B i w e e k l y · Yea r 03 · N u m b e r 76 · 2 0,0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · J a n u a r y 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 1 6
Mexican S MASP IDE
theplayatimes.c o m
Amber
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This beautiful, fossilized resin is popular in jewelry design and is considered to carry health benefits. Find out more about where to buy these organic jewels right here in Playa del Carmen and why it is in high demand.
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TPT FOODIES
· DISCOVER MEXICO
H O LY M O L E
ENTERPRISE FOCUS PERMANENT RESIDENCY
RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS
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Photo: viajandomexico.com
Photo: keepler.mx
Celestun and Holbox
We take a look at eight varieties of Mexico’s most popular sauce, made from chilies, nuts and chocolate among many other ingredients
If an escape is what you are looking for, we found it! Paradise abounds in these two beautiful locations for birders and sunseeker s , i n t h e n o r t h e r n m o s t tip of the peninsula
Find out what is required to live in Mexico as a retiree. The team from Mexlaw outlines financial requirements and the process you need to go through.
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January 6 - 19 2016
>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: Jennifer Keller
Sales Executive directmarketing@meridianmedia.mx
Karla Mora Sales Executive Promopack@meridianmedia.mx
Ana Martínez
Mexican Caribbean: The Hub of Nature and Culture
Community Manager & Marketing marketing@meridianmedia.mx
BY BEATRIZ LUCAS
T
Milton Rosel
his month, The Playa Times uncovers some of the prevalent blends of nature with culture in Quintana Roo. Unlike any other destination in the Caribbean, Mexico is home to some of the richest and best preserved ancient and living cultures. Culture and nature bring about very similar feelings. They promote a good quality of life, they create unique interpersonal connections, and culture and nature are important factors and potential boost to social development, education and the economy. With this in mind, take advantage of your time here, and let us take you on a journey. Discover the use of the
Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx
CONTACT US AT: 984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes
Mexican precious stone, amber; sit back as we tell you about the prehistoric museum of Tulum’s newest expo “Sabertooth Tiger”; find out more about the El Niño effect on the weather this winter. Marvel as we guide you through the twitcher’s paradise of Celestún and Holbox and tell you more about the intriguing endemic bird, the Motmot. We will also explain a little more about the
spider monkey conservation program on the national roads of the Yucatan peninsula. Additionally, if you plan to spend the winter in the Mexican Caribbean, you could do worse than position yourself close to the source of the “food of gods” a.k.a. chocolate. Find out about the famous savory delicacy made with chocolate, mole, in all its varieties.
www Share some of your holiday snaps with us or tell us about your adventures on social media. Talk to us either on our Facebook page / The Playa Times or on Twitter @ThePlayaTimes, take a look at some of our iconic landscapes on our Instagram account /Playa Times, or go directly to our website www.playatimes.com for more news, information and stories.
@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.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
MEXICAN AMBER: BEAUTY, HISTORY, AND MYSTICISM Mediterranean merchants and more have attributed amber with having special properties: a jewel that is also spiritual medicine. Amber is used to correct physical and emotional imbalances such as anxiety or depression and to stimulate a positive mindset. But most people are fascinated by its warm beauty as an organic jewel, because of its texture, shine, and colors; and some others are more attracted by its inclusions of insects or vegetation. Unfortunately, due to its high demand, worldwide forgery has also grown. At our shop, you are sure to get an original certified product, which is how we have earned frequent customers from all around the world. We keep the spirit of bringing our customers unique pieces with natural rocks of high quality and great style. If you come to Playa, do not hesitate to visit us and fall in love with our jewelry, find us on 5th Ave. between 4th and 6th St; Playa del Carmen. Tel.: 984 873 2357 tamaraplaya@prodigy.net.mx
Around Town Inclusive Workplaces
BY MELISSA ROBLES
I Taxi Union Heading to International Tourism Fair 2016
BY MELISSA ROBLES
F
or the first time, the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río taxi driver union of Playa del Carmen will participate in FITUR 2016, scheduled to take place in Spain from January 20 to 24. This event is the most important in the global travel industry. The Riviera Maya Hotel Association has invited the head of the union to join them on their trip to meet tour operators and travel agents, and to share the attractions of the Riviera Maya. They will have the opportunity to earn certifications and take training courses, as hotels ask for certain requirements from those who provide service to their guests. In 2015, 9,419 companies from 165 countries participated in FITUR, with 125,000 professionals attending and 97,000 members of the general public. 7,398 journalists attended, demonstrating the importance of the event for the tourism sector.
n Quintana Roo, 17 companies will receive the “Inclusive Workplace” prize according to Enoel Isaías Pérez Cortés, federal delegate of the Secretary of Work and Social Assistance. These numbers are encouraging if you take into consideration that two years ago only one hotel had the certification. “Inclusive Workplace refers to workers with some disability. Fortunately, the businesses have taken this as a social responsibility, and they have hired these workers in appropriate positions”, he said. In the last statewide job fairs, 300 jobs have been offered to the elderly and the disabled, though many in this population have not applied, he stated.
Photo: Oiss.org
Photo: FITUR
O
ur jewelry store, Ambar Mexicano y Joyas de la Tierra, was born in 1994 in Playa del Carmen when the streets of this young town were covered by sand and it was still an unknown paradise to most of the world. The amber used in our jewelry is extracted in Simojovel de Allende, Chiapas, located 600 miles from our store. We get our amber directly from Chiapas so we can later design a custom gold or silver setting with the help of our exclusive artisans. This amber is a 100 percent natural gem, with no chemical processes involved and only polished and sculpted artisanally. Geologically, Mexican amber is relatively young, dated between 25 and 40 million years. About that time the conifer forest of the region was covered by ashes and volcanic lava from nearby eruptions. That was how the resin of the trees was kept isolated from the environment and so, with the passage of time, instead of biodegrading it petrified, thus becoming amber. Amber has been in the history of humanity’s beginnings. Cultures like China, Greece, the Maya, Inca, the
January 6 - 19 2016
Hamacamarte: The Art of the Hammock
H Photos: Travel MedEvac.
