S MASP IDE IN
Biweekly · Year 02 · Number 67 · 20,000 copies · 24 Pages · September 2 - 15 , 2015 www.theplayatimes.com
CULTURE
Mexico’s Independence Heroes
Mexican Independence
Find out more about the history behind September 16, and the heroic leaders that fought for their country
Day Celebrations
Photo:sobrehistoria.com
Celebrations will take place at Plaza 28 de Julio in front of the Municipal Palace on the evening of Tuesday September 15
>P. 9 ·DISCOVER MEXICO
Photo: The Playa Times
Photo:www.uanl.mx
RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS
Cenote Found Under Chichen Itza Scientists uncover a secret hidden beneath one of the Wonders of the World allowing them to come closer to understanding the ancient Maya civilization
E
ach year, Mexico celebrates its independence on the evening of September 15. This year, it is the last time the independence celebrations in Playa del Carmen are held at the Plaza 28 de Julio, site of the municipal palace (15th Avenue between Calle 8 and 10), as plans are underway to relocate City Hall to the other side of the Federal Highway. This will give a special touch to El Grito de Dolores (the Cry of Dolores) this year, as
Playa del Carmen residents will see the mayor step out onto the balcony of the old building for the last time. The organization in charge of the festivities has a special surprise, with the internationally acclaimed “Los Tigres del Norte” performing. This very popular norteño ensemble band is based in San Diego, California but its members are originally from the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa. Although there will be no fair this year, there will be a special exhibition for the attendees to help
Celebrations include A reading of “Feelings of a Nation” written by José María Morelos y Pavón. El Grito lead by Mayor Mauricio Góngora Escalante. Fireworks. Free performance by Los Tigres del Norte - a very popular norteño ensemble band. Food and drink vendors. celebrate the traditional surrounding El Grito. Around the government palace will be different kinds of stands with typ-
ical food, sweets, and drinks. The celebration begins when the Municipal Secretary reads the famous words written by José
María Morelos y Pavón, “Sentimientos de la Nación” (“Feelings of a Nation”). At midnight the mayor, Mauricio Gongora will ring the bell from the balcony of the City Hall and address the crowd, and lead with the traditional cry of ¡Viva México! When this is over, fireworks will begin, and the Tigres del Norte concert will start. This will be a fun night for Mexicans and foreigners alike. The night of September 15 is without a doubt, a night that no one should miss.
>P. 13 COMMINUTY Care to Volunteer? Make your stay in the Riviera Maya more rewarding by helping those that are working to make a big difference in the community
Photo: Barbara Martin-Daniel - Good Intentions
BY JOE MALDONADO
>P. 21
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September 2 - 15 2015
>Editorial DIRECTORY
With the upcoming national celebrations taking place on September 15-16, it is time to rejoice and join in with the Mexican festive spirit, don a sombrero with pride, and enjoy a smidgen of tequila. You will find yourself making new friends as you watch the fireworks display and raise your arms and your voice for the ¡Viva México! shout out. In order to stand proud along with Mexicans, and with the media going abuzz with hurtful comments from Donald Trump about Mexicans, it is important to take the best of a culture and learn from it, rather than express dislike which only does a great disservice to everyone. So, with the upcoming national celebrations, this is an opportune moment to highlight some of the many, everyday, outstanding Mexicans Mr. Trump needs to know. The Yucatecan environmentalist Arai Guadalupe Chan Canul. Arai was awarded the National Youth Prize in 2013 when she was 16 years old. She participated in Environmental International summits in Japan, Indonesia and Turkey, Arai is part of the organization Fundación Hu’na’b. The National Youth Prize is awarded to young Mexicans who are considered inspirational and help create new public policies, incentives and laws. The physician, Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, aka Dr. Q. He crossed
Javier Escalante Managing Director javier@meridianmedia.mx
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Efrén Velázquez Iliana Ceballos Graphic Design design@meridianmedia.mx
Milton Rosel
Photo: taringa.net
Outstanding Mexicans Trump the Trump
the border when he was 19. During his time in the U.S., he couldn’t speak English, so he worked as a farm hand to pay for language classes and college, he went on to attend Harvard medical school. Dr. Q is now the head of Johns Hopkins’ Brain and Tumor Surgery Program. The noted, and Mexico City born, atmospheric chemist and Nobel laureate, Mario Molina, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California at San Diego. Molina was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research that chlorofluorocarbons found in aerosol products deplete the ozone layer. This led to the international regulation of
chemicals in the Montreal Protocol. In 2014, the Mexican journalist and author, Elena Poniatowska, was the fourth woman to receive the Premio Cervantes in literature (the equivalent of the Commonwealth’s Booker Prize), her work specialized in social and political issues specifically towards women’s rights and poverty. On a local scale for Quintana Roo, there are so many philanthropic Mexicans, who donate a lot of time and effort to helping those in need, be it to animals or people at risk. Just check out our volunteer listings on p.21 in this edition for the sheer number of organizations working for a good cause.
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TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 2
THU 3
FRI 4
SAT 5
SUN 6
MON 7
TUE 8
WED 9
THU 10
FRI 11
32°/25° C
32°/23° C
32°/23° C
32°/24° C
A thunderstorm or two
A couple of showers
Spotty afternoon showers
Cloudy with a passing shower
32°/26° C
32°/24° C
32°/25° C
32°/24° C
32°/23° C
27°/25° C
Cloudy with a t’storm or two
A morning t’storm or two
Considerable cloudiness
A thunderstorm in spots
A p.m. t’storm in spots
62% chance of rain ESE at 13 km/h
60% chance of rain E at 9 km/h
60% chance of rain SE at 20 km/h
55% chance of rain SE at 13 km/h
Cloudy, a couple of showers
60% chance of rain ESE at 13 km/h
60% chance of rain ESE at 13 km/h
6% chance of rain ESE at 18 km/h
40% chance of rain ESE at 17 km/h
40% chance of rain ESE at 17 km/h
66% chance of rain ESE at 9 km/h
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Around Town
Mexico City to Cozumel
plementary destinations in the Caribbean. Through this type of program, the Caribbean region would benefit from having better medium-haul flight services connectivity, such as is the case in Europe. The Mexican Caribbean tourism industry is well-established and growing in several segments. Cancun would be a must stop for connectivity to other island countries. The benefit of strengthening the aerial boom in this region would also benefit hotels as guests could rest for a night when in transit between flight connections.
Low season means quieter beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and lower hotel occupancy rates / Photo: The Playa Times
Beginning in October, Aeromexico will have a new route that will connect Cozumel with Mexico City, with a capacity of 700 seats weekly. This flight will strengthen connectivity in Mexico with the Mexican Caribbean, adding a new route to the ones already available. The incorporation of Cozumel into the Aeromexico routes will connect the island to 16 cities in the U.S., 15 in Latin America, three in Canada, three in Europe, and two in Asia.
New Hotels in Puerto Morelos BY JOE MALDONADO
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
T
Caribbean Connectivity BY MELISSA ROBLES
T
he Quintana Roo’s Secretariat of Tourism, Laura Fernández Piña, said that although Cuba is far from being a direct competitor for tourism, there should be a program of com-
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
BY JOE MALDONADO
he Desarrollos Turísticos Paso Victoria firm began the necessary environmental measures to create the master plan of “Las Américas”, to urbanize an area of 420 hectares in Milla de Oro in Puerto Morelos. Eight hotels are planned, with one on each lot. Among the contemplated hotels, the building of JW Marriott Milla de Oro Resort & Spa and Renaissance Milla de Oro Resort have already been announced. The area that will be developed has a maximum capacity of 2,104 rooms on each lot. Just last February, the Royalton Riviera-Cancun hotel was inaugurated. $250 million USD was invested in this project, and it directly employs 2,000 people. It was the first hotel built in Milla
Low Season in the Riviera Maya Estimates for 2015 suggest that September and October won’t be as affected by the annual downturn in number of visitors. Strategies are also being devised to protect jobs at this time BY MELISSA ROBLES
S
eptember and October are traditionally the months with the lowest hotel occupancy in the Riviera Maya. However, in contrast to recent years when the occupancy was around 50 percent, 2015 is looking to be more optimistic. Mauricio Góngora Escalante, mayor of Solidaridad, said that an 80 percent occupancy rate is expected. “During 2015 we have had numbers superior to those of 2014. We are confident that with the government tourism promotion, the work of the business sector, and the efforts of committees and associations, we will finish the year with higher numbers.” Carlos Dzib Magaña, local director of the Workers Confederation of Mexico, agreed with the mayor’s comments, and added that the low season will not affect the working class with firings or layoffs. He explained that in coordination with a private initiative, they will analyze the best plan to keep workers in their jobs. He said he did not know of any restaurants or hotels closing for the low season to do renovations, taking with them the income source of their employees. Of the 4.4 million visitors who came last year, 289,751 came in September. Of those tourists, almost 85,000 were from the United States, 77,000 Europeans, 75,000 Mexicans, 25,000 Canadians, 23,000 South Americans, and the rest from other parts of the world. In 2014, 311,083 tourists came in October. The most successful month was June, with 438,165 visitors. All inclusive hotels were at a 75.4 percent capacity, while European plan hotels were at 24.6 percent capacity.
Most popular month in 2014: June, with
438,165 visitors.
All inclusive hotels in June 2014 :
75.4 % Occupancy.
