Edition 74 by theplayatimes

B i w e e k l y · Yea r 02 · N u m b e r 74 · 20,000 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · D e c e m b e r 9 - 2 2 , 2 0 1 5

S MASP IDE

2015 What A Year!

theplayatimes.c o m

The past year was busy for the Riviera Maya and Quintana Roo. In this edition, we have selected some of the most topical and popular articles to look back and review what we got up to

BEST OF 2015

· DISCOVER MEXICO

TO P A R T I C L E S O F T H E Y E A R

RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS L A V I E À L A P L AG E

Read our most popular and defining topics, including the change in time zone for the area, blue crabs and the fact the region endured the hottest temperatures on record

>P. 14, 15

Photo: The Playa Times

Photo: Pixabay

Cenotes List and Formation

Cool off in some of our favorite freshwater natural sinkholes and underground river system and learn about their climatic and geological origins

Barbara nous raconte son “Best of” pour 2015, ainsi que la séduction de la gastronomie Italienne à Noël, et la nouvelle tendance des mariés “Trash the Dress”

>P. 8

>P. 21

December 9 - 22 2015

>Editorial DIRECTORY Javier Escalante Managing Director javier@meridianmedia.mx

Beatriz Lucas Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Cyrielle Noblesse French Copy Editor

Efrén Velázquez Graphic Design design@meridianmedia.mx

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

Erika Serra Photo: The Playa Times

Sales Executive directmarketing@meridianmedia.mx

Karla Mora Sales Executive Promopack@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Community Manager & Marketing marketing@meridianmedia.mx

BY BEATRIZ LUCAS

Milton Rosel

s you spend this festive season with us in the Mexican Caribbean, this may well be the Christmas when you wonder, and feel, that leaving the material Christmas behind is one of the best decisions you ever made, as you lay in your hammock watching the world go by. It may be the one that redefines Christmas entirely — for the better. This is also a time of year to reflect and look back at the events of the year. As New Year is the season for fresh resolutions, Christmas is the season of

Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

casting up an account of our blessings. As such, this edition, we have picked a very small sample of the most popular and defining articles of 2015. The one where we explain the creation of a new time zone especially for Cancun and the Riviera Maya; the one when Ric O’Barry spoke to the community about dolphin captivity; the one about how 2015 was the hottest year on record – in part due to El Niño effect; and, the one about our famous “Fifth Avenue” getting a revamp. We also have a few more articles from the year about the blue crab season in summer – which is now a rare

sighting in Playa; a few useful guide to Mexican idioms to help you integrate a little better; and, the strategies in place to deal with September’s tourism decline in the Mexican Caribbean. These “winter” celebrations are all the better for being simple, nothing more perhaps than a couple of red sangrias (instead of Cardinals) against the backdrop of a white sandy beach (instead of a snowy field), singing some carols to the rhythm of the sea, and having the time to take stock of the past year. Enjoy yourself this beachy Christmas and ¡Feliz Navidad!

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

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

TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 9

THU 10

FRI 11

SAT 12

SUN 13

MON 14

TUE 15

WED 16

THU 17

FRI 18

26°/20° C

29°/24° C

29°/23° C

29°/22° C

Partly sunny with a shower

Partly sunny, a few showers

Partly sunny with a shower

An a.m. shower, partly sunny

29°/25° C

29°/21° C

28°/22° C

27°/22° C

Mainly cloudy, a little rain

Afternoon shower

Couple of thunderstorms

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

A shower or t’storm in spots

55% chance of rain SE at 11 km/h

64% chance of rain SE at 20 km/h

20% chance of rain E at 20 km/h

40% chance of rain ENE at 24 km/h

Windy with a t´storm in spots

55% chance of rain E at 20 km/h

55% chance of rain E at 11 km/h

60% chance of rain NE at 13 km/h

55% chance of rain NE at 30 km/h

41% chance of rain ENE at 26 km/h

41% chance of rain E at 32 km/h

NEWS IN BRIEF

Successful End of Year

For The Riviera Maya As the Mexican Caribbean enters high season, an estimated 85 percent occupancy rate is expected for January and December 2015 BY MELISSA ROBLES

n both the private and public sector, it has been a successful year for the Riviera Maya, as the high season in December and the first half of January the average hotel occupancy is estimated to be at 85 percent in small hotels with occupancy of 100 percent on some days. There will be a record number of visitors, according to estimates by the Tourism Promotion Trust, who have estimated that 4.5 million tourists will come in 2015, which is 100,000 more than in 2014, according to Manuel Paredes Mendoza, president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association.

Jesús Martín Medina, President of the Solidaridad Tourism Commission, explained that during the Christmas and New Year season, it is almost impossible to find a hotel on Quinta Avenida. “Besides the favorable hotel occupancy in December, restaurants offer special menus to enjoy Christmas dinner. There is a wide variety in both cuisine and price, while some are off the menu, others have dinner menus that included the traditional toast,” he explained. The party extends throughout the most important tourist corridor of Playa del Carmen, with events at nightclubs and beach resorts. Nation-

al tourism usually stays for a total of 3.7 nights per reservation in December, while foreign reservations are almost seven nights per booking, with a standard rate of $3,814 pesos daily. Last year during December 379,884 visitors came to the Riviera Maya, mostly Americans (133,746), followed by Canadians (85,067), Mexicans (61,204), British (21,310), Germans (13,590), and Spanish (8,804). Although all inclusive hotels represent 86 percent of the 42,000 rooms of the Riviera Maya, those that use the European plan, located in Playacar and Playa del Carmen, have also reaped the benefits of the visitors.

In December, nationals spend 3.7 nights, while foreigners spend 7 nights per booking / Photo: Pixabay

The high occupancy also benefits restaurants, boutique stores, aquatic

parks and tour operators, being the businesses that most tourists visit.