… you, or someone you love has a serious medical situation and needs to be back home within hours? If you spend significant time in Mexico, there will come a time that you, or someone you know will need to get back home to a known medical facility, or even to a specialty hospital such as May. Within hours. Would you know how to navigate international law, the Mexican medical system, and medical evacuation companies in order to quickly get back to the States or Canada? Plus, would you be able to afford the $20,000 - $50,000 cost… payable upfront? And, God forbid, what if there is a death? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that for as low as $200 - $300 per year you can have a wonderful sense of security and all of these worries can go away? An emergency evacuation membership can cover you, your spouse, and in many cases children and even grandchildren. And insure that you get back home to the hospital of your choice so you can be near your loved ones and have access to specialized facilities and trusted doctors. Only one medical evac firm serving Mexico is integrated from “a to z” and in the past year has conducted over 400+ successful international evacuations to the US and Canada. They get the call… quickly size up the situation using in-house bilingual doctors who consult with your doctors here in Mexico… and can then quickly put into the air one of the 51 planes that they either own, or have under contract. Flown by pilots with an average of 14,000+ hours experience and a medical crew with a minimum 5+ years of emergency room experience and certifications. The plane flies under pre-approved blanket FAA and Mexican aviation permits and can be here to the Rivera Maya in less than 2 hours. No one can match their speed, medical skills and performance as certified by the two
largest medical evacuation certification organizations in the world. No one! The unexpected happens. It is incredibly inexpensive to protect yourself and your loved ones.
John Klug Senior Consultant Riva Maya Travel MedEvac 984-169-2600 (Mexico) 303-719-5584 (US) Klug.John@Comcast.net Call or email with any questions and to learn the time of the next group seminar concerning medical evacuation options.
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amacamarte is a store that wants everyone, both Playenses and tourists, to learn more about the magic art of the hammock. They want you to allow them the opportunity to share with you what the rest of us hammock lovers already know, that you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or a full night’s sleep in a beautiful handcrafted piece of art. Their goal is to encourage more people to own a hammock, and to break the myths that surround it, for example that it will hurt your back. Nothing could be further from the truth. On a physical level, our body acquires its natural form, like when we were in the womb. That’s why it is so relaxing. The position does something in our body that makes us want to stay in the hammock, unwilling to move, embraced by it. Hamacamarte wants the Yucatan hammock to be recognized and valued, and this is why they respect and work with local people, helping them via fair trade. This also gives them the opportunity to assess the work behind a hammock, which has been crafted over hours by people who put their heart and soul into their work.
Photo: Hamacamarte
What if…
ART & CULTURE
Hamacamarte values the handicraft that we are so fortunate to have here in our beautiful Mexico. As a result, they also have space in their store for other local artists with new ideas that involve any manual form of art. At Hamacamarte, you will find other accessories for your hammock that add to its beauty and comfort. Don’t see what you want? Hamacamarte can make custom hammocks according to your taste. They also ship worldwide, can accept orders and offer wholesale prices. Their goal is to make your home prettier with a variety of craft options. Visit them on one of the nicest streets in Playa del Carmen. 38 Street between 5th avenue and the beach. tel + 52 984 873 13 38 Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. hamacamarterivieramaya@gmail.com Facebook/Hamacamarte Riviera Maya Instagram/Hamacamarte
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ART & CULTURE
Cultural Tourism Boost in 2016
The colonial city of Izamal in the Yucatan Peninsula / Photo: Travel Report Mexico
BY JOE MALDONADO The Federal Secretary of Tourism, SECTUR, headed by Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, set aside $2,300,000
pesos in 2013 to promote 329 cultural projects in the country. In 2016, SECTUR will give around $2,000,000 pesos for different projects and cultural programs through-
Th ree Ki n gs Day BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO, ANTHROPOLOGIST The holidays aren’t over on New Year’s day in Mexico. Children wait excitedly for the arrival of the “Three Kings” who come bearing gifts. They leave the gifts early on the morning of January 6, the day that Catholics celebrate the Three Kings. These mysterious characters are mentioned in the Bible story about the birth of Jesus; the mystery lies in how they got there by following the star of Bethlehem to see the
newborn king of the Jews. Upon seeing him they knelt down and offered him three gifts: gold because of his title as king, incense recognizing his divinity, and myrrh, alluding to his future crucifixion. Although the Bible doesn’t mention that they were kings, nor that there were three of them, every January 6 we celebrate Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, the Three Kings represented riding on a camel, a horse and an elephant. They bring toys to all the children who were
Three Kings: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar / Photo: Pixabay
out the country, as well as restoring historic buildings. According to figures of the Worldwide Tourist Association and the Organization for Economic Development, around 11,636,000 tourists visited Mexico in 2014. The same organization shows that up until August of 2015, the number of tourists to visit museums was around 8,928,000 people. Mexico is the top destination in North America, and sixth worldwide, on the list of World Heritage sites with 33 locations, and fourth on the representatives list of intangible cultural patrimony with seven locations. There are innumerable prehispanic sites, colonial cities, urban centers, picturesque villages, and unique cultural expressions. Because of this, SECTUR has promised to strengthen the preservation and conservation of tangible and intangible patrimony to develop the country both economically and socially. They seek to promote cultural tourism, utilizing the exceptional Mexican culture and capitalizing on cultural offerings of Mexico.
good throughout the year, in remembrance of the gifts they brought to baby Jesus. On this day, following the tradition brought from Spain, family and friends are invited to share the rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with dried, candied fruits. Inside the rosca is a “lucky charm”, a tiny plastic (or porcelain) figurine in the shape of a baby, alluding to baby Jesus. The person who gets the slice of the rosca with the doll is considered to have good luck in the coming year and also has the obligation to host a party on February 2, the Feast of Candelaria and provide all the guests with tamales.
Scientists discovered a human skull, 13,000 years old, at the bottom of a cave in near Tulum / Photo: Paul Nicklen/ Geographic Society
Prehistoric Museum Tulum Archeologists and investigators are exploring the underground world in the hopes of uncovering key remains to help understand the history of the region BY JOE MALDONADO
T
o discover the past of this region, the Institute of Prehistoric Investigation of America has prepared a series of tours through the underground river system. In and around Tulum, there are three of the biggest underground caves in the world, and it is estimated that they are hiding artifacts from the Ice Age and the arrival of man to the Yucatan peninsula 10,000 years ago. According to Eugenio Aceves, director of the Prehistoric Museum, only 15 percent of the existing caves have been discovered, despite the ongoing explorations. The good thing is that more and more people are joining the project because of the interest in artifacts. Aceves indicated that six or seven caves are slated to be explored, including the Balam cenote that is in the community of Uxuxubi, where the locals hired divers to explore the cenote to promote it as part of their tourist attractions. This exploration was found to have diverse remains, and it is hoped the 2016 explorations bring good results. Thanks to the findings of Ice
Age animals in Tulum, such as mastodons and saber tooth tigers, along with the 10,000-year-old human remains, like the Naharon Woman and the Palmas Woman, more and more archeologists, investigators and divers are attracted to explore in the area. Eugenio Aceves did not discard the idea that new technologies could be used from the surface of the underground rivers. “We are just starting. Because of the richness of the cenotes, there is no other option, the Riviera Maya is the number one diving destination, and more cenotes are being discovered,” he stated. Another objective for 2016 is for the Prehistoric Museum to grow to benefit all those interested in the new surge of information, attract the interest of young people, and in the future, to offer degrees in underwater archeology and marine biology, which is not currently available in the area. Such academic courses would be done through agreements with other institutions and loans from their collections, such as the case of the saber tooth tiger (smilodon fatalis) which was on loan from the Paleontology Museum of San Juan Raya in the state of Puebla.
