Edition 81 by theplayatimes

B i w e e k l y · Year 03 · N u m b e r 81 · 20,000 co p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · M a r c h 1 6 - A p r i l 0 5 , 2 0 1 6

S MASP IDE

San Miguel Allende:

t h e p l a y at i m e s . c o m

A Wellness Paradise

Don´t Do It! Bikes on 5th

Mexico has so many beautiful places to explore. We travel to the state of Guanajuato to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is an inexpensive and short flight from Cancun

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T PT Food i es :

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Photo: Sara Jones

G e t Yo u r B u z z O n

ART & CULTURE

· DISCOVER MEXICO

M AYA A L M I G H T Y

NEWS IN BRIEF B I C Y C L I S T S B E WA R E !

RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Wikimedia commons

Sian Ka´an

In this edition, meet the god, Itzamná, the supreme creator and lord of the day and night who is still adored and worshipped today by modern Maya.

Check out our Tulum map page to find out more about the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean that runs south from Tulum for 75 miles.

Think taking a spin on La Quinta is a fun way to spend your afternoon? The police don’t think so. Find out what happens if you take a ride on 5th.

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March 16 - April 05 2016

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

Rebecca Page Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Edgar E. Mena Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx The view from the top - Tepoztlan, Morelos / Photo: Rebecca Page

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

Fabián Muñoz Key Account Manager Cell: 984 179 2110 ventas@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Brand Manager Cell: 984 169 1637 marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Erika Serra Public Relations Cell: 984 119 1586 publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Exploring Mexico: Working on Your Bucket List

Karla Mora Sales Executive Cell: 984 142 1637 sales2@meridianmedia.mx

BY REBECCA PAGE

Milton Rosel

have a bucket list. Not a long extensive one and not even one that I have written down. Instead, I keep this list in my head and after speaking with friends and travelers who I meet in Playa, I add to the list. Luckily for me, many of the places on my list are right here in Mexico. I had the opportunity to visit one of my bucket list spots - Tepoztlan in the state of Morelos. A beautiful, town about an hour of a half from Mexico City, where you can explore the colorful mercado and climb the (seemingly endless and incredibly steep) steps to the Tepozteco pyramid. The waterfalls of Chiapas, eating my way through the neighborhoods of Mexico City, exploring the beaches of

Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

Oaxaca, carnaval in Veracruz, and hiking the Tarahumara Mountains in Chihuahua all top my list of places to go and things to do. Another destination on my list is also on our front page, San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato and is about 265 km (165 miles) northeast of Mexico City. San Miguel is easy to get to from Cancun and the best news? Flying domestically in Mexico is relatively inexpensive. For example, you can take a non-stop two-hour flight from Cancun to Leon on Volaris for under $200 round trip. In addition to being easy to get to, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO has identified 1031 properties worldwide as World Heritage sites (802 cultural,

197 natural, and 32 mixed). Mexico is home to 33 of these sites including San Miguel de Allende, as well as sites closer to home like Sian Ka’an, south of Tulum. For those of you who are unfamiliar with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), I encourage you to visit their website www.whc.unesco. org. There you can learn more about other locations in Mexico and throughout the world that have been declared UNESCO sites. I know all of us love the Riviera Maya and those of you who travel here often come back year after year. However, next trip, consider crossing off a few more Mexican destinations from your bucket list. You won’t regret it. I promise.

@ThePlayaTimes playatimes

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 16

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Holy Week

2016 By Melissa Robles

Photo: The Playa Times

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

BY MELISSA ROBLES

Sustainable Beaches

Monarch Butterfly Protection

uintana Roo has the most Blue Flag beaches of any state in the country. The Blue Flag certification is an environmental award given by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-governmental, non-profit organization with a goal to recognize sustainable development in coastal areas. Locations are considered for Blue Flag certification based on criteria in four different areas: water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management, and safety and services. In the Mexican Caribbean, we have eight beaches with Blue Flag certification. These include: Chac Mool, Delfines, Las Perlas, Marlin, Playa Ballenas and Playa del Niño in Cancún; the public beach in Bacalar; and Playa Centro in Isla Mujeres. The award is only valid for one year and local authorities must reapply every year. The national committee of the FEE reviews each beach in detail and has the right to reject applications, while the international committee is authorized to give the award.