European plan hotels in June 2014:
24.6 %. Occupancy
Hotels located on Quinta Avenida and downtown Playa del Carmen barely reached 40 percent last year at this time. Juan Pablo Gallegos, general manager of Hotel Cacao, concurred with these numbers. “During the low season, 40 percent capacity is our normal range. We try to create strategies to conserve all of our personnel.” The upswing in occupancy begins during the second half of November. There is a popular belief in Playa del Carmen that says those who come to live here in September and survive do so because their destiny is to stay.
September 2 - 15 2015
NEWS IN BRIEF
5
Tourism From The United States on the Rise Visitors from Mexico’s neighbors to the north are up from last year and Cancun and the Riviera Maya continue to top Americans’ go-to travel destinations BY JOE MALDONADO
A
t the close of the summer vacation season, the Riviera Maya registered an average hotel occupancy of 86.75 percent. According to the statistics from the Trust for Tourism Promotion in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, (FPTCyRM), the average occupancy in July was 88.4 percent, while the average, at this point in August, is 85.1 percent. United States citizens are the tourists mostly responsible for the upswing in visitors during the summer, they maintain Cancun and the Riviera Maya as their principal destinations to visit outside their country. According to a study done by the American Society of Travel Agents, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are among the top ten international destinations most visited by Americans. Cancun was located in fourth place on this list and the Riviera Maya came in at 10th place. According to this study, London saw a growth increase of tourism from 2014 to 2015 of seven percent followed by Rome with another seven percent, and Paris with six percent. Cancun captured four percent more reservations this year; Punta Cana (in the Dominican Republic) with three percent; and Barcelona, Florence, Venice, Dublin and the Riviera Maya with on percent growth increase. In fact, the first four
Tourism Stats Riviera Maya average year to date hotel occupancy is 86.75%. July’s average was 88.4%. August to date is 85.1%. Cancun & Riviera Maya among top ten for international destinations for Americans. Cancun & Playa del Carmen in top ten summer vacation destinations for Americans.
The number of U.S. visitors is on the rise / Photo: Tim Sackton/Flickr.com
cities on this list have held their places for the last 13 years. ASTA is a company comprised of the most important travel agencies in the United States, and their survey demonstrates the relevance of the decision making behavior of Americans when they decide where to take a vacation. Similarly, TripAdvisor, the big-
gest travel website in the world, placed the Riviera Maya first among the most popular Mexican destinations, and ninth in American vacation preferences. According to the results of an online survey by Tripadvisor from June 2015, the top ten summer vacation destinations in 2015 for Americans are the following: Las Vegas (Ne-
vada), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Orlando (Florida), Cancun (México), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Paris (France), New York, London (England), Playa del Carmen (Mexico), and Rome (Italy). With the growth forecasted for the area, Cancun and the Riviera Maya will likely continue to appeal to the American tourist market.
6
NEWS IN BRIEF
Chikungunya in the Riviera Maya Officials are keeping a close watch on this mosquito born illness. The good news is that its rates of infection in the area are very low BY MELISSA ROBLES
Ciudad Mayakoba / Photo: Mayakoba
Real Estate Projects in Development BY JOE MALDONADO The growth in Solidaridad makes it attractive for investing, and makes people return here not only to buy a residence, but also to build new ones. There are diverse projects all over the tourist corridor known as the Riviera Maya, where “Residencial Le Jardin” and “Lagunas de Mayakoba” are examples of the latest projects presented to federal authorities. In addition to the construction of subsidized housing being built in the southern part of Playa del Carmen, the construction of an additional 10,000 units are forecasted in the coming years, including various types of condominiums and luxury housing. Many properties that already have permits are considered part of the “Residencial Riviera”, which makes up a real estate complex of 6,493 homes and an 18 hole golf course, with a total investment of $51.6 million USD. “Ciudad Mayakoba”, built by the OHL
group, will have 17,000 units. The first phase of the project, “Senderos de Mayakoba”, is the first integrated community planned in the Riviera Maya, which will be built with an investment of $17 million USD. “Lagunas de Mayakoba” is a residential development that covers 23.10 hectares, and will have villas, apartments, common areas, green areas, natural areas, lakes, and even beach areas. Another of these projects is “Armonía Eco-Residencial”, by the Residencial los Castillo S.A. de C.V. company, which is building condominiums over a 35.77 hectare area, and this will be divided into: residential units, condominiums, commercial, and mixed use. Finally, another big project is “Residencial Le Jardin” in Punta Maroma - Playa Paraíso zone, next to hotel Iberostar Playa Paraíso, is receiving a $9.5 million USD investment. It consists in 20 condominiums, and would include a pool, gym, parking, two palapas, green areas, and a jogging trail.
A
ccording to the Secretary of Public Health, Juan Lorenzo Ortegón, the Riviera Maya has registered one case of chikungunya. The Mexican national who contracted the mosquito-born illness had previously visited Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Campeche, where they presumably caught the virus. In Quintana Roo, there are a total of eight imported cases and one local case in the community of Javier Rojo Gómez, near Chetumal. Chikungunya is caused by a virus that is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegyti mosquito. Although originally documented in Asia and Africa in the 1960s, it is becoming more and more common in the Americas. It is suspected that the number of cases may rise and preventative measures are being taken to contain the disease from being transmitted. “We have been working with local authorities to eliminate places where mosquitoes breed, but the most important preventative measure is social participation. If people don’t keep their houses and patios clean (to stop the breeding of mosquitos), all our efforts are useless,” explained the Ortegón. Removal of objects that collect water and
regular cleaning are important as standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos. The municipal health director, Oscar Rodríguez, commented that the nebulization program will intensify in Playa del Carmen, with the aim to prevent more dengue and chikungunya cases caused by the increased presence of mosquitos. It is done through continued applications each month in the same area since it can also be caused by people not cleaning their houses and patios. To determine the areas that will be fumigated, they will go block by block placing traps, where the females will lay their eggs. It is recommended that people keep their doors and windows open so the pesticide can pass through and take effect. Although the number of cases is low, and there is no need for alarm, it is important to recognize the symptoms of chikungunya. The symptoms are similar to dengue: fever, pain in the extremities, nausea, vomiting, breaks in the skin, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately for a proper diagnosis. While there is no vaccination or specific treatment of either chikungunya and dengue, recovery from both involves rest, fluids, and medication to reduce fever and pain.
Seek medical care immediately in case of symptoms for a proper diagnosis / Photo: Agency
September 2 - 15 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
7
ANIMAL WELFARE KITTEN CUDDLING, every Friday, 2 p.m. Help kittens available for adoption with socialization through cuddling and play! Check Facebook/ Coco’s Animal Welfare Playa del Carmen for more details.
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.
SPOKEN WORD
HEALTH AND YOGA
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.
MEDIATION TUESDAYS, at Palapa Suuk. Every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. on Av. CTM between 5a Av. and 10th Av. Cost: $60 MXN. For more info visit www.posadasuuk.com.
ACTING LESSONS, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Caracol Marino Cultural Centre, 80th St. between 10th and Fifth. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com.
YOGA SHALA, at Palapa Suuk. Multiple classes offered Monday through Friday, including Kundalini, Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga. Cost: $10 USD per class. They also have discounted multiple day & local rate. For more info and schedule visit www.posadasuuk.com. “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 more info and schedule visit Facebook / Kava Kasa.
SPORTS SEPTEMBER 2 - 15
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.
2015
ZUMBA, Weekdays, 7:10 a.m. Mario Villanueva Madrid Stadium, 10th Avenue and 34th Street. Cost: Donation.
SPECIAL EVENTS DON MEZCAL 1st ANNIVERSARY PARTY, Saturday September 5th, 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. DJ & drink promotions, Calle 10 between 5th and 10th, Free entrance. Facebook/Don Mezcal 1 Anniversary THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE, Sunday September 27th, Motorcycle ride to raise awareness and help fund the cure for prostate cancer. For more information go to www.gentlemansride.com or contact Mark Hawwa at mark@gentlemansride.com.
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.
MUSIC & DANCE SALSA LESSONS every Tuesday 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. La Bodeguita del Medio, 5th Ave. and 34th Street. $60 MXN cover charge. NOCHE DE DIVAS, Every Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Music: Classical, Chanson and Boleros. El Jardín, 20th Street between Ave 10 and 15. Beers $20 MXN.
DOCUMENTARIES AND FILMS EL CINE CLUB, Wednesday, September 2nd, 8 p.m. La Culpa Gastro Cantina, Calle 12 between 5th and 10th, Noche Vice two documentaries being shown, Los Feminicidos en el estado de Mexico and Los Jornaleros Mexicanos. Free entrance. Check Facebook/ElClubCine for schedule. EL CINE CLUB, Every Friday, 8 p.m. La Ceiba Park, First St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Free entrance. Check Facebook/ElClubCine for schedule.
EDEN JARDIN DEL ARTE, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Constituyentes Ave. and 95 Street in Colonia Ejido. Free entrance.