January 6 - 19 2016
ART & CULTURE
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World Music Festival
Third Edition W ith a musical range that includes five continents, the World Music Festival, returns to the area for its third year. On January 23, 2016, and after a successful two years in Puerto Morelos, the festival will be in Playa del Carmen for the first time at Wah Wah Beach Club located Calle 2 and the beach. The festival aims to spread the world music genre, which became known thanks to New York label, Putumayo World Music, and others. World music includes artists from various genres that fuse rhythms and sounds creating a unique musical experience. On January 23 begin the year with an eclectic international cast ranging from Latin jazz to reggae and cumbia and calypso. Don’t forget the rhythms of Belize with the genre, punta rock, represented by the Garifuna All-Stars directly from Belize. The 2016 World Music Festival will include international artists: Gabriel Palatchi (Argentina) Bryan Paris & his Celestial Steel (Tobago) The Original Wailers (Jamaica) Garifuna All-Stars (Belize) Nikodemus (United States) And more surprise guests! Photos:World Music Festival
The Original Wailers, continuing the legacy of Bob Marley, includes the original guitarist, and leader of the group, Al Anderson, who has brought together a select group of musicians to honor the history and maintain the integrity of the music with the Original Wailers. Anderson joined Bob Marley & The Wailers in 1973 and performed with them until Marley’s death in 1981. As lead guitarist for the Wailers, Anderson was instrumental in creating the highlights of the sound of the band. The group went on to sell 75 million records worldwide. In addition to live music, there will also be workshops held by Al Anderson and other musicians. Jacob Edgar, director of the record label Cumbancha and specialist in the world music genre will be holding a conference on the subject. Location of the conference and workshops to be announced. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the heroic Playa del Carmen Fire Department. We look forward to another successful event thanks to all Playenses and visitors from all over the world! For more information, please visit Facebook/Wah Wah Beach Bar or call 984 143 6009 or Facebook/ZanzibarProduction.
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DISCOVER MEXICO
January 6 - 19 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
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WORKSHOPS & COURSES
ANIMAL WELFARE CO CO ’s K I T T E N CU DDLE. Fridays, 2-4 p.m. Volunteers needed to help socialize kittens. It’s also a great de-stressor!
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
CHA R M SC H O O L, 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. ACCI Ó N A N I M AL ADO PTIO N FA I R , every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7
p.m. Tenth St. between Ave. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don’t buy pets, rescue them! Check Facebook /Acción Animal.
MARKETS KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Organic produce, fresh home baked goods, artisan crafts and more! Shop local and support Playa.
JANUARY 6 - 19
2016
EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR MARKET,
every Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II.
ART & MUSIC A RT FO RU M, 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.
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.
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.
N O CHE D E D I VAS ,
P O P C H O I R, Playa del Carmen. Adult Singing Group. No experience and no audition. Songs in English, from 60s to present day. $205 pesos for four sessions. Facebook/Pop Choir Playa, or Whatsapp/ Contact: Ynez 984 143 8716 (English). SA LSA ,
BAC H ATA
&
KIZO M BA,
Saturday nights at Zenzi, 8 p.m., 10th Street and the beach. Free. every night at Salsanera, 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., 12th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. Free. SA LSA CL ASS ES ,
DOCUMENTARIES 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.
MEDIATION TUESDAYS,
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.
COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD 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.
“PAY WHAT YOU CAN” YOGA,
ZUMBA, Weekdays, 7:10 a.m. Mario Villanueva Madrid Stadium, 10th Avenue and 34th Street. Cost: Donation.
Every Wednesday and Sundays, Stand Up Comedy at Lucky Luciano’s, 28th and 5th. 8 p.m. $100 pesos. Facebook/Comedy Below Sea Level.
COMEDY PLAYA,
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.
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Photo: Paamul Jack
DISCOVER MEXICO
e l tt i L : n u t s e l e C Holbox & ven on Earth Pieces of Hea MOTMOT…Who’s There? The Yucatan Peninsula is an amazing place for birds. Here are a few places where bird lovers can observe a huge variety of species, including those which are endemic or endangered.
Holbox / Photos: flickr/dronepicr
By Catherine Pawelek
Ho lbox
Not far from Cancun, but seemingly a world away, is the island of Holbox. Separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, Holbox offers a rich birdlife including pelicans and flamingos. Pronounced “holebosh”, the island is part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve, and popular for year-round fishing and whale shark viewing from May to September. Accessible from the mainland via ferry, its main forms of transportation are golf carts, bicycles, mopeds and walking. Holbox has one of the safest beaches for kiteboarding. Conditions are ideal for beginners, with shallow waters, no big obstacles on the extremely wide beach, and an on-site school with professional instructors. Winter winds are perfect for the more advanced adventurers. How to get there: Take the 305 toll road from Playa del Carmen, towards Merida. Follow the signs to Chiquila, where you can safely park your car and take the ferry. Approx. 1 ½ Hrs. drive. Where to stay: With over 50 hotels, the choice is yours, including Hotel La Palapa and Posada Mawimbi’s prime sand between the toes locations. Tip: Bring bug spray. Certain times of the year the mosquitos seem more active than others!
BY CATHERINE PAWELEK species, partially due to its unique ecosystem that features a combination of fresh water from the estuary and salt water from the Gulf of Mexico. Celestun is also known as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles, with wildlife conservationists working on projects to protect them from encroaching modernization. One of the busiest times for tourism is April’s semana santa, when local Maya villagers from around the region visit the area. How to get there: 383 KM from Playa del Carmen. Approx. 4 ½ Hrs. Take the toll road to Merida, then Route 281 to Celestun. Where to stay: Hacienda Santa Rosa, part of Luxury Hotels, located 26 miles from Celestun or stay at Xixim Mayan Hotel surrounded by the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Tip: Take a guided boat ride to get up close to the thousands of flamingos.