December 9 - 22 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF

ART & CULTURE

Tulum Winterfest

The Hottest

Winter Event Yet! BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

On the morning of December 12, Mexican Catholics sing the birthday song Las Mañanitas to the Virgin / Photo: Flickr

Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe The patron saint of Mexico is honored every December 12 as pilgrims turn to her for guidance and pay homage to her celebrated pictorial image housed in the Basilica in Mexico City BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO, ANTHROPOLOGIST

he patron saint of Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is honored every December 12. Faithful Catholics celebrate the Virgin, who is deeply woven into Mexican life and culture. Known as the “Brown Virgin”, she became symbolic to Mexicans and Latinos as her brown skin reflects the mix of the indigenous population and the Spanish. People turn to her for guidance. The apparition of the Virgin has its origin in the war for independence against the Spanish invasion. In 1531, when the indigenous Juan Diego was passing by the hill of Tepeyac looking for someone to care for his very sick uncle, the Virgin appeared among roses on four occasions. In the last apparition, she asked him to build a temple, promising that his uncle would be cured and that she would protect the indigenous people, “her children”, from the Spanish barbarity. When the miracle happened, Juan Diego went to the Bishop taking the proof of the apparition in the form of hundreds of roses in his cloak. When he opened the cloak, known as tilma, in front of the Bishop, they discovered

the image of the “Brown Virgin”. The Basilica Our Lady of Guadalupe was built near the Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, where the original cloak can be seen above the main altar; it is said that the constellations of December 12, 1531, are imprinted on the cloak. According to Aztec tradition, the Virgin represents Tonantzin, a Mexican goddess; due to this, the conversion of the indigenous people to Catholicism was easier, as, behind each altar to the Virgin, they were worshipping their goddess, and in a way, tricking the Spaniards. In modern times, each December 12, faithful Mexican Catholics sing las mañanitas to the Virgin in the early morning, which is a song to celebrate those with a birthday. All day, people offer flowers and go on pilgrimages to the Basilica or a local church by foot, bicycle, and even on their knees, to give thanks or to ask for a favor. There are also groups of dancers who perform pre-Hispanic dances outside the Basilica. Another custom is to dress children like “little Indians”, in the representation of Juan Diego, who was declared a saint by Pope John Paul II on July 31, 2002.

Not only will Tulum Winterfest be different from most festivals in that it runs for seven weeks, but also because it has been consciously designed to consider the unique character of Tulum. It will focus on self-reflection and awareness, as well as collective betterment of the local environment, rather than emphasizing partying. Tulum Winterfest will embrace the “no-footprint” idea of leaving a place the way it was or even better. The festival organizers will work with the United Nations Restore Coral Project to bring divers to Tulum’s offshore reef system to plant coral farms which will help repair damaged sections. They will sponsor a volunteer brigade to clean up the beaches, and have secured a promise from the mayor who has agreed to restore the operations of the now-dormant local recycling center for the duration of the festival. In addition, Tulum Winterfest, working in concert with organizations such as Dreams for Mayan Children and the Bahia Principe Foundation, is also offering an Indigenous Empowerment program where festival attendees can volunteer to support local Maya villages. Of course, there will be great music and food. The food will be organic and created by the best in the field both here and outside of Mexico. The restaurant “100% Natural” will be one of the main sponsors for the ambient dinners where local artists’ work will be on display. Tulum Winterfest will also feature worldclass yoga and workshops and educational presentations, including a conference on sustainability in collaboration with the new devel-

Photo: Tulum Winter Festival

opment, Kuyabeh. Music producers from around the world will provide daily entertainment, and there will be several fashion shows hosted by designers like Tulum-based Cynthia Beckwith-Conran from London. The main activities at Tulum Winter Festival will be centered around a beach club which features a restaurant, a deluxe sound system and a stage for live acts and music producers. Festival passes will admit participants to the beach club and allow them to experience the music, arts, and mind and body workshops that will take place daily. They will also host a socially and ecologically responsible marketplace weekly. Tickets for Tulum Winterfest can be purchased online. Please visit their website www. tulumwinterfest.com as well as on Facebook/ Tulum Winterfest.

December 9 - 22 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

DISCOVER MEXICO

Chill Out in These Freshwater Cenotes Whether you are an open water certified diver or just someone who wants to cool off on a hot, humid day, these pools and cave systems are an incredible and unique experience in the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are a few options to check out BY CATHERINE PAWELEK CENOTE YOKDZONOT 15 minutes from Chichen Itza is the town of Yokdzonot, with its namesake cenote, run by a coop of 18 local Maya women, who have set up facilities that include a restaurant, kitchen, and public bathrooms. Cost: approx $8 USD p/person – includes optional life jacket and visor. Climatic changes and geological events led to these unique formations / Photo: The Playa Times

DOS OJOS Located 15 minutes north of Tulum off Highway 307, this flooded cave system wasn’t discovered until 1986. It extends at least 61 km and is one of the deepest known cave passages with a depth of 118 metres. Dos Ojos, meaning “two eyes”, refers to the two cenotes connected by a large cavern. One has clear blue water, giving snorkelers and divers high visibility. The other, named “black eye” is practically light-free. Cost: approx $7 USD

Through the Looking Glass

Cenotes

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

CENOTE AZUL Between Chichen Itza and Valladolid this 26 metres deep cenote, surrounded by vegetation is located in an ecological and archaeological park. The turquoise water and animal life also make this a diver´s dream. Don’t dive? Then fancy yourself a La Quebrada cliff diver or wade through the shallow pools. Cost: approx $4 USD CENOTE SAMULA Located in Dzitnup, this underground cenote is one of the most photographed cenotes in the Yucatan. The massive hole in the ceiling allows a huge system of roots to reach towards the water nearly 8 metres below. Cost: approx $4 USD JARDIN DEL EDEN (GARDEN OF EDEN) This incredible and popular 15 metres deep cenote is also known as Ponderosa. Jump from the rocky ledge and swim in the freshwater pond or experience cenote diving via a local dive shop. It is located just 10 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras on Highway 307. Closed on Saturday. Cost: approx $8 USD GRUTAS LOLTUN Located 110 km southwest of Merida, the largest and most interesting cavern in the Yucatan, is worth a day trip, as it contains many archeological finds. Murals of hands, faces, and animals have been found here. Not interested in getting your feet wet, then just view the area with a guide leading you through a network of caverns featuring tree roots bursting through the ceiling. Cost: approx $8 USD

If you are interested in scuba diving in a cenote, you will need to contact a local dive shop. While open water certified divers can dive the caverns of the cenotes, only certified cave divers are trained to enter the cave systems. If you are not a certified cave diver, under no circumstance should you ever enter a cave with or without a guide.

Jardin del Eden is one of the most popular and beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya / Photo: The Playa Times

It is not only what we see on the surface that amazes and interests us, but also what we discover below ground. Like Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole, cenotes are wondrous creations and were the only source of freshwater for the Maya civilization. Mexico, harboring the three longest water systems on earth, is where the world of cenotes and underground rivers exists. The perfect antidotes for hot, humid weather, and whether you say d’zonote in Mayan or ts’onot in Yucatec, the meaning is the same, a “hole with water.” Not only were they considered sacred, but the Maya believed that cenotes were the portal to their underworld, Xibalba. The Yucatan alone has over 7,000 cenotes (natural sinkholes), formed when cave ceilings collapsed. A variety of climatic changes and geological events led to the formation of these unique ecosystems. Ocean levels dropped during the ice age, exposing the coral reef structures to the surface, and once the coral died, immense jungle systems grew over the thick limestone. In time the limestone dissolved, exposing extensive cave systems. After the conclusion of the ice age, glaciers melted and receded, water levels rose, and these caves flooded.