8
GOOD TO KNOW
In You We Trust Mexico’s Trusted Traveler Program Mexican and U.S. citizens can speed up the immigration process at the airports in Mexico City, Cancun, and San Jose del Cabo by being approved for the ”Viajero Confiable” immigration entry initiative BY CATHERINE PAWELEK
I
n the past, fast, rapid, quick and speedy may have sounded like some of the seven dwarfs but by no means words to describe the long lines awaiting passengers at Immigration at Mexico’s International Airports including Cancun. That is changing as we speak. Travel a lot and want to make your entries into Mexico go more smoothly and swiftly, avoid lengthy lines and breeze through immigration? Then joining Mexico’s Viajero Confiable (VC) Program, equivalent to Trusted Traveler, may just be the solution for you. Much like the U.S.A.’s Global Entry, Canada’s Nexus and CanPass Air as well as Europe’s Flux and Privium Programs, these trusted traveler programs make traveling a bit more palatable especially when time is so valuable these days. Mexico’s VC program is currently only available at the following three international airports: Mexico City, Cancun and San Jose del Cabo, with expansion to other airports possible. We are fortunate that Cancun was considered as one of the major airports to launch this program. Currently only Mexican citizens and U.S. citizens can apply to the VC program. U.S. citizens
Viajero Confiable Info: Currently only available to Mexican and U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens must already participate in the U.S. Global Entry program. U.S. citizens can not have temporary or permanent residency in Mexico. Applicants can not have a criminal background or previous violations with immigration, customs, or agriculture. Currently only available at the following airports: Mexico City, Cancun and San Jose del Cabo. Membership lasts five years. must first become a member of the U.S. Global Entry program before being eligible for the VC program. For additional information and to enroll in this program go to www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry#. A rigorous background check and personal interview will follow.
U.S. citizens must already participate in the U.S. Global Entry program / Photo: INM
If you are a Mexican citizen you can go straight to the Viajero Confiable online application. Once you have your Global Entry membership, go online to fill in the Viajero Confiable application, make the payment and choose a date for your interview at the enrollment center of your choice (here in the Riviera Maya that would be Cancun). Verify that the date you select is not too soon, at least three weeks out from the date of your online application, in order to give the government time to vet your information. Before you arrive for your interview make sure that you have your passport with you (valid for at least six months). The immigration officer will take your picture, and two biometric scans, a fingerprint and an iris scan. They will confirm the information in the submitted documentation. Once you are approved, membership is valid for five years. What is also helpful when being a member of most Trusted Traveler programs, is the fact that you will be included in TSA precheck, allowing you to often avoid the long lines at customs and TSA security checkpoints. For more information about Mexico’s Viajero Confiable program in English go to: www.viajeroconfiable.inm.gob. mx/index.php/home/
Remember, you are guilty until proven innocent in Mexico / Photo: www.SeniorLiving.Org
Legal or Illegal? You May Be Surprised BY CATHERINE PAWELEK Mexico’s laws are still based upon both the Napoleonic Code and Roman Law, that include guilty until proven innocent, although some states are starting to adopt the policy, innocent until proven guilty. LEGAL: Part of legal reform in 2009 stipulated that consumers caught with less than five grams of marijuana would not face criminal charges. However, if there is even a semblance that you are selling, into the jail you go. So beware. LEGAL: Squatters are known as paracaidistas (“paratroopers”, because they “drop” themselves on unoccupied land or in buildings). Mexican laws establish that an individual may take legal possession of a property after five years. So set up your tent…and the place is yours. Maybe? LEGAL: To escape prison, as the law recognizes that all people have a fundamental right to be free. In Germany same law applies, but they can prosecute you for stealing the prison garb while on the run. Return those striped clothes, washed and ironed and you should be ok? LEGAL: Same sex marriage. Although same sex couples still have difficulty obtaining marriage licenses in many towns and cities across Mexico.
Keep in mind that even something listed as legal doesn’t mean you might not draw the attention of the police. Always use common sense when choosing your extra curricular activities! LEGAL: Prostitution, where many cities have created a Zona Rosa or Zona de Tolerancia. Like Holland’s red light districts. ILLEGAL: Pimping and ownership of brothels. ILLEGAL: Going through a yellow light. ILLEGAL: Drinking alcohol on the beach or even on Quinta Avenida. Although the police turn a blind eye at the beach, people have been stopped for drinking on 5th Avenue and asked to throw out their drink. ILLEGAL: Fishing without a valid Mexican Sport Fishing License, available to be purchased by day, week, month or year. A fishing license is not required when fishing from land and most fishing charters will have taken care of the details.
September 2 - 15 2015
ART & CULTURE
9
El Grito de Dolores The Mexican Call To Arms Against Spain Mexican Independence Day is just around the corner. Find out when the freedom from Spain is celebrated, how Mexicans celebrate and why the day is celebrated a day early BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO ROMO, ANTHROPOLOGIST
M
Independence Day Facts:
exicans are days away from celebrating another year since the beginning of the fight for independence; more than two centuries have passed since September 16, 1810.
The fight for Mexican independence from Spain began on September 16, 1810. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla lead the call to arms against Spain.
Why do we celebrate the night of September 15 and call it Fiesta del Grito? It was very early in the morning on Sunday, September 16 when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, after having been advised his conspiracy against the viceroy of new Spain had been discovered, lead the call to arms. He rang the bell of the parish church in Dolores, Guanajuato (today known as Dolores Hidalgo) to call the faithful to mass. He then convinced them to follow him in fighting to lift the yoke of Spanish oppression, taking advantage of the fact that France had invaded Spain. This was how the fight for Mexican independence began. When was it celebrated for the first time? Although José María Morelos assigned the day of the 16 as Independence Day, the first party was due to Empress Carlota arranging a celebration in 1864 in Dolores. Then why is it celebrated on the 15? The party on the night of September 15 is be-
La Fiesta del Grito is celebrated the night of September 15th. them is sung. Then, a Mexican themed dinner is served, complete with mariachi music. This ritual is repeated in towns and houses all over the Mexican Republic.
President Enrique Peña Nieto waves the Mexican Flag during the el Grito celebration / Photo: wikipedia
cause according to legend, infamous dictator Porfirio Díaz wanted to move the party to coincide with his birthday. Ever since then, the custom each September 15 is for the current President to step out onto the central balcony
Heroes in the Fight for
Mexican Independence (Part 1)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
Ignacio Allende
BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO ROMO, ANTHROPOLOGIST Soon after the beginning of the fight for Mexican independence, the “royal” army, which consisted of the Spanish and some Creoles (those of Spanish descent born in
Juan Aldama
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez
Mexico), captured and shot insurgent leaders Ignacio Allende, Juan Aldama, Mariano Jiménez. Later, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla met the same fate. Their heads were cut off and hung from the corners of the Alhóndiga de
of the National Palace and give “the cry”, celebrating the liberty of Mexico, remembering each one of the heroes who fought, culminating in a shout of “Viva México!”. The flag is waved, the bell of Dolores is rung, and the national an-
Granaditas, in Guanajuato. They were made an example of in order to scare other insurgents. Below is a brief biography of each of these heroic leaders. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811) Considered the “Father of Mexico” for being the first to take charge of the insurgent movement. Born in Corralejo, Guanajuato, he entered the priesthood in Valladolid and eventually became rector of the Colegio de San Nicolás. In the curates where he was assigned, he created a fine arts school for the native population, teaching them to cultivate wine and silk. His revolutionary ideas were born from his liberal European education, leading him to unite with the independence movement. Ignacio Allende (1769-1811) The child of Spaniards, he was born in San Miguel el Grande, which is now named San Miguel de Allende in his honor. He was the head of the viceroy’s army in San Miguel, and participated in conspiratorial meetings for the insurgent cause. As a military strategy, it was Allende who was called to be head of the insurgent army, but he had shown signs of hesitation when he began to be involved with the insurgents, which lead Hidalgo to be the protagonist of the story. Instead, he was named captain of the army. Later,
But why is it called El Grito? Hidalgo gave a short, enthusiastic speech to the people to follow him, although, in reality, there is no certainty of exactly what he said. In response to his speech, a small rudimentary army of around 200 armed men formed. Upon arriving in Atotonilco, Hidalgo took up a banner bearing the Virgin of Guadalupe as a flag, writing on it “Viva Las América! Death to the bad government!” This is why the night of September 15 is called El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores), “The Night of The Cry”, or “The Cry of Independence”.
he would have differences of opinion with Hidalgo, due to Hidalgo’s inexperience in military matters, and for having permitted ransacking and a lack of discipline within the insurgent army. Juan Aldama (1774-1811) Soldier in the viceroy’s army, born in San Miguel el Grande, cooperated with insurgents. In San Miguel he was advised that the insurgent conspiracy had been discovered. He rode to Dolores to warn Hidalgo and Allende. He then fought alongside Allende in the defense of Guanajuato. Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, “La Corregidora” (1773-1829), y Miguel Domínguez (1756-1830) Married to Miguel Dominguez, mayor of Queretaro, Josefa played a vital role in the fight for independence. She and her husband participated in the conspiracy meetings against the Spanish crown. After her husband discovered her participation in these meetings, he locked her in her room for her own safety. This gave rise to the famous passage that she made arrangements to send word to Hidalgo, Aldama, and Allende that they had been discovered. Because of this, the date of the fight for independence was begun earlier than planned. If this hadn’t happened, history might not be the same.