onarch butterflies migrate annually into Mexico’s central highlands from eastern Canada. They travel over 2,500 miles and through the years the numbers of butterflies decreased to dangerously low numbers. This year there was finally some good news for the butterflies as their population appears to have tripled over the previous year. However, despite the increase, the monarchs still need protection. Environmental authorities in Canada, the United States and Mexico have established a trilateral strategy to protect them. Representatives of these three countries considered factors such as climate change, the use of pesticides, and deforestation and the drastic reduction of the species. They agreed to work on three strategies: habitat conservation and restoration, communication and social participation, and monitoring and investigation. The butterflies return each year to Mexico in mid-October. Millions can be seen in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the state of Michoacan, approximately 60 miles from Mexico City.

The beaches of the Riviera Maya will receive around 300,000 visitors during the high season of Holy Week 2016 which will begin on Palm Sunday, March 20, and finish on Easter Monday, March 28. According to Manuel Paredes Mendoza, General Director of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, during this vacation period hotel occupancy is expected to be above 90 percent of the more than 42,000 rooms in 390 hotels. The largest population of tourists will be visiting from other parts of Mexico, in addition to visitors from the U.S. and Canada. “Remember that in Mexico we don’t have spring break, but many families come during Semana Santa,” detailed Paredes Mendoza More than 50 workers from the Department of Public Works and Zofemat will be on hand to help keep the beaches clean. Since Playa Mamitas, Playa Caribe and Punta Esmeralda are the most popular beach locations, they will be reinforced with more lifeguards and security elements including police, firefighters, and the Red Cross at a total of 17 observation towers. Swimming zones have been marked from the Cozumel ferry pier to Calle 16, to prevent boats from passing through this area. Those with disabilities can enjoy the Caribbean at two accessible beaches (Playa Caribe & Playa Esmeralda) which have special equipment including adapted showers and access ramps. The Department of Culture has the following activities at the City Theatre (on

Avenida 115) for both locals and tourists: March 20th, 7:00 p.m. Impacto Crew, a dance and acrobatic troupe, free entry. March 21, 8:00 p.m. Dreaming of Tomorrow, visual spectacular of dance, music, and acrobatics. March 22nd, time TBA 6th Annual Scenic Art Festival Ekinoxio. March 27th, 6:00 p.m. Paper Butterflies: children’s activity with marionettes, stories and games. Free entry. Holy Week is the annual Christian commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. More than 3,000 people will witness the representation of the Passion of Christ in Playa del Carmen on March 25 beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Way of the Cross will leave from Lázaro Cárdenas del Río Park (Calle 68 and Avenida 30) to culminate with the crucifixion of Jesus at Playa Caribe (near the Cozumel ferry pier). This is the sixth time the procession has been held, with 80 Catholics participating in the main roles.

Photo: The Playa Times

March 16 - April 05 2016

Emergency Medical

Evacuation If you, or someone you love has a serious medical situation, you can be back to your home in the US or Canada within hours.

f 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

Mayo. 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.

NEWS IN BRIEF

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!

Protect yourself for less than

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.

$300/year!