The Yucatan Peninsula has three types of cenotes : Open: Resembling a pond or spring. Semi-open: Partially covered by a dome shaped rock formation. Underground: Hidden inside a cavern, with just a small entrance through a crack in the limestone, known as un ojo (an eye). These subterranean chambers can be vertical shafts filled with water, but most are caves that contain pools of crystal clear water, perfect for swimming or diving and admiring the multitude of stalagmites and stalactites. Carbon dating of artifacts found in cenotes shows that humans lived around these sinkholes as far back as 10,000 years ago. Even more interesting is the fact that not only were fossilized remains of jaguars, sloths and mammoths found but even camels and horses. Find your favorite cenote by following Ruta de los Cenotes (Take Carretera 307 at 15 km marker, near Puerto Morelos, turn westbound when you see the large yellow hued arch) or head south on the 307, past Playa del Carmen and find a additional of choices.

December 9 - 22 2015

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL EVENT

NIGHTTIME FUN

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE DANZA RIVIERA MAYA. December 7 - 13.

COMEDY PLAYA ,

Every Wednesday and Sundays, Stand Up Comedy at Lucky Luciano’s, 28th and 5th. 8 p.m. $100 pesos. Facebook/ Comedy Below Sea Level

For more information, visit www.fidanza.com.mx, or Facebook/FiDanza

THE NUTCRACKER - A HOLIDAY CLASSIC, December 13, 2015, 7 p.m.,

(December 12 is sold out). Casa de Cultura, Avenida CTM and 115, Playa del Carmen, Presented by Fitness Dance Studio, A fusion of ballet, jazz and hip hop performed by kids and adults. Tickets available for $80 pesos Call Shyy 984-141-3904 Limited Seating.

SALSA, BACHATA & KIZOMBA,

Saturday nights at Zenzi, 8 p.m., 10th Street and the beach. Free. ART FORUM, Thursdays, 7 p.m. Free Entry. Forum for young artists to present their talents. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave. and 2nd Street, Playa del Carmen. Facebook/Lotus Rouge Playa.

D E C E M B E R 9 -2 2

2015 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. NOCHE DE DIVAS,

WORKSHOPS & COURSES BAKING AND COOKING WORKSHOP

at Basic Foodie, Plaza Steren, Federal Highway. Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call (984)109-1948 or (984)109-4129 to reserve your space. $600 pesos per class. $2000 pesos for four classes. Extra: Ingredients are between $50 and $150 pesos per class. Facebook/Basic Foodie

MARKETS Sunday December 13, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blue Parrot, 12th street and the beach. Locally made products, including clothing, bags, jewelry and more.

XMAS FERIA TRENDY,

BAZAR ANDALE, Sunday December 6, flea market for the whole family. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Paseo Central between Ave. Chemuyil and Ave. Sian Ka’an, in front of the Sears in Plaza las Americas. For more information: www.andale.mx/frontend-stand.php

PUERTO MORELOS MARKET: CHRISTMAS EDITION, Saturday December 12,

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Casa Caribe Bed and Breakfast, Avenida Rojo Gomez, enjoy your day, shopping, eating and socializing. For more information: www.casacaribepuertomorelos.com

KAVA KASA LOCA L M A RK ET every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Organic produce, fresh home baked goods, artisan crafts and more! Shop local and support Playa.

EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR MARKET, every Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II. COCOS BEACH ORGANIC MARKET every Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Condos Alizes, Avenida CTM and 46th St. Homemade bread and baked goods, gluten-free products, fresh herbs, organic eggs, handmade products, cosmetics, clothing and much more.

December 9 - 22 2015

DISCOVER MEXICO

GRAND HYATT

2 3

info@meridianmedia.mx t. 984 8031446

December 9 - 22 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST OF 2015

A New Ti m e fo r Qui n ta n a Roo With the new Time Zone System Law in effect on February 1, clocks will move forward by an hour resulting in economic, tourism and energy saving betterments

BY THE PLAYA TIMES / JANUARY 2015

tarting on Sunday, February 1, 2015, the new time zone will be put into effect for Quintana Roo, and will be known as the “Southeastern Time Zone”- standardizing the time in the southeastern part of the region with the time on the East Coast of the United States. Currently, our state, located on parallel 75, has the same time as the City of Mexico, located in

Start time for public and private schools Morning sessions: 7:30 a.m. Afternoon sessions: 1:30 p.m. Start time for public and private schools Morning sessions: 7:30 a.m. Afternoon sessions: 1:30 p.m. parallel 94 west of the Greenwich meridian, which meant that nighttime in winter would fall very early. With the new time zone, clocks will be moved forward by an hour and will permanently remain on Daylight Savings Time (or Summer Time). February 1, at 2:00 a.m., clocks will be set to 3:00 a.m. in the southeastern area. The northeast-

Photo :Rodrigo de la Garza, RdelaG.com

Quinta Avenida G etti n g a Revamp Major city center roadworks are due to start in April ending in May as part of a $15 million pesos improvement project BY JOE MALDONADO / MARCH 2015

ince its foundation in 1975, Fifth Avenue has undergone several changes in its appearance and is always looking for ways to improve. Over the course of the following weeks, the popular strip, and the economic heart of the city of Playa del Carmen will be subjected to new remodeling efforts, with an investment cost of up to $15 million pesos. Few remember that the life of this strip began with the initial paving of Juarez Avenue to 2nd Street at a cost of $800 pesos, of which half the funds were contributed by 200 inhabitants at that time and the other half by the government of Cozumel, as the city was then part of that delegation. In fact, the paving of this section was one of the first jobs of the first city delegate, Chief Don Jacinto Aguilar. According to Eddie Flores Serrano, Director General of Public Works of the municipality of Solidaridad, the $15 million pesos investment will go towards the new infrastructure aimed at attracting tourism to Fifth Avenue. He stated that the municipality already