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ART & CULTURE
Free Art In Your Favorite Cities Beautiful City is a guided online tour of graffit, find out how to locate unique murals anywhere in the world, including in Playa, Cancun, Tulum and Cozumel BY NASH
O
nce considered vandalism of public property and a way for gangs to mark their territory, graffiti art has evolved into a respected art form. No longer only for the rebels to express themselves, graffiti is a radical form of communication either to represent the frustrations of life, government and religion or of self-expression. Although graffiti is still illegal in some areas and considered a criminal offence, it is now showing up in some of the world’s best art museums. Cities around the world proudly display their graffiti, also known as “street art”, by selling tours to the different art displays. Data scientist Alex Smolyanskaya of Stitch Fix has created a tool to locate street art in any town in the world. When Alex was assigned to create a non-academic study, she wanted to build something that would solve a problem, while ensuring it was globally interesting and a little offbeat. She writes, “This led me to a problem I have encountered while traveling: finding new and popular street art that had not yet been taken down by authorities.” According to her website, Alex once paid for a tour in Melbourne to visit street art locations, and thought street art should be free to
Street art in Playa del Carmen / Photos: The Playa Times
“So find something you love, even if it’s a little quirky, and go make it awesome!” Alex Smolyanskaya creater of beautifulcity.me
Street art in Playa del Carmen.
The website gives you a detailed map indicating the location the street art / Photo: beautifulcity.me
view. She states, although there are blogs and websites to find street art, many are out of date and take too long to research. Instead of paying for guided tours on your sightseeing mission, Alex cre-
ated an app that allows you to search for street art. Now, you just enter the town in the search box and a map will appear with locations of street art. This app works in cities around the world by sourcing Instagram data
The band, Mogo Mogo, performing in Tulum / Photo: Mogo Mogo
TPT Meets Mogo Mogo’s Alfonso Paxtian BY ANTONIO FOUND TPT: How would you describe your musical style? Alfonso Paxtian: Our style originates from the south of Veracruz inspired by the Jarochon sounds but we each impart our charms, as each of the members has his unique discipline, which makes the band what it is. What does Mogo Mogo Son Jarocho mean? It comes from an impression that started due to traditional words used in Veracruz in the region of the Tuxtlas. We really liked the name of the typical meal called mogo mogo, which is typically made using the male green plantain and stuffing it with whatever you like. How long have you been playing? As a band we have been playing rough-
ly a year and a half and I have been playing the jarana for nine years. (A jarana is a guitar-shaped stringed instrument from the southern region of Veracruz.) What are the ups and downs as a band? The highs are that we are surrounded by musicians with whom we learn the ropes from and the lows are influenced by the lack of finances that could aid in marketing our potential. What brought you to Tulum? I think it was the tranquility, which you can still find. A few years back it was a smaller town but it is still relaxing. Where do you see yourselves in five years? As a band I see us recording albums and performing at different types of festivals. Any words for anybody interested in helping you out? We make this music with passion and we are always willing to consider all proposals in order to raise awareness. If you are interested in finding out more about the band, Mogo Mogo, you can visit them on Facebook/Mogo Mogo.
with the hashtag #streetart.The clusters of art are ranked by the average of likes per post. From the hashtag hits, Alex created display maps of recent street art in any town. The maps display three different criteria. The map will show the location of the art, they will also be grouped into clusters if there are dense amounts of artworks to view in that particular area, and each cluster will be ranked
by popularity in the case that there may have recent impressive works. There are word clouds generated for each cluster showing the most frequently used words that describe the art that is there and any artist names that people may have mentioned. Check out her site and view the street art we have in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum at www.beautifulcity.me.
DIRECTORY
September 2 - 15 2015
MUSEUMS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M E N .·. National Museum of Underwater Archeology-Cedam Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Puerto Aventuras Blvd. AP 1, Puerto Aventuras (984) 873 5002 Museo de arqueología subacuática-CEDAM Xel-Ha Archaeology Museum Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Xel-Ha Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 240 (984) 803 4403 / 01 800 009 3542 www.xelha.com . · . CA N CU N . · . Maya Museum of Cancun Tues-Sun, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Blvd. Kukulcán km. 16.5, Hotel Zone (988) 885 3842 Museo Maya de Cancún
Ka’Yok’ Planetarium of Cancun Tues-Fri , 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Palenque Ave., SM 21, MZ 05, LT 1 www.ventanaaluniverso.org
ACCESS TO PUBLIC BEACHES MUSA Cancun Underwater Museum Tues-Sun Nizuc Reef and Manchones Reef (998) 848 8312 / (998) 578 7097 www.musacancun.org www.musaislamujeres.com Mexican Folk Art Museum Tues-Sun, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (summer) / 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (winter) Xcaret Park, 307 Federal Highway, km. 282 (984) 206 0038 / 01 800 292 2738 www.xcaret.com.mx .·. TULUM .·. Museum of Prehistory Mon-Sun, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dos Ojos Park, 307 Federal Highway, 17 km. before Tulum Museo de la Prehistoria Parque Dos Ojos www.cenotedosojos.com .·. COZ UM EL .·. Museum of Cozumel Island Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rafael Melgar Ave. and 4th St. (987) 872 0914 Museo de la Isla de Cozumel .·. 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 Le Lotus Rouge Tues - Sat: 4 p.m.- Midnight Sun: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 35th Avenue and Calle 2 lotusrougeplaya
.·. 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
.·. 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 Cultural Center Caracol Marino 80th St. and Fifth Ave. (984) 267 3136 Centro Cultural Caracol Marino El Hongo Tues-Sat, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sun, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 19th St. South Sur and 80th Ave. (984) 109 5356 www.el-hongo.com
Cultural Center of Puerto Morelos 2 Niños Héroes Ave. Puerto Morelos Casa Cultura Puerto Morelos .·. TULUM .·. Cultural House of Tulum Alfa Sur St. and Gama Oriente St. (984) 871 2496 Casa de Cultura de Tulum
RUINS . · . P L AYA D E L CA R M E N .·. Archaeological Zone of Playa del Carmen Open 24hrs Paseo Xaman-Ha, Playacar Phase I . · . CA N CUN . · . El Meco Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, Prolongación López Portillo Ave. El Rey Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Kukulcán Blvd., in front of Playa Delfines, Hotel Zone San Miguelito Archaeological Zone Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Kukulcán Blvd. km. 16 Ixchel Temple in Isla Mujeres Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garrafón Park, Garrafón Road, km. 6, Punta Sur (998) 877 1105 . · . T U LU M . · . Archaeological Zone of Tulum Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, km. 128 (983) 837 0796 Archaeological Zone of Cobá Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Carretera Federal 307, desviación Nuevo Xcan, a 47 km. de Tulum
.·. COZ UM EL .·. San Gervasio Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Carretera Transversal, km. 7.5 El Cedral Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. El Cedral, Cozumel .·. OTHERS .·. Chichén Itzá Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cancún-Mérida Highway, 75 miles before Mérida (985) 851 0137 www.chichenitza.inah.gob.mx
.·. CA RRETE RA PLAYA-TULUM .·. 9 Punta Venado 307 Federal Highway km. 278, 6 miles from Playa del Carmen 10 Paamul 307 Federal Highway km. 85, 9 miles from Playa del Carmen 11 Puerto Aventuras 307 Federal Highway km. 269, 18 miles from Playa del Carmen 12 Xpu Ha 307 Federal Highway km. 118, 20 miles from Playa del Carmen 13 Akumal 307 Federal Highway km. 256, 23 miles from Playa del Carmen
11
ART & CULTURE
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
10
11
PUERTO AVENTURAS
6 8
.·. TULU M . · . 18 Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal 307 Federal Highway, just after Tulum 19 Gran Cenote, Cenote Carwash and Cenote Calavera 109 Tulum-Valladolid Highway 20 Cenote Aktun Chen 307 Federal Highway, 10 miles before Tulum 21 Cenote Angelita 307 Federal Highway, 11 miles after Tulum
14 Xcacel-Xcacelito 307 Federal Highway, 9 miles from Tulum 15 Papaya Beach Tulum-Boca Paila Road km. 4.5
6
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
.·. CE N OTES ROU TE . · . 10 Cenote Las Mojarras Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 12. 11 Cenote Siete Bocas Pto. Morelos-Valladolid Road, km. 15.5
12
5
AKUMAL 13
307
XEL-HA 1 14
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PLAYA DEL CARMEN/CANCUN) Muyil Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 307 Federal Highway, 20 km. south Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Uxmal Archaeological Zone Mon-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 261 Mérida-Santa Elena Federal Highway, Uxmal, Yucatán (999) 944 0033
Emergency
Emergency from cell phone
066
114
Fire Dept. (984) 879 3669 / (998) 884 1202
Red Cross
Hyperbaric chamber (984) 117 0278
TELMEX
(984) 873 1233 / (998) 884 1616
01 800 123 2222
Hospital General
CFE
(984) 206 1690 / (998) 887 3557
01 800 080 0233
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19
CARIBBEAN SEA
20
VALLA DOLID
109 18 15
TULUM 15
12
1
2
3
4 LUCKY LUCIANO LA CHOPERIA
4 3 GRAND HYATT
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info@meridianmedia.mx t. 984 8031446
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September 2 - 15 2015
DISCOVER MEXICO
13
Kukulcan Pyramid: The Discovery of Maya Aqua Astronomy In early August, scientists discovered a cenote below the famous pyramid at Chichen Itza. This exciting discovery helps support the theory that the Maya used cenotes to understand and calibrate their calendar BY MELISSA ROBLES
I
n early August, the news went viral that scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Institute of Anthropology and History discovered a cenote below the Kukulkan pyramid at Chichen Itza. By placing electrodes on the monument itself, they were able to scan the ground; this is how they detected a body of water, 25 by 30 meters and 20 meters in depth, below the polyhedron. Chichen Itza, in the Yucatan, is also known as El Castillo (the Castle). It is located in the center equidistant from four cenotes. This location is not coincidental but strategic, and with the recent discovery, there may well be an underground connection between them. The discovery reinforces the theory developed by Guillermo de Anda, renowned underwater archeologist and contributor to the National Geographic that the Mayas used cenotes to understand and calibrate their calendar. The renowned researcher has called this discipline “Aqua Astronomy.” He states that for this ancestral culture, the four corner cenotes were equivalent to the four cardinal points, in the center
The discovery reinforces the theory developed by Guillermo de Anda, renowned underwater archaeologist and contributor to National Geographic, that the Mayas used cenotes to understand and calibrate their calendar.