Flown by pilots with an average of 14,000+ hours experience and a medical crew with a minimum 5+ years

Further Protection Needed for

Queen Conch and Starfish BY MELISSA ROBLES Although the queen conch (aka pink conch) and starfish are protected species, it is common to find them as souvenirs in some businesses on Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen as well as throughout the Riviera Maya. In Cozumel, the government has decided to apply sanctions to those who buy or sell products derived from these species. The queen conch is currently in their breeding season. Since 2010, authorities have been working on a similar regulation in Playa del Carmen. This initiative began with the former local Ecological Commission president, Hilario Gutiérrez Valásis. A census was taken which detected 10 businesses seling these species, prized for their beauty. A representative of the Xaman Ha Environmental Protection Watch of PROFEPA, Alejandra Cárdenas Najera, explained that the law enforced in Cozumel could be replicated in Solidaridad. They are getting close to an agreement with alderman Leonardo Jerónimo Mayo to create an accord involving fishermen and businessmen. “It is necessary to create an agreement with them to educate them on the need to protect the environment and our re-

sources,” specified Cárdenas Najera. It is necessary to stop the constant fishing to guarantee sustainability, she added. The local congress will send a demand to the Chamber of Representatives, to guarantee the safety of queen conch and starfish. More severe sanctions will be brought upon those who capture, transport, and sell this species. For her part, the local Environmental Director Lian Ake referred to the locations on Quinta Avenida and said that PROFECA should make inspections and those who do not have the SAGARPA authorizations to sell these products should be fined. Tourists and residents should not buy conch shells or starfish, nor articles made using them.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Bicyclists Beware No vehicles allowed - including bicycles. / Photo: The Playa Times

BY EDGAR MENA Recently, we have had some questions about whether the police can fine you for riding your bike on La Quinta. We sat down with Commander Jorge Cesar Santana Poot, Director of the Traffic Department (Tránsito) in Playa to find out more, and here is a summary of our conversation:

$366 pesos fine for riding your bike on La Quinta can only check to see if you are a repeat offender.

Is there a law against riding bikes on Fifth Avenue? Yes, there is a law that prevents you from riding on La Quinta. The law states that bicycles can only be used in public areas, and none are allowed to be ridden on walking paths. La Quinta is, by law, considered a walking path.

How much is the fine and where do I pay it? $366 pesos (equivalent to five days of the current minimum wage). You must go to the Tránsito offices on the Arco Vial (115th Avenue) to pay the fine. Like a parking ticket, if you pay within five days you receive a 50% discount.

What happens if I ride my bike on Fifth Avenue? If you are caught, the Tourist Police (Policía Turística) will approach you and give you a warning on your first offense. They will record your name, and if you are caught a second time, you will be ticketed. The Tourist Police will notify the Traffic Police (Policía Tránsito) and the traffic officer will issue you a ticket and confiscate your bike. You get your bike back only after you pay the fine. The Tourist Police can not issue you a ticket. They

What if I am asked to pay cash to the officer? Neither the Tourist Police nor the Traffic Police should be asking for cash payment. However if this happens, Commander Santana stated that his office at Tránsito is always open to receive anyone with a complaint. He also clarified that 066 is only for emergencies, not complaints. We suggest that if you want to make a complaint to Tránsito, you bring a Spanish-speaking friend as they do not have bilingual staff.

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n the 14Th Scientific, Cultural and Ecological Fair, the pri ma r y a n d j un i o r h i gh s t ud e n t s a t Yi t s ´ a t i l d i s playe d crea t i v i ty e n t h us i a s m a n d h a p pi n e s s i n ea ch o f t h e i r p e rfo rma n ce s , b o t h o n t h e cult ura l s tage wi t h d a n ce, m us i c and t h ea ter as well with t h e i r s c i e n t i f i c e x h i b i t s . Th e f un da m e n ta l o b j e ct i ve o f t h i s m a r ve lo us eve n t i s to pro mo te mea n i n gf ul lea rn i n g ex p e ri e n ce s cove ri n g t h e fo u r m a i n fo rma t i ve f i e lds o f e duca t i o n : la n guage, co mm uni cat i o n , co mpre h e n s i o n o f t h e n a t ura l a n d so ci a l wo rld; mat h e m a t i ca l t h i n ki n g a n d pe rso n a l d eve lo pme n t fo r co ex i s ten ce. Th i s eve n t , a s eve r y yea r, i s a prea m ble fo r t h e s p ri n g e q ui n ox wh e re t h e grea t Yi t s ’a t i l fa m i ly pays t ri bute to t h e m o t h e r ea rt h i n a n e co lo gi ca l e nv i ro n m e n t ca rr y i n g o ut refo re s ta t i o n o f t h e gre e n a rea s a ro un d t h e I n s t i t ute.