ern part of the country will be three hours behind, i.e., midnight. In the Pacific, they will be two hours behind and in the central Mexico they will be one hour behind. Quintana Roo will have an hour more of sunlight and according to the authorities from the Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE) this will result in significant energy savings of 21,285 to 23,454 megawatts per hour, curbing 20 thousand of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Commission’s Deputy Graciela Saldaña, who proposed the initiative to the Union Congress, energy savings will greatly benefit consumption rates and especially favor the hotel sector, “since 60 percent of energy consumption in the state comes from the hotel sector, costing them 150 million pesos a month.” The new time zone will improve airline connectivity and transit times at 22 U.S. airports and eight Canadian airports as they will be in the same time zone. It will also improve competitiveness against other popular Caribbean destinations such as Cuba and Jamaica. According to Manuel Paredes Mendoza, director of the National Tourism Business Council, this will result in an additional $845 thousand pesos annually for Quintana Roo as a result of having an extra hour of sunlight. Significant benefits will also be evident in banking transactions and closure of operations as these will be synchronized with the end of business hours on the east coast of the United States, allowing for more leeway. The petition for time change in the area had been in constant demand since 1981, when the then president of the Republic, Adolfo López Portillo, issued a decree for the Yucatan Peninsula to move its clocks forward by an hour.

has the assigned amount, though, they are still waiting to increase the budget to start the project and be able to finish the work completely. The resources come from the three levels of government, municipal, state and federal. The work includes improving the paving stones and emulating the concept of a pedestrian friendly street in the stretch of the Colosio and CTM Avenues with benches, walkways, lighting with underground cabling due to this area being in the hurricane zone, as well as planters and trash cans. An estimated 12,000 people pass through this street on a daily basis, as it currently extends from First Street South to 42nd Street. The current plans for renovation will start at CTM Avenue and work up towards the center of town.

More on La Quinta roadworks $15 million peso investment for: A pedestrian-friendly strip. Improvement in the paving stones. Benches. Lighting with underground cabling (in case of hurricanes). Tourism Police Station. Trash cans. Greenery and planters. The name, La Quinta Avenida, was assigned to the strip in the early 1980s when large cruise liners would come to Playa del Carmen and local artisans from Cozumel would approach and sell their crafts to tourists. To draw the attention of visitors, the street was colloquially referred to as “Fifth Avenue” in Spanish, to emulate the famous and most import shopping street of New York City. The remodeling project also includes the installation of a Public Safety control station for the Tourism Police which will be located on CTM Avenue.

Photo : The Playa Times

Close Dolphinariums

and Open a Local Sanctuary Activist Ric O’Barry visited Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in order to raise awareness against this million dollar industry BY THE PLAYA TIMES / FEBRUARY 2015

“

This is the best place for a sanctuary in America,” stated activist Ric O’Barry during his lecture in Playa del Carmen on January 28. Internationally known for challenging companies that profit from marine animals exploitation, O’Barry came to the Mexican Caribbean to support local environmentalists, such as the association MexiConservación, which are struggling to end these animals’ lifelong confinement inside the dolphinariums’ tanks, where they are pushed to train and suffer from stress. There are 30 dolphinariums in Mexico, 18 of them are in the state of Quintana Roo. According to O’Barry, one of these companies can make up to half a billion USD a year. Although, the state’s government approved the Law on Circus Without Animals on December 2014, it only affects traveling shows; therefore they are working to include these establishments in the rule. “Quintana Roo is almost like the McDonalds for captive dolphins. It is not just about the dol-

phins it is about all the children that are being miseducated thinking they belong here to amuse us; it is a dangerous thing for a young mind,” said O’Barry to The Playa Times. He added that the first step in stopping dolphin shows was “educating people not to buy tickets.” O’Barry was the world’s first dolphin trainer when he worked for the TV show Flipper. After developing a deep knowledge of these cetaceans and the hard conditions they lived in, he has dedicated his life to releasing them. In 2009, he starred in the famous documentary The Cove which showed the cruel dolphin captured in Taiji, Japan. This country, being the size of California, has 52 dolphinariums and leads the traffic of these animals to parks all around the world. Hundreds of specimens that were not suitable for the shows were killed and sold for human consumption labeled as whale meat. O’Barry’s explained that this delicate species’ mortality rates are very high in the dolphinariums. When a dolphin dies, it is replaced, and the acquisition continues. The activist’s answer is clear: to stop capturing dolphins, rehabilitate and turn them into the ocean and take those who were born in captivity to a sanctuary and put them under birth control. For the activist, the arguments that defend dolphin captivity are not valid: “it is not about science, it is about ethics. They have the ability to choose their freedom. They shouldn’t be in captivity for the same reason that people shouldn’t be slaves; they are prostituting themselves, and it is a form of bad education.” After the launch of The Cove, O’Barry crusades against men’s “dominance” on those “freaks that we have created for our amusement” -as he called them- has achieved that the number of dolphins killed dropped dramatically, and many dolphinariums have closed as a result. According to him, the captures will continue every year from September to March if people keep considering dolphinariums as a leisure alternative.

2015: The Hottest Year on Record in Playa del Carmen It is time to brace for ex treme weather conditions as temperatures soar

Photo : Civil Protection Agency Solidaridad

BY MELISSA ROBLES / MAY 2015

015 looks like the hottest year of the last decade, if not in the history of Playa del Carmen. With heat index temperatures that reach 45°C (113°F), climatic change is a reality. Deforestation, to build new houses and hotels, is one of the factors aggravating the problem, recognizes Luis Antonio Morales Ocaña, director of the Department of Weather at the Civil Protection Agency. “In August or September is when we could see the highest temperatures, including 39 or 40 degrees (102-104° F). The heat index could be as hot as 45 degrees (113° F)” he warned. Each year, heat records continue to be broken by the global warming of the atmosphere, which results in high temperatures in the Mexican Caribbean. In April, the hottest temperature was 36 degrees C (98.6° F), which was unexpected. The meteorologist explained “Ten years ago, a maximum temperature was 32 degrees C (89.6° F). Now we are seeing 36 degrees only in April, that is a four-degree difference that is not felt during the short term, but by looking at the statistics, the sharpness of the change is seen.”