cenote would have been the Great Sacred Ceiba tree, the axis of the
The recently discovered cenote lies beneath the large pyramid known as El Castillo / Photo: The Playa Times
world that spread its branches to hold the sky up. Under the ceiba, was the underworld, where good and evil originated, in the form of rain and seeds, and strong winds could come if the balance between the two were not reached. This cosmogony is displayed on Kukulcan. “We have suggested that El Castillo is a large cosmogram representing the Mayan universe. The same is true at Teotihuacan; there is a relationship with astronomical events. The city is built in the image of the Teotihuacan cosmos, which, for the Mesoamerican is the Isthmus,” he explains. The theory of Aqua Astronomy is reinforced with the existence of the zenith passage of the sun in the Hol’Tun cenote of Chichen Itza. It is a phenomenon that occurs when the position of the sun is completely vertical, and at the highest point in the sky. You can witness this phenomenon on May 24 and July 19. “The light penetrates down 30 meters into the cenote and reflects the vertical rays of the sun in the form of a rectangle.” Hence why scientists believe that cenotes were not just used as a source of freshwater or as a place to make offerings, but also as solar calendars.
Mangroves protect land from erosion and act as a saltwater filtration system / Photo:Wikipedia
Mangroves BY NASH Mangroves are a forest of various trees living on the shores of tidal pools and shorelines in tropical areas and are among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Mangroves contain salt water tolerant trees and have extensive root systems that adapt to many harsh conditions, such as little oxygen, waterlogged mud, and tidal waves. They protect the land from erosion and act as a saltwater filtration system. Mangroves are considered to be the kidneys of the environment as they filter pollutants and keep them from entering the ocean. These forests also produce oxygen and generate nutrients to feed the coral reef, all the while providing protection, breeding grounds and nurseries for fish, shrimp and many other crustaceans. Mangroves are a feeding and foraging area for monkeys, deer, bats and even bees coming to collect nectar. It offers the crocodiles a natural refuge as well as a hunting ground for them and other mammals like the jaguar, manatee and vultures. The treetops create a roosting area for many species of tropical and migratory birds. It creates a safe breeding ground for wading birds such as herons, egrets and flamingos. Besides protecting our land, homes and business from erosion and hurricanes, mangroves are an essential system for all animals. There are protection laws for mangroves yet they seem to still be disappearing due to development and pollution. Some of the mangrove trees have characteristics of a dead tree; dried branches and the roots look rotten. People make the mistake of tearing them down believing the trees are dead, but this is not the case, the trees are still growing and protecting the environment. Vast swaths of mangroves are destroyed during the constructions of hotels in tourism destinations, like the Caribbean coast of Mexico. According to National Geograph-
These services can reach an annual value of $100,000 USD per hectare, which means that every year, Mexico’s mangroves contribute to the national economy with 70 billion dollars Octavio Aburto Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. ic and Octavio Aburto of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Mexico has more than 700,000 hectares of mangroves. These mangroves generate benefits for of all species, the fishing industry, filtering system, hurricane protection and carbon sequestration which equates to contributing 70 billion dollars to the National economy. Despite these benefits, Mexico has one of the highest mangrove deforestation rates in the world. Continued destruction of Mexico’s mangroves leaves the area at risk to habitat and species loss, beach erosion, pollution escaping directly to the sea, and reduces the amount of protection during hurricane season.
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DISCOVER MEXICO
The Magical Village of Bacalar Three hours south of Playa, the town was named as a “Pueblo Mágico” in 2007 for its unique natural environment, history and tourist potential. Its biggest draw is the freshwater lagoon with crystal clear water and seven different hues of blue BY GEMA GARCÍA
B
acalar is a picturesque community located in the south of Quintana Roo, 274 km (170 miles) south from Playa del Carmen toward Chetumal. The town has a population of 11,000 inhabitants and in 2007 the Ministry of Tourism decided to name it a Pueblo Mágico due to its unique natural environment, history and tourist potential. The program Pueblos Mágicos, or Magical Villages, was created by the Ministry of Tourism in 2001 and recognizes the cultural and natural heritage of Mexican villages. The term Magical Village describes a place which has not only an exceptional identity, history and location, but is also a place that will attract visitors. Huasca de Ocampo in the state of Hidalgo was the first Magical Village and currently there are a total of 82 throughout the country. The name of Bacalar dates back to Pre Hispanic times and comes from Mayan Bakjalal or “surrounded by reed”. After the Spanish conquerors came to this area, Bacalar was the most important community of Uaymil, one of the 16 regions within
Bacalar’s Lagoon
of Seven Colors Freshwater seven colors lagoon is the main attraction. Seven hues of blue are evident at dawn and dusk. The lagoon is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Shallow crystal clear waters allows one to see the bottom, which is covered in pure white sand. the Yucatan Peninsula. It was a commercial center where merchandise
from Central America, particularly Honduras, arrived. Bacalar’s main attraction is the freshwater seven colors lagoon which refers to the tonality of the water at dawn and dusk. The lagoon is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, approximately 80.5 km (50 miles) long and connects with the bay of Chetumal. Its shallow crystal clear waters allows one to see the bottom, which is covered in pure white sand. These elements make it a perfect place to swim and is visually spectacular. Another of Bacalar´s natural attractions is Cenote Azul, which is around 152 m (500 feet) deep. Its clean turquoise waters attracts thousands of swimmers, snorkelers and divers every year and has several underwater caves. Cenotes were considered by the Maya to be the sacred entrance to the Underworld or Xibalbá. The ADO bus company connects Playa del Carmen directly with Bacalar, or if you choose to drive there, you just need to take the Federal Highway 307 south and is approximately a three hour drive.
September 2 - 15 2015
Pygmy Raccoon
ANIMAL WELFARE
15
Cockroaches are highly social and can suffer from loneliness / Photo: Agency
Cozumel’s Endemic and Cute Species The critically endangered mammal is endemic to the Caribbean island, and struggling to avoid extinction BY NASH
T
he island of Cozumel is the only place you will find the pygmy raccoon, also known as the Cozumel raccoon. The pygmy raccoon looks similar to a common raccoon including the recognizable black mask but has a gold colored tail and a black band around their throat. Their snout is rounded, and the males have a patch of orange fur on the scruff of their neck. The pygmy raccoon is half the size of a common raccoon, at only about 58 to 82 cm long including the tail and weighing approximately three to four kilograms. They are a separate species from common raccoons and considered to be an insular dwarf which occurs when an animal evolves physically to accommodate a small environment, such as an island. They are mainly nocturnal, but can be seen begging for a few unhealthy potato chips from tourists during the day. The raccoons mate with as many partners as possible and researchers assume females give birth to two litters a year. Once the kits are born the father has no part in parenthood, their mother nurses them and teaches the litter to survive. Living on the coastline and in the mangroves, this animal feeds mainly on crabs and crustaceans but, their diet includes frogs, lizards, insects and fruit as well.
They are a separate species from common raccoons and considered to be an insular dwarf which occurs when an animal evolves physically to accommodate a small environment, such as an island. This raccoon is one of the most endangered carnivores and according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list; there are only 250-300 remaining on earth. The already small population of pygmy raccoons was severely affected by hurricanes and the destruction of their habitat. As
development threatens mangroves they are becoming more isolated and at higher risk of extinction. These tiny raccoons are now contained to the northwest tip of the island. The other threats to their survival are feral cats and street dogs. Street animals expose the raccoons to infectious diseases, such as mange and distemper. The dogs and cats are also direct predators. The boa constrictor, another nonnative predator, brought to the island by humans, now poses a danger to the raccoons. The pygmy raccoon is now protected by Mexican law and listed as a threatened species by SEMARNAT, but deforestation is still going on in the name of tourism. There are plans to create a captive breeding program and to control the feral cats, stray dogs, and boa constrictors in hopes they will not disappear forever.