L
Celes tun
Located in the state of Yucatan, this mostly fishing town has a 19th-century lighthouse and an abandoned historic hacienda. Besides fishing, Celestun also produces salt, as it has done from pre-Columbian times and the tourism industry is increasing the town’s economy, as the community has many kilometers of beaches and abundance of wildlife. It is surrounded by a national park (Celestun Biosphere Reserve), home to a myriad of bird
Cele
imedia otos: wik stun / Ph
commons
eading you to the hidden cenote, through the jungle, while chattering away, this tour guide’s uniform features a moiré of brown to turquoise blue plumage. You will find this little flyer, called the mot mot, at Aviario Xaman Ha, a bird sanctuary and a little slice of heaven, tucked away in the middle of Playacar, featuring over 200 birds and 45 distinctive bird species. This location is the ideal place to study these birds in the wild as they come and go freely, sharing their space with rainbow colored butterflies, camouflaged iguanas and a variety of plant life. www.aviarioxamanha.com. Another alternative to find our feathered friend is Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), a small island covered in mangrove swamps and cacti, located on the Yalahau lagoon, on Holbox. Here you will find a large variety of birds, and since some of them are endangered species, two observation points and walkways are provided to minimize direct contact with birds. Flamingos, cormorants, herons, frigate birds, pelicans, wild ducks and seagulls among other species that can be observed here in their natural environment. http://en-holbox.
com.mx/isla-pajaros/ Surrounding the town of Celestun is the 147,500 acre Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano aka the “Celestun Biosphere Reserve” is the winter home to immense flocks of flamingos, in addition to herons and other bird species, including the large white Canadian pelican and the smallish grey Mexican one. It is also a transient home-awayfrom-home for hundreds of species of birds that fly through during their migratory flights. Closer to Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you can take a bird watching tour in Puerto Morelos or Punta Laguna, where you might see the collared Aracari, shaking its tail feathers while displaying a bright yellow and orange breast, black helmeted head and tail. Psstt….for the avid and amateur bird watchers, don’t miss Isla Contoy and Isla Blanca, a couple of hidden gems. Although Isla Blanca isn’t an actual island, but more like a peninsula, just north of Cancun, they both still carry an air of undiscovered avian treasures. Want to see some amazing images check out our neighbor’s splendid candid pictures and get snapping. http://focusingonwildlife.com/ news/wildfocus/members-gallery/ name/paamuljack/
January 6 - 19 2016
DISCOVER MEXICO
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info@meridianmedia.mx t. 984 8031446
January 6 - 19 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
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ANIMAL WELFARE Photo:Agency
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Playa Pet Transport: Change A Life On Your Way Home What better way to end a fabulous vacation than by helping change a life forever. Escorting a Mexican rescue dog to his new forever home may seem a bit intimidating but read on to find out how easy it is to make a huge difference in a dog’s life. BY NASH
H
ere in the Riviera Maya there are many dogs in shelters and the streets, living a terrible life of abuse and neglect. Luckily, there are many rescue groups and individuals dedicated to getting these dogs into good homes. Some dogs are pulled from death row at the city pound and get a second chance at life, which may be in another country, like Canada or the U.S. One of the most important tasks for these rescues is finding them escorts on the flights to their new homes. Heather Stewart created a nonprofit organization called Playa Pet Transport. She has dedicated her time to coordinate the escorts to Canada for many rescue groups and volunteers. She works tirelessly to organize flights for these rescue dogs and make the arrangements for the wonderful volunteers that offer to escort. Heather explains that it is not difficult to be an escort. All the arrangements, veterinary documentation and fees are paid by the rescue groups. You are just responsible to take the dog through customs on the other side. The dog crate space is booked under your reservation, normally through Air Transat or Westjet, as they seem to be the most pet friendly airlines. Once you arrive in Canada you will find the crated dog in the oversized baggage area and you will take it through customs, present the paperwork and the dog and after inspection you are on your way. The rescue representative or new family will be waiting for you outside and take the dog from there. All parties involved
Little Armored One BY NASH
Escorting dogs to their new homes is easy and hassle free / Photo: Sandra Train
Escorting a dog to their new life is easy. All the arrangements, veterinary documentation and fees are paid by the rescue groups. will have contact information and be able to communicate in case of any delay but over all it is a very
simple procedure. Heather helps organize transport for many rescue organizations and individual fosters and rescuers here in the Riviera Maya. She will screen the dogs and find the best fit for them in Canada, ensuring they are healthy and have been vet checked for travel. If you are a frequent visitor or just on a vacation here in Playa, please consider escorting a street dog to their new life. All rescue organizations here are in need of escorts. If you contact Heather she will put you touch with the groups that have dogs waiting to fly. For more information on pet escorting email playapettransports@ gmail.com or check out Facebook/ Playa Pet Transports.
The armadillo is a relative of the anteater and the sloth. They have no relation to the turtle as some believe. The armadillo is a slow moving, shy, solitary animal covered in a nine-banded flexible shell. The shell is a leathery ossified armor, made of cartilage and bone. There are nine bands that cover the upper body. Mexico’s armadillo are mainly dark grey or brown. It is, for the most part, a nocturnal animal, but can be seen wandering during the day.