However, the problem is not only a local problem, but it is also felt around the world, and also causing repercussions through humidity and rain. The consequences are longer spells of drought and forest fires, changes in the environment, migration of species, and death of wildlife. “Some birds are migratory, looking for comfort and abundance of food and water, but when these are scarce in some places, they look elsewhere. The dizzying growth of tourism this vacation season brings more people and more demand for lodging. In building new houses, concrete slabs are created. The asphalt absorbs irradiated heat, which considerably raises the temperature. For Julio Canul, who has lived in Playa del Carmen for 30 years, the temperature was tolerable with only a fan. “Fifteen years ago, we didn’t even need an air conditioner; we didn’t even know about them. With a fan, it was more than enough to cool an entire room and at night it wasn’t necessary since the coolness of the forest helped” he remembers. Now it seems almost impossible to go outside to do daily activities. Individually, each person can take actions to stop global warming, like planting trees that not only give oxygen, they also cool the home. “Vegetation is the worldwide temperature moderator,” detailed Morales Ocaña. Reducing automobile use and opting for ecological forms of transportation such as bicycles is an option. Disconnecting electronic devices when they are not in use, taking your bag to the supermarket, and buying local foods also reduce the carbon footprint. Regarding health, the recommendations for both residents and tourists to avoid heat strokes are to stay hydrated, use sunblock and minimize sun exposure.

December 9 - 22 2015

A Quick Guide to Mexican Idioms Sayings that will give you a jumpstart into the living culture of Playa BY BEATRIZ LUCAS / MAY 2015

ack when I taught English as a second language, one of the most challenging exercises for students was learning, remembering and using idioms. However, now, the tables have turned and when in Rome I should make like the locals and get down to business. An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning from its literal meaning. For instance, “It is raining cats and dogs”, we do not mean that our beloved pets are falling from the heavens, we mean it is raining heavily. Idioms are a fun and colorful gateway to understanding a culture and can often result in hilarious statements when translated from one language to another. With this in mind, I asked The Playa Times team to provide just a couple of their favorites. Instead, they flooded me with over 40 sayings, which is a clear indication that idioms and sayings are widely used in Mexico and an important part of the culture. In the selection below you will find a literal translation, a general definition of the idiom as well as the closest equivalent in English.

SHOW OFF - EXCESS - EXAGGERATE Le echa mucha crema a sus tacos Literal Translation: “He puts a lot of cream on his tacos.”

Blue Crabs The Crustacean That Decided to Hide in the Mexican Caribbean BY MELISSA ROBLES / AUGUST 2015

or the last ten years, there has not been a single sighting of a blue crab in Playa del Carmen. Jorge Fuentes, well known local environmentalist, laments their disappearance. “In September and October, they would come out to complete their lifecycle… so many would come out of the marshes during the full moon that it was a huge event,” he remembers. With the construction in the Cancun hotel zone and at the hotel zone in the Riviera Maya, their population was reduced because of the changes in their natural habitat. It is still possible to find them at some places in the Mexican Caribbean. From June to October is their laying season, when it rains the females come out and look for a place to lay their eggs, which can number between 300,000 and 700,000 per season. This is the time when it is possible to see them, especially under a full moon, since they prefer that moon phase. “In some places where construction has not been aggressive, there are still blue crab populations. But near the hotels in their areas, they are in danger, especially because many are captured to be eaten,” he said. When blue crabs reach four years old, the

Definition and Use: Mainly used to suggest someone is exaggerating their story. The English Equivalent: “Making a mountain out of a molehill.” Matar pulgas a balazos Literal Translation: “Killing fleas with bullets.” Definition and Uses: You are using a lot of resources to reach small goals. The English Equivalent: “To shoot a cannon into sparrows.” Se hace pesado el muerto cuando siente que lo cargan Literal Translation: “The dead becomes heavy when they are being carried.” Definition and Uses: When you are good to someone and they later expect too much of you and become demanding. To harm, become demanding of, or expect too much of someone that is good to you. The English Equivalent: “To bite the hand that feeds you.”

females abandon the marshes and are attracted to the beaches by the rays of the full moon. Their paths cross highways, roads, and urban areas, which is why it is important to take precautions while driving. “On the highway from Playa del Carmen to Puerto Morelos, crabs would cross and be run over by cars,” said Jorge Fuentes. The disappearance of this species affects the food chain, as they feed off dead organisms in the marsh and filter water, leaving the environment cleaner. According to the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the blue crab is one of the species most damaged by humans due to the destruction of their ecosystem and the constant hunt for crabs to eat, leaving them on the brink of extinction. There is no local program for their preservation in Playa del Carmen, but in Cancun there are more efforts to protect them during their migration in September and October. This crustacean inhabits tropical coasts, bays, lagoons, estuaries, and river mouths.

LUCK - OPPORTUNITY El muerto y el arrimado a los tres días apestan Literal Translation: “The dead and the freeloader start to stink after three days.” Definition and Uses: When a person (usually friend or someone you know) moves in with someone without contributing financially, the relationship between these will end badly. The English Equivalent: “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.” Al que obra mal, se le pudre el tamal Literal Translation: “Whoever does evil will rot in the tamal.” Definition and Uses: The things that you do result in negative consequences. The English Equivalent: “What comes around goes around.” or ¨Pay the piper.¨ Mientras esperas que madure bien el aguacate se pudre Literal Translation: “When you wait for things to mature, the avocado will rot.” Definition and Uses: If you leave things to the last minute, the opportunity is lost. The English Equivalent: “Time and tide wait for no man.” or ¨Snooze you lose.¨

Photo : The Playa Times

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 / SEPTEMBER 2015

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 high-

BEST OF 2015

El que tenga tienda que la atienda Literal Meaning: “Whoever has a shop must tend to it.” Definition and Use: Tend to your business otherwise you could go broke. It can also be used if someone’s wife is being ‘neglected’. The English Equivalent: “You can not let things slide.” or “Keep your eyes on the prize.”

BEHAVIOUR - DESTINY El que con lobos anda a aullar se enseña Literal Translation: “That who roams with wolves learns to howl.” Definition and Uses: The habits you pick up from those you hang around with. The English Equivalent: “When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” Las águilas andan solas, los borregos en manada Literal Translation: “Eagles travel alone, sheep travel in herds.” Definition and Uses: This one is about leadership and individuality, where one person takes charge and the others follow. The English Equivalent: “To break the mold.” or ¨Cream of the crop.¨ Lo que de noche se hace, de día aparece Literal Translation: “What is done at night, shows up at daylight.” Definition and Uses: Your wrongdoings will eventually be revealed. The English Equivalent: “Show your true colors.”

er 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. 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.