Pygmy raccoons are at risk of extinction due to mangrove destruction on Cozumel / Photo: Christopher Gonzales (Flikr/xtopherglez)
Did you
know
that...
re to rst terrestrial creatu fi e th as w h ac ro ck The co e. be conceived in spac s. species of cockroache There are over 4000 age in an internal storat m er sp ve sa n a ca e al The fem ore batches of eggs m or e re th e uc od and pr later time. e they thigmotropic becaus They are considered not by each other then in if need to be touched, tight spaces. s. n and bonded societie They live in egalitaria
Even A Cockroach Needs Love BY NASH
I am certainly not the only one who lives in fear of waking up in the middle of the night seeing a cockroach in the house. For some reason, this small prehistoric, nocturnal creature can cause such fear in us humans. Recent research about the cockroach shows an interesting side to their personality. They are more intelligent than we know, highly social and can suffer from loneliness. Roaches can recognize their family members and all generations live together, even eating together as a family. A young cockroach that ends up living alone will suffer health issues, taking longer to reach sexual maturity, and more time to molt their young body and change into the larger mature cockroach. Cockroaches require constant physical contact with each other for proper development. The cockroach family is not like most insects, there is no hierarchy in their community, they work as a team, making group decisions and communicating about food, shelter and danger. As much as we do not want to touch them, they do not like us either. If you touch a roach, it will obsessively clean itself to remove our germs. They are compulsive about cleaning, keeping their legs and body clean is a matter of survival as they have tiny hairs
that cover their body and act as sensors. The sensors can feel the slightest change in air movement. The feelers and mouth are used to smell. Their brain is located in their heads, but their nervous system activity takes place throughout the body. They don’t breathe through a nose or mouth; they use the holes (or spiracles) in their sides. This explains why a roach can live for almost a month without its head; it will eventually starve or get dehydrated. Although they do not carry diseases, their feet and bodies do pick up germs and bacteria and are transferred onto items in our homes. The dander and excrement of the cockroach are known to cause asthma. Roaches are incredibly hearty and can chew and digest anything. They are very resilient and have lived basically unchanged for over 350 million years. This scavenger is an important part of the environment as they rid the world of decaying matter and replace it with nutrients for plants. Birds, amphibians, lizards and small animals feed on this insect. The biggest cockroach in the world is the Madagascar cockroach, and you may be surprised to hear there are people that keep them as pets. The cockroach isn’t pretty, but he has his purpose in life.
If you have any questions about the available dogs from Playa Animal Rescue, contact Pat at info@playaanimalrescue.org
Hope was born about February of 2015 and arrived at the shelter April 12, 2015. She is spayed and current on all vaccinations. Hope came to us with horrible skin issues, almost bald and so itchy and painful. She is all better now. Hope is a very happy little girl,
outgoing and affectionate. She gets along great with other dogs and lives to play with anyone who has time for her! She is always in a good mood, chose her for your new best friend and let her keep you cheerful all the time!
H op e
Skye was born bout May of 2014 and arrived at the shelter May 18, 2015. She weighs about 11 kg, is spayed and current on all vaccinations. Our caretaker saw Skye with her family on his way into the shelter. They were beating her. When he stopped to ask them why, they told him they no
longer wanted her. Carlos took Skye with him, and now she is ours. She is a beautiful little girl. Once she knows you don’t plan to hurt her, she is a lap crawling cuddle bug! She grins when you come to visit her. She has forgiven humans for treating her badly, and now she wants a family of her very own.
S ky e
16
EDUCATION
Five Tips to Help Your Children Succeed in School The new school year has begun, and it is time to remind ourselves how we can help our children be the best students they can be. Here are five simple and straightforward ideas to help your children achieve success BY JIM CONKLIN AND DR. ALICIA MENO, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN 1. Show your children you value education. If your children know that you value education, they will be much more likely to work hard, and understand that school is important. Be sure to ask your children about school every day. Ask specific questions so your child can’t simply say, “Good.” Ask them what they are learning in math, or what spelling words they are studying in English or Spanish. If you show them you care about school, your children will follow your lead. 2. Send your child to school ready to learn. Children who have had a good night’s sleep, and a healthy breakfast will perform better in school. Set bedtime rituals, and make sure your child is getting anywhere from nine to twelve hours of sleep. Also, provide your children with breakfast foods that are high in fiber, and protein, and low in added sugar. 3. Teach your children organizational skills. Teach your children to keep a tidy bedroom and house in general. If children learn to keep their clothes, toys, and other belongings in their proper place they will spend less time looking for “lost” items, and will create a sense of order in their lives. Also, setting
Photo:Shutterstock
a routine schedule for homework, and teaching them how to make “To Do” lists will not only help their performance in school but in life in general. 4. Teach your children study skills. Ensure that your child has a clean, well-lit area to work with limited distractions. Keep the TV, iPads, and music off while your children work on their homework so they can focus on completing their assignments. Also, emphasize that if they complete their homework immediately after school, they can enjoy the rest of the evening, stress-free. 5. Participate in school events. The easiest ways to demonstrate that you value education is to participate in school events. Be sure you attend information sessions at the beginning of the year, parent-teacher conferences, and spe-
Taking an active interest will boost your child’s academic potential. / Photo: Lucelia Ribeiro/flickr.com
cial events like the holiday shows. Volunteering at the school is also extremely useful, as you help out with student learning, and you also gain an insider’s view of how the school runs. Research shows that children perform better academically when their parents are involved with the school. Jim Conklin, has taught and administrated in Canada, Korea, Taiwan, Colombia, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. He specializes in high school education, writing, and professional development. Dr. Alicia Meno, an education specialist who has been teaching and administering schools in the U.S. and Latin America for 20 years. Dr. Meno is the author of Professional Development Reform (2008). For more information on Jim Conklin and Dr. Alicia Meno please go to our website www.theplayatimes. com/category/education
Sometimes children get upset if they can’t have their way! / Photo: The Playa Times
When Your Child
Does Not Obey BY ROSAN OUWERKERK In my first job at a children’s home, I experienced how hard it can be to handle disobedient behavior. Obviously it is very normal if children don’t always listen to what they have been asked to do; mostly this is how they develop their own identity. In this article, I will give some pedagogic advice how to deal with the disobedient behavior of four to 10-year-olds. It is essential to make eye contact, then tell your child what you want him (or her) to do, followed by a short explanation. For example: “I want you to switch off the television because we are going to have dinner.” Formulate the instruction in a positive, short and clear way. A firm but calm attitude is important. By asking, you imply negotiation or doing a favor that can be easily rejected. If your child is not reacting, check whether he understood your message. If so, and he doesn’t obey: stay calm and keep on repeating the instruction until he does. This could take a while and therefore it might be exhausting and frustrating. Try not to get emotionally involved; oppositional behavior is not meant personally even if it seems that way! Normally the power of repetition has a positive result because the child feels there is no escape but doing whatever is expected. Sometimes children get upset if they can’t have their way. This
Formulate the instruction in a positive, short and clear way. A firm but calm attitude is important might result in more extreme behavior like screaming and throwing things. Ignoring this is usually an effective reaction but intervention is necessary if the behavior is damaging. Give a compliment when your child is calm again and repeat the instruction. When your child obeys, even if it was a struggle, always give him an unconditional compliment, so the desired behavior is validated. I strongly suggest not to give up, even though it can be tempting. It is important to realize that if children once have the experience that their behavior was successful, they will try again and again. Teaching a child that he cannot always get his way, is crucial for further development. If children don’t learn to accept boundaries, it can eventually lead to serious behavioral disorders. Rosan Ouwerkerk is a Dutch registered psychotherapist and she runs a private practice in Playa del Carmen. If you think her help is required, you can contact her: rosan.ouwerkerk@gmail.com
September 2 - 15 2015
Cooking Myths Exposed BY ROCIO NORZAGARAY
S
ometimes my fellow chefs and I joke as we cook and even put certain cooking myths to the test to see if they hold true. Here are a few we feel don’t hold their flavor:
Practice #1: Place an avocado pit in guacamole. Belief: Helps to prevent browning. Reality: Aside from being aesthetically unpleasing, placing the large pit in the center of the guacamole doesn’t prevent the dish from turning brown. Try covering the dish with plastic wrap, leaving no space for air. Or put a wet paper towel on top of the guacamole and then cover it with plastic wrap. Practice #2: Cooking pasta with garlic, onion, laurel leaves, or a bouquet garni (a combination of herbs tied together with a thread). Belief: Produces better flavor in pasta. Reality: This is the sweetest and most ingenious of all the cooking myths. I suggest that you concentrate on cooking the pasta well, with a little bit of olive oil and time it just right. Don’t pour cold water or ice on the pasta, drain it and separate it with care. It won’t stick and there is no need to overcook it if you time it right. Plus, you retain the natural flavor, which is not characterized by herbs or spices. Practice #3: Cutting onion while breathing through your mouth, wearing goggles or even with a piece of onion on your head! Belief: Prevent crying while chopping. Reality: It is all a show. All onions, at the moment of cutting, produce a volatile substance
TPT FOODIES
17
INTERVIEW with
called allicin, which is the culprit for making us cry. The best thing to do is to keep all onions as cold as possible, use a sharp knife, and a good cutting board, in addition to a good cutting technique, so you don’t have to slice so much to make the cut. Some other things we have heard include cutting the ends off cucumber and using them to peel the skin off the rest of the cucumber. We find it doesn’t serve any purpose. We have also heard of people cooking octopus with a metal spoon or with a piece of cork. Also completely unnecessary. I think that a good technique for cooking octopus is measuring the weight to be cooked by the time needed to cook it. I invite you to test your own cooking beliefs and have fun while you find out if they are myths or reality.