March 16 - April 05 2016

BEACH LIFE

Five Fabulous & Free Need to give your wallet a break? Here are some suggestions to get out and enjoy Playa without spending a peso BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

eing on vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Experiencing Playa del Carmen can be exciting and free! Here are five free activities for you to try.

Parque La Ceiba, a natural park found hidden in the western part of Playa, named after a sacred tree, is home to activities such as yoga, a book club and movie club. A kid’s play area is open every day and you can check their schedule for other events. Once a month you will find a flea market with different vendors and an aerial dance show given by the kids on the Aerofobia team from an actual ceiba tree! First place winners earn a $300 pesos bar credit at MOM´s / Photo: MOM´s Bar

Trivia Nights at MOM´s BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL What can make a fun night at a popular bar and restaurant even more fun and fulfilling? When you are raising money to support a local charity! MOM’s Bar, a local favorite, has been having their signature Trivia Night for at least four years to help support Playa Animal Rescue (PAR). In addition to their famous home, comfort cooking, they also provide fun gatherings such as Trivia Night every last Monday of the month.

Avenida La Quinta (5th Avenue) is the “boardwalk” of Playa del Carmen where you can find people from all walks of life. People watching and window shopping are very entertaining along this well-known strip.

Last Monday of each month. $300 pesos entrance fee for teams up to 4.

Playa Animal Rescue is a non-profit, nokill animal shelter dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs. They aid in finding permanent, loving homes for each of the rescues by working with other local and international animal rescue organizations. It is important for them to get the extra support through donations, such as from events like Trivia Night, to promote responsible pet ownership through community outreach and education, as well as promoting spaying and neutering of pets. The entrance fee is $300 pesos for each

Fundadores park / Photo: www.eldisenadero.com

Caminarte, or “art walk”, is a Thursday night event starting at about 6 p.m. where local artists set up their creations along 5th Avenue. You can find airbrush artists, sculptures, glass blowers and more walking along this famous avenuebetween Calle 18 and 38, and is a great way to meet the local artists.

MOM´S Trivia Night

Winners walk away with $400 pesos bar credit.

Parque Los Fundadores, found between 5th Avenue and the ferry to Cozumel, is most recognized for the Portal Maya sculpture, intricate sand sculptures, great vendors of local foods, like fresh fruit and shows in the afternoons. At certain times of the day, you can see the Papantla Flyers who will notify you with magical flute music that their high flying aerobatics show is about to begin. This aerial rain dance comes from an ancient culture of central Mexico.

Parque La Ceiba

Your support helps pups like these at Playa Animal Rescue / Photo: Playa Animal Rescue

Playa del Carmen is the home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world which is perfect for free exercise like long beach walks or jogs. Watching the sunrise on the beach is just right for early risers. There is no price you can put on the magnificent show that Mother Nature brings you and the show is different every day!

team up to 4 people. Additional players can join a team for $75 pesos each. There are great prizes. The winners walk away with a $400 pesos bar tab credit; second place takes a $300 pesos bar tab credit, and the third place winners get PAR swag. MOM’S donates 20% of all food & beverage sales to PAR which is approximately $2000- $3000 pesos per event! Plus earnings from sales of PAR items. Now, that can help save some homeless furry friends! Come early and have a great dinner to be ready for the game. MOM’s is located at on the corner of Calle 4 and Avenida 30. Beautiful Beaches / Photo: www.eldisenadero.com

Caminarte / Photo: The Playa Times

5th Avenue / Photo: www.eldisenadero.com

BEACH LIFE

Do You Have Plans for

St. Patrick’s Day?