BEACH LIFE

December 9 - 22 2015

ENTERPRISE FOCUS

Obtaining Temporary

Residency in Mexico B y M ex law M i gra t i o n S er vi ce s

The ECB announced their stimulus measures last week to very disappointed markets / Photo: Agency

One Bank Down, One To Go The European Central Bank announced its stimulus measures and disappointed markets reacted BY PATTIE BERRY - INTERCAM

he world’s central banks have attracted most of the attention in 2015. The European Central Bank and the Fed, the two most powerful in the world, have been the dominant news items for the last two to three months. Last Thursday, the ECB held its last meeting of the year; a meeting everyone was looking forward to because more stimulus for the economy had been all but promised by President Draghi. In the end, the ECB’s decisions disappointed the majority of investors and traders. The bank decided to lower the deposit rate to -0.3%, from -0.2%, when -0.4% was expected. The bond buying program will be extended only six months, from September 2016 to March 2017, when at least a year was assumed. There was no mention of an increase to the 60 billion euros of bonds purchased each month while a larger amount of at least 70 billion was expected. Purchases will now include local and regional government bonds, in addition to sovereign bonds. They also decided to reinvest maturing income in bonds, which wasn’t considered important because most bonds are not due for some three years. Market players decided the ECB did the absolute minimum and felt disappointed and maybe even duped by Draghi. The measures

mean that liquidity will not increase as much and/or as long as they expected. They proceeded to act accordingly, and the markets moved violently. The euro rose against the dollar, which weakened against most developed currencies; European bond yields jumped and dragged Treasury yields upwards. Commodity prices bounced strongly on the back of a weak dollar. Stock markets plummeted around the world. Most markets registered the largest one-day moves in months or even years. Finally, the ECB’s decision was not unanimous because both German representatives voted for no new stimulus. So, Draghi lost the market’s trust, and investors and traders lost a lot of money as a result of the sudden and sharp price turn-around. Investors’ reaction to the ECB’s decisions seems more like a tantrum because they didn’t get what they wanted when they wanted it. But it is the kind of behavior that we often see in the marketplace, and which we should guard against because it usually leads to heavy losses. Looking forward, volatility should moderate a bit but it will remain in place until the Fed’s decision is announced on December 16th. At Intercam, we are interested in receiving your feedback on our articles. Contact us at ftfernandez@intercam.com.mx

hen you enter Mexico as a tourist, immigration issues you a tourist visa, known as an FMM that entitles you to remain in the country for a maximum of 180 days. To extend your stay, legally, you have to exit the country and re-enter for a new FMM. If you wish to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, or you plan to live in Mexico, you will need to apply for a Temporary Residency Visa. The Temporary Residency Visa can be issued for one year, the first time you apply and later renewed for two, three or four years. As a temporary residency visa holder, you can enter and leave Mexico as often as you want. You may also obtain a work permit in exchange for remuneration, get local discounts at certain parks, archaeological sites, some restaurants and other services, and obtain a CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) to register a car and other procedures. At a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico: In the interview with the Consulate’s officer, you will be requested to provide documenta-

tion and information such as personal data, bank statements proving that you can support yourself financially while you are in Mexico. After reviewing your documents, the immigration officer will decide whether to approve your preliminary visa or not. The visa will be issued within ten business days, at most. During the process, you will be photographed and have your fingerprints scanned. Once the visa is obtained, you have 180 days to return to Mexico and complete the canje, or exchange. When arriving in Mexico make sure the immigration officer sees your visa that the Consulate affixed in your passport. They will then mark the FMM canje and write 30 days, instead of 180 days of the regular FMM. This is very important for your process to run smoothly at the immigration office. At the INM Office in Mexico: Once you enter Mexico, you have 30 days to complete the canje process. You will need to fill out paperwork and apply at an INM office for a resident card. Many foreigners rely on information obtained on the internet or rumors from friends before applying for a visa and can run into obstacles during the process. To ensure a speedy and trouble free process, it is recommended to use a professional law firm, such as Mexlaw, throughout your application. Look for part two on temporary residency in our next edition.

HEALTH

The Unintended Consequences

of Spanking Some parents use a spank as a last resort and some see it as a regular form of discipline. Find out why a swat on the behind may not be the best way to discipline your child BY ROSAN OUWERKERK

n the last decade, there has been a lot of discussion about spanking as a disciplinary tool. Many parents believe there is no harm in spanking children. Mostly this is based on the fact that they were physically punished by their parents throughout their childhood and never experienced this as child abuse (T. Afifi, 2013). But physical punishment as a regular means to discipline children can certainly result in psychological problems. Even though spanking is not generally considered a form of child abuse, there is evidence that this can disrupt the child’s stress system and might, for example, lead to depression and anxiety disorders. Children experience spanking as a rejection. If parents don’t give any arguments or are not willing to discuss certain behavior, they will deny their child’s autonomy. This undermines their self-confidence, and it will affect the way children learn to solve problems: they won’t pick up the skills to discuss differences, and they will regard aggression as acceptable. Besides, parents don’t teach their child an alternative behavior if they limit undesirable behavior by physical punishment (W. Slot, 2013). If a child is playing with his food, parents could give them a slap and say “stop it!” or they can just say, “finish your meal.” This last reaction

Parents should offer alternative examples of behavior / Photos: Pixabay

reflects a positive expectation and offers alternative behavior at the same time. Obviously, parents miss out on this opportunity if they spank. Furthermore, physical punishment can lower the threshold towards violence. Children who are regularly spanked will show less and less reaction. Parents who cling to this intervention might proceed to harsher physical punishment because the desired behavior is not achieved. In this case, parents and children will find themselves in a downward spiral. Of course, it can happen that parents slap their child in a fit of desperation. This will certainly not damage a child directly, as long as communication remains the main tool of discipline instead of forcing or prohibiting without explanation. If parents feel they have exhausted all productive disciplinary techniques and look to spanking as the only option, parents urgently need professional family help. 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

December 9 - 22 2015

Buying Car Insurance in Mexico For the insatiable travelers, not knowing all the rules ahead of time when driving can result in harsh penalties later. Don’t get caught without the right paperwork BY YOLO RAMOS - COMPARAGURU.COM

f you own or rent a vehicle in Mexico, it is mandatory and critical that you are properly insured. Your U.S. or Canadian insurance does not cover theft or physical damage to your vehicle while in Mexico. The Ministry of Finance obliged drivers traveling on federal roads to obtain liability insurance to cover damages caused to third parties or their property. This obligation became effective in September 2014. If you do not have insurance and you are involved in a serious accident, you would be fully financially responsible for the damages and medical expenses of the other people involved. Before purchasing insurance, you need to know what type of car insurance is available. In Mexico there are three categories: Liability insurance: Recommended for those who have an older car. This kind of insurance only pays for the expenses of third party liability coverage (damage to other’s property and injuries), but doesn’t cover your vehicle. Limited Insurance Coverage: Similar to the liability insurance, the limited coverage pays for the expenses of a third party (damage to other’s property and injuries) and for the total or partial theft. You also get legal assistance and towing expenses. But it doesn’t cover the repairs of the car in case of an accident.