La Parota owner and chef Jorge Medina Beltrán / Photo: Catherine Pawelek
TPT Meets Jorge
Medina Beltrán “I found the solution to cutting onions!” Yes, yes you did mom / Photo: Instagram (#breezybakesglutenfree)
The owner and chef sat down with us at his recently opened, 25 seat restaurant La Parota - Cocina de Barrio. The cozy and eclectic feel of this garden style eatery is a perfect place to while away a hot afternoon BY CATHERINE PAWELEK TPT: Was there any particular a-ha moment that made you decide to open your own business? Jorge Medina Beltrán: About six months ago, I was walking past this location, having eaten here numerous times when it was Tacos Arabes, and found that it had suddenly closed with a Se Renta sign. I felt that it was the perfect opportunity to open my own restaurant. Did you have any previous restaurant or business experience prior to opening? Yes I worked for many years in restaurants in D.F. (Mexico City), as well as Cozumel, Colima and Juarez, also at Mahekal Resort here. Can you describe some of your interesting menu items? We named some of our dishes after famous Mexican artists like the Remedios Varo Salad with apples, pear, goat cheese and yoghurt mint dressing. We have some creative sandwiches, including one with fresh chicken breast and peanut, ginger sauce on locallymade organic bread. The menu also features wraps, ceviche, tacos arabes, chilaquiles and pasta pesto. I noticed that the blackboard featured a $65 pesos special of the day from 1 p.m - 4 p.m.? Every day we have a cena del dia, meal of the day, which might include a beet soup, stuffed eggplant with bechamango sauce and a lime basil agua or a salad with tuna, jicama, guava, then tostada de res, and agua fresca de Jamaica. Our dinner specials run $90 to $100 Pesos. Where in Playa do you source some of your food from e.g. seafood, produce? The days that I offer fish specials I have a seafood purveyor in town that sells fresh fish as
Photo: Catherine Pawelek
most distributors sell only fresh frozen. For produce we have places like DAC but I miss the large Mercado that we have in Cozumel that sells fresh produce, seafood, meats etc. What are some of the challenges you have faced starting the business? Finding the right people, was a challenge at the start, although we are a small location I still needed a cook in the kitchen to assist me and somebody to help in the front and with marketing and I have both those now. La Parota is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find them on Calle 8, between 15th Avenue 15 and 20th in Playa del Carmen. Tel. 984-156-9753. Facebook/La Parota Cocina De Barrio or laparotacocina@gmail.com
18
ENTERTAINMENT
September 2 - 15 2015
COMMUNITY
19
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2015 Giving the ‘Heave-Ho’ to prostate cancer, two glorious wheels at a time On Sunday September 27, 30,000 dapper bikers from 400 cities will straddle their saddles to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. This year, along with major cities like Sydney in Australia, bikers in Playa del Carmen are invited to come along for the ride BY THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE
W
hat do you get when you cross a disease that kills over 1,300 men a day and a classic motorcycle? The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride: A global custom motorcycle event that is giving the marching orders to prostate cancer. On Sunday September 27, 2015, more than 30,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in over 400 cities will straddle the saddles of their café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other marvellous custom motorcycles to raise awareness and help fund the cure for prostate cancer. In grand style, dapper gents and elegant ladies shall ride their steeds spreading merriment and joy throughout their communities whilst raising awareness for men’s health. In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cit-
ies around the world raised over $277,000 USD for prostate cancer research. In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5 million USD for prostate cancer research. Our fundraising goal for 2015 is $3 million USD. ‘Tell me more, sir!’ - About The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 in Sydney Australia, inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. And the rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history. Once again ‘Triumph Motorcycles’ one of the world’s most iconic and admired motorcycle manufacturers, has lent its support to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, imbuing its esteemed heritage to the event and twisting the throttle to defeat prostate cancer. Mark September 27 in your leather-bound diary. Join a ride, donate to the cause or just come and cheer along some of your community’s finest Gentlefolk as they give prostate cancer the mighty ‘Heave-Ho’. For more information, go to: www.gentlemansride.com Contact: Mark Hawwa Email: mark@gentlemansride.com
20
COMMUNITY
Punta Laguna Lending a Hand to a Local Maya Community This remote village receives assistance from multiple organizations, helping support its residents and ensure a better future for its children BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL
P
unta Laguna is a small Mayan community near Coba where 35 families live and manage the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh Spider Monkey Reserve. When visiting this community, you will find the most beautiful Maya children running around- they might have filthy feet, clothes and faces but also such great smiles and shiny eyes. The community of Punta Laguna is solely dependent on the money they get from the tours of the Punta Laguna Reserve. The families welcome donations of clothing and school supplies to help them provide for the many children who live and go to school in the remote village. Over the last few years, the founder of the organization Dreams for Mayan Children, Patty Virgen-Kasten, who has been a long-time friend and benefactor to Punta Laguna, has joined with two of her friends and their charity organizations, Maya Music & Art Xperience (MayaMAX), and Playa-based Sonrisas Contagiosas (Contagious Smiles) to help this community with their needs. They have organized various community projects such as art and music classes taught by local artists and musicians. In September of last year, Dreams organized a shoe drive for the community. In July of this year, MayaMAX, a student-founded and managed non-profit, provided clothing and soccer uniforms, and taught music and art classes. The art classes lead to the completion of a mural project in-
EXPAT P RO FI L ES
Multiple organizations support the community through activities such as music and art programs / Photos: Victoria Yeh
and international media attention to Punta Laguna and helped the community raise much-needed funds. Dreams for Mayan Children is returning to Punta Laguna with Sonrisas-Contagiosas on September 4 and 5. This donation drive will focus on school materials such as pencils, markers, crayons, notebooks, books in Spanish, as well as gently used clothes for children or adults. Donations are being accepted on behalf of the community at a drop off point here in Playa del Carmen. volving the village children. Perhaps the culmination of the collaborative efforts of these organizations was a
June benefit concert. Internationally known world musician, Chak, performed with the goal to bring aware-
ness to the community’s legal battle to protect their stewardship of the reserve. This event brought national
Please call 984-169-3463 for more information. For monetary donations visit www.dreamsformayanchildren.org
Quit your job and become a Personal Trainer in Paradise Name: Ian Kelley Where are you from? I am originally from Boston but lived for many years in northern Vermont. Definitely a New Englander. My family is in New Hampshire and upstate New York. I love not being there in the winter!
Photo: Ian Kelley
Over the last few years, the founder of the organization Dreams for Mayan Children, Patty Virgen-Kasten, who has been a long-time friend and benefactor to Punta Laguna, has joined with two of her friends and their charity organizations, Maya Music & Art Xperience (MayaMAX), and Playa-based Sonrisas Contagiosas (Contagious Smiles) to help this community with their needs.
How did you become a Personal Trainer? I was a Chef for almost 20 years but always loved fitness and working out at the gym. After I got into natural bodybuilding people started asking me
to train them. So I went back to school and eventually made the career change eight years ago. To get started when I moved to Playa, I offered a Beach Bootcamp and then went to the best gym in town and started teaching fitness classes and giving free training sessi on s fo r p eo p le to t r y me o ut a nd see me i n t he gym. I love meeting new people and helping them to jump start their fitness, so I still offer the free consultations when I am not busy with other appointments. What do you do on a day-to-day basis? I do a lot of bike riding and teach
11 fitness classes a week so there are always one or two water aerobics, TRX or bootcamp classes. My mornings are usually busy with training clients at the gym. In the afternoon, we deliver and pick up bikes for my Playarida Bike Project where I offer a low-cost delivery service for long-term rental of beach cruisers. You might see me riding around town on one bike and holding another. I have gotten pretty good at it and do this for quick deliveries. In most cases it is faster than driving and finding parking. At night more action at the gym.
Has Playa been a good place for you to work? What do you like best about living and working here? Yes, it has been great! I enjoy riding bikes all over town and teaching the aqua fitness classes outside; this was something new for me, so I went to Orlando for a certification. I love the international diversity of clients that I get to work with here. It keeps it new and interesting. I really love the food and restaurants available in Playa too. It was a big reason for moving here besides the fact that it doesn’t snow! Do you want to take part of our Expat Profiles? Email edition@meridianmedia.mx
September 2 - 15 2015
COMMUNITY
21
Volunteer Opportunities These nonprofits and NGOs have volunteer opportunities in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and the surrounding areas BY NASH COMMUNITY Good Intentions Playa del Carmen / Photo: Barbara Martin-Daniel
Kindness BY NASH There is one simple remedy to boost your mood. When you are feeling down or blue do something nice for someone else. Being nice and helping others allows you to focus on others and their problems, while teaching us to be patient and appreciative. Being kind can be shown in many different ways, politeness, compassion, making someone feel comfortable or welcome. Maybe it is a spur of the moment act of kindness throughout the day like, letting someone go at the crosswalk or holding a door. There is kindness in acknowledging someone’s feelings or showing encouragement. Even a simple smile changes your brain’s chemistry, releasing neuropeptides that work on fighting stress. Avoid negative emotions and pessimistic thinking. Being optimistic and positive can change the way your brain works, you can retrain your brain to be happy. The endorphins released from helping others and smiling are a natural pain and stress reliever, and the serotonin released acts as a natural antidepressant. Doing volunteer work creates this chemical release in our bodies and actually makes us healthier, and happier by boosting our self esteem. Next time you do something nice, pay attention to your body. See if you can feel the chemical change.
These days there are so many articles, books and tv talk shows teaching us how to be happy. It seems we have forgotten some basic things we need for being happy.
Playa has many nonprofits in need of volunteers so the next time you need a serotonin boost, check them out or just make someone’s day with a smile and a hug.