The armadillo is best known as a symbol of Texas, but this gentle hard bodied animal can be found wandering the open roads of the Yucatan. Known as “little armored one,” the armadillo performs a few unexpected tricks.. Unfortunately, the armadillo population continues to decline as they are hunted by almost all predators including man. They are killed for their meat, as well for crafts that the Maya create out of the armor. The loss of habitat has also put them at risk. Each year thousands of
Riviera Maya Primates in Danger of Extinction BY MELISSA ROBLES Man’s closest relative is in grave danger. According to a study by the International Nature Conservation Alliance, the Bristol Zoological Society, the International Primate Society and the International Conservation Organization, at least 50 percent of primates are at risk of extinction, a situation that the spider monkey and howler monkey of the Riviera Maya have not escaped. The spider monkey is thin with long legs, and the howler monkey is more muscular, similar to a small gorilla. They are losing their habitat due to hotel development, hunting,
illegal commercialization, and cutting down fruit trees. Jorge Fuentes, Director of La Vereda de Xcalacoco nature preserve, emphasized the urgency of providing green areas in the new developments being built on the coastline, as they are threatening wildlife. Families of monkeys have been taken to the preserve as they are at risk and cannot find food. They are also in danger of being captured and used by people who might commercialize them for profit, confirmed Fuentes. “I’m happy to see the monkeys here. We are continually planting trees to sustain them. The problem is that the area keeps having trees cut
Spider Monkey / Photo: La Vereda de Xcalacoco
I’m happy to see the monkeys here. We are continually planting trees to sustain them. The problem is that the area keeps having trees cut down, so the habitat of the apes is reduced each day. We have to do something and see that the authorities continue to pressure the developers. Jorge Fuentes Director, La Vereda de Xcalacoco nature preserve
armadillos are killed by cars while they are out on the road looking for food. They only have a few defenses against predators: a protective shell and the ability to dig and bury themselves very quickly as a way to escape danger. They are capable of holding their breath for up to 6 minutes under the earth. Young armadillos are at greater risk as their carapaces have not calcified to the hard shell yet, and must be more cautious. They have sharp nails and are sometimes able to take a swipe at the predator. They only have a couple of molar-like teeth in the back of their mouths. Armadillos feed on ants, grubs, and termites and also some invertebrates and are found in all types of grasslands and rainforest. Living in a humid, wet area is not conducive to their health, nor is the desert. This makes the Yucatan Peninsula a perfect environment for them. The female gives birth to four identical babies; the quadruplets will be genetically identical siblings of the same sex. The female can delay implantation of a fertilized egg until there is a better time if she is under stress. She will decide when it is the best time to produce her offspring.
down, so the habitat of the apes is reduced each day,” he lamented. Zapote, guaya, and mangrove seeds, which are now scarce and disappearing day by day, are some of the species that the monkeys tend to eat. He also indicated that it does not help just to replant with palm trees, as the species must be native to Mexico. Authorities must step in and intervene immediately, as the spider monkey population is threatened; “We have to do something and see that the authorities continue to pressure the developers.” Liane Aké Canto, Director of Medio Ambiente, confirmed that the El Tintal-Mérida federal highway has installed 30 “Wildlife Safe Passages”, which are tunnels that the animals can cross the highway without being run over. The actual number of monkeys in the region is unknown; these animals share most of its DNA with man, who is also its biggest predator.
January 6 - 19 2016
ENTERPRISE FOCUS
15
TPT Meets Red Morris there were any parallels between his current media and marketing job for Top Mexico Real Estate and his previous work and what marketing tips he might have for us to incorporate into our business. “The similarities are striking. Whether you are marketing a movie, a television show, a sports team or a region such as the Riviera Maya, the process is the same. Know your audience and convey the message you want to resonate with the target market. My specialty is taking an idea, crafting it and presenting it to a target market in such a way that the ‘audience’ receives the message exactly just as I see it. It is important to recognize the power of crafting a message and exploring the ‘crazy ideas’ that truly reach and touch the American, Canadian and Mexican real estate target markets.” “I’ve been lucky that God has blessed me with the ability to communicate with others, no matter how big the audience, in an efficient, effective and entertaining manner. That is what I bring to the table, an ability to tap into the part of every human being that wants to be entertained, amused and ultimately moved.”
Playa is home to this Hollywood marketer, producer, writer and director. We spoke to him about his transition from LA to the Mexican Caribbean BY CATHERINE PAWELEK
B
eing a liaison between production companies and studios in Hollywood, Red Morris rubbed shoulders with A–list movie stars, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Sylvester Stallone, and Robert Redford. This led him to the marketing of popular shows like “The X Files”, “Coach” and “Two and a Half Men”. Let’s hear from this enthusiastic and positive marketer as he transited to the sports entertainment field and ended up in our neighborhood. “I am originally from Southern California and attended USC. After graduation, I went to work for Hollywood Pictures (a division of the Walt Disney Company), eventually exploring the world of independent television and film as a writer, producer, and director of several projects, segueing into the sports entertainment field and working for the NFL, MLB, and even Superbowl XVII. After these great experiences, I started my media company, Morris Media Group, offering my television/film production, writing, and
The similarities are striking. Whether you are marketing a movie, a television show, a sports team or a region such as the Riviera Maya, the process is the same. Know your audience and convey the message you want to resonate with the target market. Red Morris Media and Marketing Administrator Top Mexico Real Estate photography skills to the public.” He shares with us how he and his company landed in Playa del Carmen. “Having worked in the very challenging entertainment business for nearly 20 years and a near life–threatening illness, it was time to re–evaluate our life and future. My wife and I toured all the islands via vacations, cruises, etc. and settled on three places for our relocation: Puerto Rico, St.
Red Morris / Photo: Red Morris
Maarten or Playa Del Carmen. After extensive soul searching, we decided that Playa del Carmen was the only choice. The sun, the sand, the Carib-
bean Sea, the food, and mainly, the warm and welcoming Mexican people made our choice an easy one.” We wanted to know whether
Together with the owners of Top Mexico R.E., Scott has produced six real estate television programs/shows that are currently available for viewing on www.topmexicochannel.com.
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ENTERPRISE FOCUS
Residency for Seniors Can retirees or pensioned expatriates get a Permanent Resident Visa if they did not have a visa before? BY MEXLAW MIGRATION SERVICES
T
he Permanent Resident Visa can be issued to a foreigner who intends to enter Mexico to reside indefinitely. Foreigners who are granted Permanent Resident status will have the right to enter and leave the country as many times as desired. They will also be able to bring their personal property into Mexico in the manner and terms that apply under the applicable law. The procedure has to be started at a Mexican Consulate outside of Mexico and finished at an immigration office in Mexico. Who can apply? Pensioned or retired expatriates who can prove sufficient monthly income or savings to cover their living expenses during their stay in Mexico.
Photo: The Playa Times
Businesses in Quintana Roo
Financial requirements (the sums of money vary slightly according to each consulate). You will need to provide one of the following: Proof of financial stability via account statements from investments, savings or checking accounts from the preceding 12 months. You are required to prove an average monthly balance of a minimum $128,000.00 USD.