When driving in Mexico, travel with peace of mind by being properly insured / Photos: Pixabay

Full Coverage: This kind of insurance is recommended for those who have a brand new car - no older than three years. It pays the medical expenses of you and your passengers. It covers the theft and the physical damage to the car after an accident. It includes third party liability coverage (damages you cause to others).Legal assistance. Road assistance and travel assistance (including medical evacuation). Another important thing that you need to know is regarding the deductible. This is the amount you have pay every time you have an accident or theft. The payment of the deductible is separate from the policy fee. If you chose to go with the cheapest car insurance plan, you will have a high deductible. But if you select a more expensive insurance, the deductible will be lower. What does a foreigner need to buy car insurance? You will be surprised to know that as a foreigner you won’t need more paperwork than a national. The basic documents required include the car registration certificate, the federal taxpayer registration (RFC) of the one who will pay for the insurance and a proof of address. It is necessary that the person that will be driving the car must have a valid driver’s license. If not the insurance company won’t cover any expenses. Content generated by ComparaGuru.com

BEACH LIFE

ANIMAL WELFARE A common house gecko like the ones we find here in Mexico / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Chocolate Lovers Drop

Your Fly Swatters! If you are a chocolate lover, you will want to be careful which bugs you swat or spray with a deadly pest killer BY NASH

Gecko Roommates BY NASH In general, we consider ourselves lucky to find a gecko or two in our home, this lovely creature eats all the unwanted insects that are hanging around our house, including mosquitoes, ants, spiders and even cockroaches and scorpions. They are a cute version of pest control. They are mainly nocturnal and spend their nights searching for insects. They are sneaky, as they lurk around light fixtures, waiting for the bugs that are attracted to light and boom! Dinner is served. Geckos have special feet. There are little pads on their feet called setae, a bristle that helps them to adhere to any surface. They also have a gland that can secrete or absorb liquid giving them a better grip as they race across the seemingly smooth ceiling. They are quick, but if you watch closely you can almost see them pulling their suctioned feet from the wall. In a state of fear or defense, a gecko will lose its tail. Some can release or “drop” their

tails, and some only come off when the enemy has a grip on it. Either way, the tail will continue moving after it is detached and create a distraction so the gecko may escape. The tail will grow back. In some cases, the gecko will return and eat the nutrient packed, discarded tail. They also shed and eat their own skin on a regular basis. Female geckos can reproduce without a male gecko if necessary, although this can create a shorter life span and more threats of diseases since there is no genetic diversity. The gecko is known as the noisiest of the lizard species, with their chirps and barking they are either trying to attract a mate or guarding their territory. They are considered a symbol of good luck, representing birth, death, fertility, rebirth and change. But south and west Asia have other ideas about the luck that geckos bring. Many believe they are poisonous or bring bad omens. I say any animal that eats mosquitoes can be my roommate.

he cacao tree is pollinated by midges, a gnat-like insect. This insect is a very tiny fly with the scientific order of diptera, and latin name Ceratopogonidae forcipomyia, better known as midges; they are from the same family as the biting, pesky no-see-ums. Pollination of the cacao usually occurs in the morning. The flowers are fully open just before dawn. If the flowers are not pollinated within 24 hours, they will die. These little flies work day and night-pollinating the cacao flowers. Cacao expert Allen Young states, “A tiny fly no bigger than the head of a pin is responsible for the world’s supply of chocolate. When you bite into a sumptuous piece of chocolate do you ever wonder about the biological processes that brought it to you?” According to the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, the tiny flies require a shaded, humid natural environment and are not attracted to the manmade cacao plantation that is an open, dry and sunny area. They also report that cultivated cacao plants do not have the aromas that wild cacao plants have, making the flower less attractive to the midge. The environment needs to be right for the midge fly, or we will experience a shortage of chocolate. The midge also requires the damp shady area to lay their eggs.

A tiny fly no bigger than the head of a pin is responsible for the world’s supply of chocolate. When you bite into a sumptuous piece of chocolate do you ever wonder about the biological processes that brought it to you? Allen Young, leading cacao expert Farmers realize the need to plant smaller groups of cacao trees in the rainforest rather than large dry fields. The cultivated plantation will only end up with three out of 1,000 fertilized flowers that then produce fruit needed to make chocolate. Cacao tree flowers and produces fruit all year long growing at the base of the tree, and can not self-fertilize. The fruit from the cacao tree attracts monkeys and other animals that eat the fruit and disperse the seeds on the ground, producing new cacao trees. The seeds, or beans, are harvested from the fruit and used to create chocolate. The tiniest of creatures have a very important job for chocolate lovers of the world. To read more about how important the world’s pollinators are, check out www.pollinator.org/resources.

Without this little guy, you wouldn’t be able to satisfy your chocolate craving / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Décembre 9 - 22 2015 LA VIE À LA PLAGE

La Gastronomie Italienne de Noël Longtemps symbole d’excellence, notre cousine culinaire d’Italie séduit le monde entier PAR BARBARA MARTIN - DANIEL

os pays francophones sont unis à l’Italie : l’invasion romaine de la Gaule laissant un très enrichissant héritage culturel, une merveilleuse langue latine (la nôtre) et les constants flux d’ immigration italienne en Suisse, France , Belgique et plus tard Canada. Depuis mon enfance, j’aime ce pays, la gentillesse des italiens, leurs sens du bien recevoir. Je me délecte de sa gastronomie, que ce soit chez mes amies ou lors d’ inoubliables vacances au Piémont ou sur la riviera Ligure ... Je me souviens des repas de noël passés où la diversité culturelle (papa véronais et maman

sicilienne d’une de mes amies) ne faisait qu’enrichir ceux-ci de merveilleuses saveurs qui m’étaient inconnues. Noël approche et j’ai voulu en savoir un peu plus sur les différentes traditions italiennes des repas de fin d’année ! Dans le sud, le repas se fait le 24 décembre au soir. Il est à base de poisson. Les plats traditionnels sont le baccalà (Morue) fris ou capitone (l’anguille) accompagnés de légumes. Dans le Nord, c’est le déjeuner du 25 décembre qui est à l’honneur. D’abord les antipasti variés à base de charcuterie (involtini de bresaola), fromage, légume farcis ou sous huile. Ensuite, les primi piatti : pâtes farcies (tortellini, agnolotti...) en

bouillon, lasagnes. Après vient la viande. Le plus typique du Nord est le pot au feu accompagné de la fameuse sauce Piémontaise pour la viande, le bagno verde ou de la mostarda. En Toscane par exemple, les spécialités Gastronomiques sont légion. Le primo piatto par excellence est constitué de Cappelletti in brodo (sorte de tortellini en bouillon). Ensuite ce sera un chapon bouilli ou farci aux châtaignes. Dans toute l’Italie, le repas se termine par un Panettono (originaire de Milan) ou Pandoro (origine Véronaise). Dans le Sud, d’autres gourmandises se servent avec le café : struffoli , babas au rhum ou au limoncello.