Playa del Carmen - KKIS Project - Keeping Kids In School Need volunteers for the month of August packing donated school supplies and delivering to the students. Helping local students learn English. Fundraising www.kkisproject.org or Facebook/The KKIS Project Playa del Carmen- Good Intentions A non-profit dedicated to leading children to open their minds & heartsteaching English, art and more. Email: raul.paullada@hotmail.com or Facebook/ Good Intentions Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen - Vida Positiva Playa This nonprofit is leading the way in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, free testing clinics and support for those who test positive. They give courses, talks, seminars, workshops and hand out information leaflets and posters. Email: rudialeman40@hotmail.com, or Facebook/Vida Positiva Playa A.C. Playa del Carmen - Banco de Sangre de Playa Blood donors are required. Donations take place at Hospital General. betutita14.wix.com/bancodesangreplaya, or Facebook/Banco de Sangre de Playa del Carmen Email: bancodesangreplaya@hotmail.com Cancun - Ciudad de la Alegria Join a group of enthusiastic people who actively work towards improving the social wellbeing and development of Quintana Roo. Volunteers are needed to provide education, medical aid to support the community in family health and medicine, especially for illnesses related to poor living conditions. www.ciudadalegria.org or Facebook/ fundacionciudadalegria Cancun - Huellas de Pan This non-profit organization works towards providing food security and nutritious food to vulnerable people in Cancun, as well as generating opportunities that allow people to be independent. You can donate money, clothes, food and your time. Email: mariaelena@huellasdepan.org, www.huellasdepan.org, or Facebook/Huellas de Pan. Chetumal Area- Manos que protegen A temporary shelter for low income people who need medical attention, but cannot access hospitals for treatment, as well as for those that travel to hospitals from far and who need shelter and food while their family members are being treated. www.manosqueprotegen.com or Facebook/Manos Que Protegen. Cancun - CIAM This center provides support to women who suf-
fer domestic violence and discrimination. They have a shelter as a resource center. Men and women volunteers are welcomed. Those interested must send a CV and a cover letter explaining the reason for working with CIAM and the types of activities you would be interested in. Email: jessicasilveyra@ciamcancun.org. www.ciamcancun.org, or Facebook/Ciam Cancun
ANIMAL WELFARE Playa del Carmen- SOS el Arca A local non-profit dog shelter. Fostering, dog walking, bathing, play and socializing dogs. www.sosoelarca.org or Facebook/SOS el Arca Playa del Carmen- Coco’s Animal Welfare Dedicated to low cost or free sterilization of pets and street dogs and cats kitten cuddling, fostering, fundraising. Email: info@cocosanimalwelfare.org or Facebook/Coco’s Animal Welfare Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen - Centro de Bienestar Animal Municipal (Cebiam) Fostering and other opportunities at the animal shelter. Facebook/Centro de Bienestar Animal Municipal Cebiam Playa del Carmen - Playa Animal Rescue A local non-profit animal shelter. Fostering, dog walking, spa & play days. Saturdays pick up for spa days in front of Mega at 9 a.m. Facebook/Playa Animal Rescue Cancun - Tierra de Animales A local non-profit animal sanctuary. Saturday dog wash, grounds and kennel cleaning known as Sabados de Apoyo. Volunteers needed to help with collecting food donations and fundraising events. Email: info@tierradeanimales.org or Facebook/ Tierra de Animales
22
TAKE A BREAK
BITTER HOROSCOPES
Directions
By Craig Norton
VIRGO
Summer Fish Tacos Ahoy By Catherine Pawelek
(AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND)
Feeling out of sorts? Blame it on Venus in your unconscious twelfth house. Don’t, pay attention to the fact you’re alienating people, or your addiction to carbs. It’s the moon, baby!
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND)
A discombobulating opposition between, Venus, in your zone of hopes and the emo moon in your excitable fifth house turns you into a wild card. Not a great week for going off your meds. Reds in the morning; blues at night.
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST)
Don’t get sucked into anyone else’s drama at home. Your drama is all that matters. Practice saying so in front of a mirror. At work. In the lobby. NOBODY messes with the crazy person!
Ingredients (4 servings)
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DEC 21ST)
Ingredients 16 Flour Tortillas
Speak from your heart: be guided more by Venus’ diplomacy than the urge to show off how much you know. If anything, understate your position. People will appreciate your self-restraint and it won’t remind them of Sarah Palin or John McCain.
1 head of red cabbage 1 head of green cabbage
(DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH)
3 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
Under today’s cosmic influence, you could be tempted to spend past your comfort zone. Instead, spend your money on prudent things, like vegetables, fruit, and home pregnancy tests. What a summer(!), am I right?
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced ½ cup mayonnaise
AQUARIUS
½ tsp. cayenne Juice of 2 limes
6 Roma tomatoes, diced
3 scallions thinly sliced 1 jalapeno, seeded, minced 3 tbsp. white wine vinegar ½ cup fresh lime juice
RECIPE
ARIES
1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Salsa
Fish marinade
PISCES
1 tsp. chopped fresh dill
¼ tsp. ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste
Tense opposition between the reactive moon and agreeable Venus in your relationship corner put you at odds with your closest people. Before lashing out, consider what you’re really feeling. Hahahaha! Sorry, we couldn’t resist! Feelings? Good one, right? (You freaking robot.)
½ tsp. ground cumin
¾ cup plain yoghurt Juice from 2 limes
JANUARY 20THFEBRUARY 18TH
Honor your feelings by keeping things low-key. A flowy yoga class or walk in the park may be more up your alley. Or a rave. Oh, a rave! Let’s go to a rave!
2 cups plain yoghurt 2 cups mayonnaise
For the Slaw
CAPRICORN
(FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH)
Playa Sauce
4 tbsp. olive oil 1 ½ lb white fish fillet (tilapia,
Marinate the fish in all marinade ingredients, cover in plastic wrap for 30 minutes in refrigerator. TIP: longer than that and the fish will get “cooked”. Chop the cabbage, mix with slaw ingredients and refrigerate. Make your Playa sauce by mixing those ingredients well and refrigerate. Make the salsa by combining the salsa ingredients. Pat each fish strip lightly (you don’t want them to be too wet, but you also don’t want to remove too much of the marinade). Place on a heated grill, flat top or griddle (sprayed with non-stick baking spray). Cook for one to two minutes on each side. Heat the tortillas either on grill or in micro for 15 to 20 seconds, cover with a towel, so they remain soft. Let everybody assemble their own tacos. TIP: you can make the slaw, salsa and the Playa sauce the day before. Try this recipe with shrimp and adjust the spiciness to your liking.
1 red onion, diced ½ mango diced 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced 1 serrano, seeded and minced Juice of 2 limes 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
bass, halibut), cut into strips
(MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH)
Friend, frenemy—or friend with benefits? That’s the thorny question under the opposing emo moon in your social eleventh house and Venus in your romance zone. (You fickle weirdo. Seriously, you’re 41 with kids! Settle down, for crying out loud!)
TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH)
It’s a push-me-pull-you kind of day. Work demands are high, but so are family matters. Not your real family, dum-dum; your secret family in Montreal! Dust off your Habs jersey, Maurice, you’re going in!
GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH)
The moon and diplomatic Venus in your candid ninth house has you vacillating between biting your tongue and letting it all hang out. But remember what the judge said – near an open window, you HAVE to wear clothes.
CANCER
(JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND)
Retail therapy alert! Your celestial ruler, the emo moon, and spendthrift Venus in your financial sector blur the lines between self-care and self-indulgence. Don’t you love how we trivialized your life to sounding like a side-plot for Sex and the City?
LEO
I don’t want to seem rude when I’m down here, so I really want to know the tipping etiquette. Someone told me 10% is more than fair, but that seems low to me. Someone else told me that over-tipping is insulting in Latin cultures. Is that true? Mr. Manners Dear Mr. M., Having worked in the service industry myself for 12 years, I applaud your efforts to get to the bottom of how to tip appropriately in Mexico. First off, however, I would like to point out that your Dick Detector is a little off. The two people you got advice from were clearly dicks. 10%? Over-tipping? Latin cultures?? Clearly dicks. Since when is giving a person who made a little extra effort, “a little extra,” considered rude? I have a lot of friends who work as
servers, valets, house cleaning, and in room service, and in absolutely zero cases have I ever heard them complain of being overtipped. Perhaps in other “Latin Cultures” it is considered rude to tip more than what is—what are we talking about?? Nobody in the world gets mad when someone else gives him or her money! That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! (Well, the vaccine debate is probably dumber, but that’s another column, another day.) If someone goes out of their way to make your vacation better, tip them for it. As to the percentage, your Dick Detector was right – 10% is low. Unless you’re tipping in U.S. dollars, which right now are worth one million pesos. In which case, I would recommend that you toss them out of a zeppelin as you fly over Playa, wearing a monocle and a top hat. I like to use the following system for tipping. I start at 20%. If I get the service I was
expecting, then it stays at 20%. If the service is rude or incredibly bad, it gets knocked down to 15%. If it ruins my evening, I’ll probably drop it to 10%. Why don’t I drop it to 0%? Because I’m the one who’s NOT serving tables in Mexico and living off the tips. Because I’m not a dick. I’m glad to read that you’re not either. Hope you have a great vacation, and thanks for reading. C.
(JULY 22RD – AUGUST 22ND)
Even if you’re in a happy partnership, you could feel like you’re locking horns with your S.O. or business partner over trivial matters. That’s because you’re a liar. So, buckle up buttercup! September’s going to be rough on you!
Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa. If you have a question email dcraignorton@gmail.com
September 2 - 15 2015 GENERAL SERVICES
CLASSIFIEDS 23
RENTALS & PROPERTIES
MEDICAL & DENTAL
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