BY MELISSA ROBLES According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, INEGI, in Quintana Roo there are an estimated 57,186 companies. Only 13,000 out of the 57,000 are registered at the Mexican Social Security Institute, IMSS, estimated Enoel Isaias Perez Cortes, the federal delegate of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. This means less than 25 percent of companies comply with the obligation to provide social insurance to their workers. From that 25 percent, half are registered with the National Fund for Employee Consumption, Infonacot, a government-related entity that is intended to generate better credit conditions for the working class. Two years ago the difference was even greater, with only 50 active firms generating loans to its employees. As a result of inspections by the federal agency, this particular issue was raised to deter the further backlog of unregistered companies. In the state, there are 714,000 people with employment registered at the IMSS, half of them already receive subsidies from the state. Only one company has been sanctioned for refusing to provide credit to the Infonacot. The fine ranges from 250 to 5000 times the minimum wage. In terms of the number of companies, the municipality of Benito Juarez (Cancun) leads the ten municipalities of the state with 27,903 businesses. Othon P. Blanco (Chetumal and Mahahual) followed with 9,168, and Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen) with 8, 409. Cozumel has 4,435, Felipe Carrillo Puerto has 2,153, Tulum has 1,619, Isla Mujeres has 1,189, JosĂŠ MarĂa Morelos with 1,015, Bacalar has 878 and finally Lazaro Cardenas only has 517. In the state, 93.3 percent of companies
Micro, small and medium sized companies make up the majority of businesses in the state, accounting for more than 80 percent of the registered businesses
are dedicated to the tertiary sector. Tertiary activities are services and trade that includes tourism, the main economic activity in the Mexican Caribbean. Similarly, Quintana Roo abounds with micro enterprises, making up 90.8 percent of total private companies. Additionally, 7.1 percent of businesses are classified as small-scale, medium-sized companies represent 1.6 percent and large companies only 0.5 percent. Micro, small and medium enterprises are necessary for the growth of the economy, make up more than 80 percent of the legally registered establishments and contribute to the generation of jobs and income.
Photo: INM
If you receive a pension, provide proof that you have received it for the last 12 months via pay stubs, or bank statements showing a minimum of $2600.00 USD per month. Original Deed showing ownership of real estate properties in Mexico valued at more than $200,000.00 USD. For a married or common-law couple, each must show the qualifying amounts of income, investments, etc. In the case where only one person qualifies, for example, a husband qualifies, and the wife does not, she may enter as a tourist, and once her husband has his visa she can start with the procedure in Mexico. She will not need to leave Mexico. If one person in the couple is a Permanent Resident, the spouse will need to become a Temporary Resident for two years before becoming a Permanent Resident. There is still the need to apostille or legalize the marriage certificate and to have it translated for most IMM offices. To ensure a speedy and trouble free process, it is recommended to use a professional law firm, such as Mexlaw, throughout your application.
January 6 - 19 2016
TPT FOODIES
17
Take a Culinary Tour with Mexico Lindo Traditional Kitchen Workshop & School
T
he setting couldn’t be better‌ immersed in the middle of the Riviera Maya jungle, you will find a beautiful Mexican casita, only 5 minutes away from Puerto Morelos, surrounded by ancient trees, enchanting birds and the peacefulness of sacred land. You will learn to cook in a real Mexican kitchen along with our chefs, understanding our culture directly from a Mexican expert, and to prepare the best dishes but in your language. Enjoy a morning with cafe de la olla, hot chocolate, Mexican pastries, continental breakfast, a chat and some stories with the chef. Then, get a light snack with some botanitas (appetizers). Visit and perhaps harvest some of the fruits and vegetables you will use in our organic garden. Cook the complete menu of your
choice in a complete hands-on authentic experience. Then sit on our terrace where you will enjoy a great gourmet feast. End the evening in a sobremesa (after-meal) with coffee and dive in our little tiendita (shop) for some memories to bring back home. There, you will find Mexican products andArtcrafts or handcrafts (all our products support and are made by local indigenous communities). We want to share our richness to the world! Come and blow your senses away, LIVE THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
Mexico Lindo Traditional Kitchen, Workshop & School Tel. (998) 802 43 88 Toll Free USA +1 844 846 17 27 info@mexicolindocooking.com www.mexicolindocooking.com
Photo:Mexico Lindo
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TPT FOODIES
TPT Meets: Sara Kristin Moen from Ch’arki Jerky
Holy Mole By Catherine Pawelek
J
ust like your family’s recipes for lasagna, moussaka and paella, moles vary, making for a range of flavors, textures, consistencies and rainbow of colors. The word mole comes from the Nahuatl “mulli,” meaning sauce or stew, but it is the ratio of ingredients that makes for a good mole, just remember to pronounce it “moe-lay”. Trial and error or generational recipes are the base for the paste which includes dried chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, and a starch thickener.
We take a look at e i g h t va r i e t i e s o f Mexico´s most popular sauce that you may encounter on your travels throughout Mexico Moles can’t be pigeonholed, as they are either named for the region they come from, its color, ingredients or for the item it covers. With hundreds of versions, let’s look at a variety, never forgetting the continual fight by Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala, all claiming to have created the original mole. Mole negro is a complex Oaxacan recipe, with an ebony shade due to a deep charring of pasilla, mulato, ancho and guajillo chiles. Add cumin, clove, cinnamon, thyme, marjoram, oregano, fresh or dried avocado leaves (which lend an anise-y flavor), onion, garlic, and tomato. Thicken with tortillas. It has the trio of flavors: spicy, bitter and sweet. Mole Colorado/rojo starts with a base of ancho, costeño rojo, chilhuacle rojo, black pepper, clove, oregano, onion, garlic, ground almonds, sesame, and chocolate. It is usually thickened with a bit of masa. This red mole has an intense spiciness. Mole verde/pipián verde is a bright
green mole and combines ground squash seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds, cilantro, parsley, epazote, hierba santa, chilies, and tomatillos. The sauce can be smooth or have a slightly granular texture. This sauce is more flavorful than spicy. Mole amarillo receives its yellow hues by pulverizing costeño and chilhuacle amarillo, guajillo chiles, tomato, tomatillo, onion, and garlic, followed by cloves, black pepper, oregano, avocado leaves, and achiote. It is a savory mole and when used with pork, hoja santa is often added. Manchamanteles (the word for tablecloths in Spanish) with its vivid, scarlet color is a danger to any tablecloth it is served on. This is basically a mole rojo but the addition of pineapple, apple, sweet potato or plantain gives it a hint of sweetness. Mole blanco or mole de novia gets its unique white color by grinding almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds, garlic, onion and a handful of yellow or orange chilies, creating a rich and nutty flavor with a dash of heat. Veracruz’s version of mole de novia is also called mole de xico, but it is jet black. Mole rosa is a sweet and spicy mole made with Taxco’s famous pink pine nuts, blended with almonds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, chipotles, hoja santa, onion, garlic, anise, and a splash of mescal. Since pink pine nuts are considered a luxury ingredient, some cooks cut the mole with a bit of cooked beet. Mole Poblano was supposedly created by the nuns of the convent of Santa Rosa in honor of the archbishop’s visit. It contains dried chiles like ancho, pasilla, chipotlemeco, and mulato, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, anise, garlic, onion as well as tomato, raisins, plantains, almonds, piloncillo, and meat broth. This dark brown spicy mole has a touch of sweetness. FYI Some moles even include such oddities as animal crackers, garbanzo beans or huitlacoche.
BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL TPT: You have lived here for years having several businesses. Do you feel it is easy to start a business in a foreign country? Sara Kristin Moen: Initially, the process is foreboding, but once you get a good support system and legal team behind you it is much easier. Initially, the learning curve is very high! Playa del Carmen is a tourist based economy. How do you think that affects starting a business here? It is a huge factor when considering a business here. Even if you are offering a service or product to year round residents here their income is based on the tourist industry so it is all integrated. Ch’arki Jerky is unique here. What was the fuel behind bringing this product to Playa? Currently in the United States and Canada it is EVERYWHERE. It is the trendy snack food right now, and I am a huge fan. There was not any available here, and once I started developing the recipe and idea everyone went nuts for it so I decided to bring it to the market properly. Where are you focusing efforts to promote Ch’arki? We are using social media as well as local media outlets, thank you to the Playa Times for promoting us! In addition, we have stands in various local businesses in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum.
Chad Daniels Comedian What are the steps in bringing Ch’arki to the public? Which has been the easiest and the most challenging? Breaking into any market with a new product can be difficult, but doing it in another country brings unique challenges. The number one challenge thus far is introducing it to nationals as it is non-existent here, but once anyone tries it they can not get enough! The easiest part? I would have to say that nothing is necessarily easy, but it is fun and challenging, and I am happy to be doing it! How is Ch’arki different from your other business ventures? This is my first venture in relation to food. I never realized how many different types of beef there are, and now I am a professional at picking out the perfect cut! My passion and my heart have always been in the kitchen, so this is right up my alley. What advice would you give to anyone who starts a business in Playa? Do your homework! Do not rush into anything, and be patient! Find Ch’arki on Facebook/charkijerky
Photo: Cat Eye Productions
Mole is typically served over meats like chicken and pork / Photos: wikimedia commons
Breaking into any market with a new product can be difficult, but doing it in another country brings its own unique challenges.
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HEALTH
The Bric Spa B Y J UANITA R ODRIGUEZ
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he Bric Hotel celebrated the grand opening of their holistic day spa, The Bric Spa, on October 26. We spoke to spa manager, Jacqueline, for an overview of Playa del Carmen’s newest day spa. Where did the concept of the rustic spa originate? Jacqueline: We wanted to give people the opportunity to indulge in a divine experience by uniting them with the life-enhancing components of the remarkable nature found within the Mayan Riviera. Our objective is to transfer the health benefits and vital essence of natural herbs, plants and organic products to the mind, body and soul. What types of services are available? Our spa features manicures, ped-
icures, various massages, natural and non-toxic facials, and detox body wraps, as well as holistic therapies including Reiki and Biomagnetism. For couples, we offer a two-hour, romantic treatment beginning in our private couples room with a welcome foot bath. Next comes a full body exfoliating scrub prepared in-house using a citrus and coconut blend, followed by a hot stone massage. The ultra-calming treatment ends in the relaxation room with strawberries and wine. What types of products do you use? Most of the ingredients used in our rituals come from our garden and include fresh herbs such as mint, basil, oregano, rosemary and chamomile along with locally acquired plants, flower petals and essential oils.. What makes The Bric Spa unique? Our wholesome body wraps and
scrubs are made with all-natural products like seasonal fruits, pulp, seeds and sugar. It is important to us to use regional products in our blends, such as yuca, chaya, copal, papaya, locally p ro d u ce d h o n ey a nd co f fe e b ean s . Also , s pa guests gain full access to the hotel’s pool and lounge area after their treatment. We also offer locals discounted prices. Is the staff bilingual and how can potential clients contact the spa? Our professional team of spa specialists is 100 percent bilingual. The Bric Spa is located on 28th Street between 5th and 10th Avenue. We offer monthly memberships and local discounts. We recommend you make an appointment by contacting us at spa@thebrichotel.com or (984)113-7861. Our services can be viewed online at www.brichotel.com.
The Imaginary Friend
in Childhood BY ROSAN OUWERKERK
Many young children have an imaginary friend. In general, it is a healthy way for children to experiment with social behavior and friendships. An imaginary friend is beneficial for the mental development. Children learn to make the proper distinction between reality and fantasy. Also, it gives children an opportunity to take a break from the real world with all the rules of everyday life. Because imaginary friends always do what you want, it will give children a sense of power and self-esteem. The imaginary friend can be comforting as well: he is always there to support whenever a child feels sad or scared. In exciting periods, such as starting school, children may be looking for some guidance. An imaginary friend can offer a lot of help, and you can take him everywhere you go. This is a better approach than clinging to a parent. Sometimes the imaginary friend disappears when children are ready for connecting with other children, around the age of four. Furthermore, children can blame their imaginary friend for something they did wrong. To identify themselves with the parents, children tend to use the same language parents use to punish their imaginary friend. Young children still have trouble controlling their impulses, but also, would like to be loved by the parents. Obviously, blaming the imaginary friend is a naive solution but it is the first step to controlling their impulses: the child realizes what is unacceptable behavior. When the imaginary friend disappears, it is a signal that the child understands and accepts his mistakes without the fear of losing the love of the parents.