agréable, d’autant plus que nous travaillons de manière indépendante, ce qui nous donne davantage de liberté. Quand êtes vous arrivés à Playa del Carmen ? Nous sommes arrivés il y a six, en vacances, dans la Rivièra Maya…nos vacances dures encore maintenant car nous ne sommes jamais repartis.

Photographe: Élégance Photographie

Trash The Dress «Bousille La Robe» PAR BLANCA COUTIÑO Après la cérémonie de mariage pour célébrer l’amoure ou à l’occasion d’un divorce pour exprimer sa joie de la liberté retrouvée, la tendance « trash the dress » séduit de plus en plus de femme ici est ailleurs. Mais pour rendre l’évènement encore plus mémorable, les « trasheuses » font maintenant appel à des photographes professionnels ce qui donne lieu à des mises en scène parfois surprenantes ! Nicolas et Clément, photographes professionnels de l’agence « élégance-photographie » nous racontent sur ce phénomène qui est maintenant « monnaie courante » dans la Rivièra Maya. The Playa Times: Depuis combien de temps faites vous de la photo ? Nicolas et Clément: Cela fait maintenant huit ans que nous sommes dans la mode artistique et la photographie, ce que nous aimons le plus dans ce métier c’est de pouvoir partager des moments forts avec nos clients ; c’est une sensation spéciale et

Pourquoi tant de passion pour les photos aquatiques et le « trash the dress » ? Le trash the dress nous entraine dans des milieux particuliers, comme : les cavernes, les cénotes, la mangrove ou sous l’eau et comme je le disais tout à l’heure ce sont des moments de communion entre le photographe et le client, tout le monde se retrouve nageant dans le même milieu, cela crée des liens. C’est assez magique. Comment avez-vous créez votre agence « élégance-photographie » ? Notre agence fut crée grâce à un directeur artistique et un photographe qui ont décidé de rassembler leur connaissance et de travailler ensemble et ainsi développer une agence de photo, élégante, moderne et proche avec ses clients. Quel message aimeriez-vous transmettre à travers vos photos ? La photo est un film, nous sommes juste les techniciens, il n’y a rien d’autre à voir que les protagonistes…

Nicolas et Cléments photographes de l’agence « élégance-photographie » Interview réalisée par Blanca Coutiño Wedding planner, coucoumexikoo.com, coucoumexikoo@gmail.com.

Photos: Fratelli di Italia

Dans le nord, avec le café c’est la délicieuse tarte aux noisettes (Je confirme ! Mmmm !!), le nougat d’Alba , etc… A Playa del Carmen, chez Fratelli Di Italia, Marco et Davide m’assurent qu’ils auront presque tous ces produits pour Noël. Originaires de Piacenza,

Playa del Carmen : PAR BARBARA DANIEL-MARTIN On vient ici pour vivre tranquilles, profiter du soleil et de la plage. Mais après ça, on demande autre chose! Des centres commerciaux et des méga-cinés,... Et la culture populaire, alors ? Au bout d’un moment, on a quand même envie d’un peu de bougeotte. Les « playenses » se plaignaient du manque d’évènements populo-culturels. Heureusement, ces dernières années les activités, installations se sont multipliées et améliorées. Et elles sont souvent gratuites! Chronologie des changements socio-culturelles de Playa del Carmen 1er Boum - démographiquement parlant : 10 000 habitants en 1996, 206 716 habitants en 2015. 2ème Boum - celui des centres nocturnes et clubs de plage: Le premier fut le Blue Parrot en 1989. Et maintenant..? 3ème et 4ème Boums - les plus attendus de tous : boum culturel et boum gastronomique. Voici quelques exemples boum de ce qu’un/e playense de corazón a vécu en 2015 9 - 18 janvier : on aime ou on n’aime pas, le BPM envahit la ville et sa musique électronique aussi. Pour les jeunes seulement ? 12 - 17 février : le Carnaval. Cette année la touche des Caraïbes était

Emilia Romagna, lieu de grande tradition culinaire, voici deux ans qu’ils ont ouvert celui-ci ! Buon appetito ! Bon appétit ! Contacts : Facebook/ Fratelli di Italia Playa del Carmen Tel :984 1512451 et 984 2061439.

Boum ! Boum ! Boum !Boum ! plus palpable, plus de 600 participants et 10 000 visiteurs se réunirent pour danser. Enthousiasmant ! 15 premiers jours d’avril : la Guelaguetza, foire artisanale, musicale et culinaire que présente l’état d’Oaxaca sur la place municipale du 28 Juillet. Évènement haut en couleurs et en arômes ! Fin avril, le festival de ciné de la Riviera Maya où le film Saint Laurent fut récompensé ! Juillet : la kermesse de Notre Dame del Carmen avec ses « tourniquets » et autres postes de tacos sur l’avenue 115 et coin de la « Constituyentes ». Si locale ! Le 29 juillet : enfin, l’ouverture officielle de notre théâtre municipal! Novembre : 1ère semaine, le Dreamers Art Festival. On a adoré leurs ateliers et l’ embellissement urbanistique grâce… et… pour l’amour du muralisme (street art). La dernière semaine du mois de novembre : le Riviera Maya Jazz Festival nous fait vibrer ! Merci au Big Band de Playa de Carmen. Cette fusion de latin jazz, swing et autre types de jazz m’émut au plus haut point ! Quels musiciens ! A répéter! Attention , bien des évènements manquent. Je ne pus les décrire (Mi Amigo de la Calle récolte et activitées pour les chiens de la rue au long de l’année, la traversée sacrée maya au mois de mai, le festival de la vie et de la mort fin octobredébut novembre, etc..). Ceci n’est qu’une présentation succincte du best off 2015 !

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