tell you what is probably more likely to happen to you this week. (I would love to see your letter on THAT one.)

Anyway, Crankers, so glad that you read my article and took the time to write. Thanks for being a fan!

( See The Playa Times Map) RENTALS & PROPERTIES

All the best, C.

Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa.

If you have a question email dcraignorton@gmail.com

MEDICAL & DENTAL

Dorothy, We Are Not In New Mexico Anymore The fact that I live in Mexico confuses people I interact with. I am not talking about people here. I am talking about those I interact with in the U.S. When people ask where I live; my response is met with some interesting comments. A few people tell me how lucky I am and how much they love Sante Fe or Albuquerque. I squint curiously at them and explain, “Not New Mexico”. México. The country. Where you need a passport to visit. Their response is usually slight confusion followed by “ooooh”.

Living in another country confuses my credit card company. Recently, I activated my new card and made a follow-up call to ensure that my card would work the next time I tried to use it. I explained that, while I had a U.S. mailing address, I live in México and need the card to be approved for use here. She was “happy to help me with that” and asked for the dates I was traveling. I explained, again, that I live in México and if she could please put in an approval for as long as she could.

She, again, asked for the dates of my vacation

and away we went on an exceptionally long journey of she doesn’t get it and I attempt to explain something seemingly so simple. “Yes, I actually live in another country”,“No, I am not on vacation”, “No I can not give you an exact date of when I will be returning”, “OK, fine, I am returning on December 31st”.

On one trip back to the U.S., I was waiting outside the airport for my best friend to pick me up. It was unusually cold for May (54 degrees Fahrenheit and raining) and I was dressed for Playa. As I stood shivering and cursing New England weather, a very nice state trooper came over and suggested, “Why don’t you tell your ride to call you when they are close and you can wait inside where it is warm?’’ I explained that I didn’t have a U.S. cell phone (my Telcel throw away had no signal). He asked, “Oh! Where are you from?” I explained, “I am originally from here, but I live in México” to which he replied, “Wow! Your English is really good!”. As I squinted at him, I thought to myself, “I give up”.

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5th Street between Avenues 10 & 15.

For appointments call 984 803 0648.

RESTAURANTS

Loco Joe 30th Ave. North, between Constituyentes and 20th street.

Tel. 984 803 5369

# TPThrifty

TPTCOUPONS

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he Playa Times is looking for businesses who would like to have their business promoted and distributed in our free beach bags. Each beach bag includes copies of our latest editions as well as promotional and discount fliers to local businesses, retailers and restaurants in Playa del Carmen. This beach bag is a great welcome gift for customers.

Would you like to include a flier for your business in our beach bags?

Our team can even help with the design and printing of your adverts, information leaflets and fliers.

Don’t miss this promotional opportunity and get in touch with us.

Contact Karla Mora: promopack@meridianmedia.mx or speak to Karla directly: 984 179 8347