In the ‘80s, Sesame Street decided to make Snuffy real, to encourage kids to confide in adults / Photo: Sesame Street
Generally, it is best to accept the imaginary friend. It is useless to discuss the existence because the child knows that it is fantasy. However, it may be necessary to limit the privileges of the imaginary friend. The best way to deal with it is to go along a bit with the fantasy of the child. For example, agree that the imaginary friend cannot take a seat when someone else wants to sit. Also, explain that the imaginary friend must obey the same rules as the child itself. When the child uses the imaginary friend as a scapegoat, it is good to talk about the child’s responsibility. Most imaginary friends disappear by itself. As long as children have normal friendships, there is no reason to worry. It is just a fantasy or a way to deal with a difficult period. 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
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CLASSIFIEDS
GENERAL SERVICES
CROSSWORD
RENTALS & PROPERTIES
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TPTCOUPONS Across 1 7 8 9 10 12 14 19 17 19 21 22 24
Eye up to regard (anag) – old photograph (13) Flags etc (7) Discourage (5) On the opponents’ ground (4) Common gas, N (8) Vanquish (6) MGM, for example (6) Colourful beetle (8) Smallest of the litter (4) Flavoured milk drink (5) Deceived (7) Probably (2,6,2,3)
Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 12 15 16 18 20 23
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January 6 - 19 2016
BEACH LIFE
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Public Transport Routes In an attempt to help the flow of traffic, Playa’s authorities are establishing new measures to increase urban transportation in the city BY JOE MALDONADO
Photo:shutterstock
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he growth of Playa del Carmen in recent years has generated some transportation problems. Because of this, the city’s authorities are taking measures to decrease the rush hour traffic in the downtown area. One of the strategies is to create a new terminal for transportation of the vehicles that cover the route Playa del Carmen-Tulum, and take various routes off Calle 2, rerouting them on Ave. 115 and Constituyentes. In 2016, the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río taxi union, which is the only one permitted to provide urban transportation in Playa del Carmen, will adjust its collectivo transportation routes. Jesús Martín Medina, General Secretary of the union, explained the following: “The combis (mini buses) take a while to go through the colonias (neighborhoods), they arrive downtown, and we have to make new internal routes. For example, one route goes from the Guadalupana neighborhood and arrives in Plaza Las Américas. It is necessary to open new routes and not make them all go downtown, we have seen this model used in other cities.” Among these modifications, they are contemplating identifying the
Playa’s Identity Crisis
BY JOE MALDONADO
The proposed changes will be presented to the municipal authorities for evaluation by the Transportation Commission / Photo: Virtual Tourist
new routes by color. In January, these new changes will be presented to the municipal authorities for evaluation by the Transportation Commission, which will offer their support. The new plans are hoped to reduce wait times for transportation, which is up to 15 minutes in some
cases, to five minutes; in others cases, it is intended to space out the units, so they don’t fight each other for passengers. Martín Medina also announced they would ask the government for more funds to put at least ten new vehicles into circulation.
Although many define Playa del Carmen as a paradise, this is not enough for many who decide to live and put down roots. In fact, Playa del Carmen is not the final stop for many who live here, as many move on to live elsewhere. According to Pedro Leal Salazar, coordinator of the Population Council, COMUPO, although the location is very attractive, “As the years go on, people don’t always feel a love for this place. Perhaps their hearts are elsewhere so they do not create relationship with the area. We see this in the talks we give in neighborhoods, people don’t know each other, they don’t know those who live around them and only dedicate themselves to work,” he explained. He said that more than 80 percent come to Playa del Carmen to look for work, but few tend to stay in the long term. In other words, they don’t love the location and just worry about living comfortably while they are here. Most agree that there is a peacefulness and safety that isn’t found
elsewhere, making not only Playa del Carmen but also Quintana Roo an ideal place to live. Mexicans who settle in Quintana Roo primarily come from Chiapas, Tabasco and Veracruz. In the case of foreigners, the majority are Argentinians, Cubans, and Italians. Leal Salazar explained that because of the difficulty in gaining access to some developments like Playacar and Marina de Puerto Aventuras, there are no accurate figures on North American residents. It is important to clarify that this information was gathered by COMUPO in 2013. However, a curious fact is that in the 58,000 houses surveyed, 25 percent were not inhabited. “Many had a ‘For Sale’ sign on them,” he said. Furthermore, of the 499 deaths which happened in 2014, most of the deceased were taken to their places of origin by their families, mainly to states like Tabasco and Chiapas. This information came from the San José funeral parlor. Without a doubt, Playa del Carmen is a good place to live, but it will be a while for the majority to see it as home.
Why Use a Real Estate Agent? BY DIEGO GARCIA, MOSKITO REAL ESTATE On a visit to Playa del Carmen, Mr. Smith calls to inquire about a property he saw while exploring the area. Thirty minutes later he makes a second phone call, asking about another property, four hours later he is on the phone yet again, Mr. Smith has called another agent and that agent calls you about a property. It is clear, Mr. Smith has been calling on almost every “for sale” sign he sees, he is lost and no one is really helping him. He might even end up negotiating with a seller who owns a property with no title or with an “agent” who is just looking to make a quick buck. Costs and paperwork he had no idea existed start piling up and this exciting event, buying a beautiful piece of Mexican real estate, is turning into a nightmare! How different would it be if Mr. Smith did a little research and found a professional, reliable, certified, and efficient real estate agent? Someone who would explain from start to finish the buying process in Mexico and most importantly, the market and where the best opportunities are according to his needs? This real estate agent takes all the legwork out of the process, making all the necessary calls, emails, and appointments to gather the best options and in the end, the agent has the tools, in-
anything, I prefer doing it myself.” “I can get better deals without agents.” If these sound familiar to you, you didn’t choose the right real estate agent! How do you know you are working with a reputable, knowledgeable and certified real estate agent? Ask questions and make sure the agent really listens to your needs and wants. Confirm they know the market, check their credentials; does the agent represent an office? Where is their office and how long have they been involved in the real estate market? Everything counts! Believe me, buying your dream home or a good investment property doesn’t have to be a stressful experience that wastes the valuable and limited time you have in Playa del Carmen. It could and should be a nice experience, exploring the area to find the neighborhood that suits you, making new friends, and finding the perfect property. Enjoy the ride! Diego is owner broker and co-founder of Moskito. He is a registered Realtor with NAR and active member of AMPI (Mexican Association of Real Estate Agents). Raised in Mexico City, he visited Playa del Carmen for the first time in 1996.
Photo:Moskito Riviera Maya
formation and know-how to get the best deal for the client. In my 15 years of real estate experience and almost 11 years in Playa del
Carmen, I have heard many real estate horror stories; people losing their time, money and great properties all because they thought it was better to
do it on their own, without an agent. “Most of the agents just want to sell their listings.” “The agents didn’t return my calls.” “They didn’t explain
www.moskitoplayadelcarmen.com Av. 10 esq, 14 bis 2do piso Col. Centro