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OUT FORUM

By Crystal Mitchell

I celebrate with a green fairy absinthe cocktail at Elixir Tulum - Jungle Speakeasy! Dr. Michael Lande Playa del Carmen

As a part-Irish ex-patriate living in Mexico, I always think about the San Patricio, a famous battalion that fought for the Mexican side during the Mexican-American war, led by John Riley. And, of course, enjoy some Guinness stew! Cindy Nolan Playa del Carmen

Don’t let the unmistakably Irish name fool you! No beer or bar hopping for me on the 17th. St Patrick’s day is for rookies! I’m much happier to be at home, avoid the crowds, and toast my Irish roots with a cold Italian Pinot Grigio (or two).

Jillian McNamara Tulum

In our other hometown of Rifle, CO, we wear green, cook corned beef brisket & cabbage for over 200 and drink Irish whiskey and green beer from morning to night! We have a friend coming down with a birthday that day, so if we can find the corned beef, we will be cooking here! If not... ???

March 17, Saint Patrick’s, day is not a particularly special holiday for me. I’m not from Irish decent nor am I Catholic. I do, however, enjoy the story behind the celebration of Saint Patrick. And actually, what I enjoy even more is the celebratory aspect of the holiday. I mean who doesn’t want to dress up in green, drink green beer and search for the leprechaun with the pot of gold! And hey, I love eating corned beef. Too bad it’s not healthier! I’m not entirely sure I will be celebrating this year. You know how living down here on Mexico´s time can be. One day can drift into the next. Liane Memmer Akumal

Jenni & Bob Walker Puerto Aventuras

Photo: Shutterstock

A Bit o’ the Irish in Playa for St. Patty’s Day By Crystal Mitchell

La Ranita This year will mark the 11th Annual Three Legged Race, a St. Patrick’s Day tradition to support the firefighters of Playa del Carmen. To register your team, you just sign up at La Ranita and pay the inscription of $750 pesos. La Ranita is located on Calle 10 between 5th and 10th Avenues.

McCarthy ’s Irish Pub McCarthy’s will be having a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 17, 18 and 19. The main event is on Thursday, March 17 and will include souvenirs for the customers, special offers and, of course, green beer! McCarthy’s is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 22.

La Choperia/ Lucky Luciano’s Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with the rock band “Beanheads”, who will be playing on the 16 and 17 of March starting at 9 p.m. and let them take you to the streets of Dublin. Wear green, and the iconic “La Chope” will greet you with a welcome drink and some Irish whiskey specials, as well. Also, you can enjoy some tacos a la botella amongst the green decorations, staff uniforms, and beer. Next door at Lucky Luciano’s will be celebrating with Irish music and of course, green beer. La Choperia and Lucky Luciano’s are located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 28. No matter where you go or decide to do, be sure to be safe but have lots of fun!

veza / Photo:

March 16 - April 05 2016

DISCOVER MEXICO

San Miguel de Allende: A Wellness Paradise Travel with Sara as she explores the cobblestone streets, vineyards, hot springs, and more in this unique Mexican city and UNESCO World Heritage Site 4-course meal comprising flavorful dishes created using modern techniques was a treat for the taste buds, served in the intimate courtyard of this stylish boutique hotel. One of the best breakfast dishes I have experienced in Mexico, the restaurant El Pegaso, perfectly cooks poached eggs with fantastically flavorful salsa verde and salsa roja. Another excellent gastronomic experience took place at the restaurant Cumpanio. Wild rice, nuts and sun dried fruits formed an exquisite Mediterranean salad, followed by ratatouille ravioli with basil pomodoro sauce. It made a perfect late afternoon lunch.

BY SARA JONES

t was my first time traveling to the reportedly magical San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, and I was charmed by the cobblestone streets and the warm colors of terracotta, pink, yellow, orange, gold and bronze that adorned the side of every building and house in view. The city of San Miguel de Allende was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. It was chosen for its exquisite Baroque Colonial architecture - much of which remains in excellent condition - and for its role in the Mexican War of Independence. Enforcing strict regulations on construction, signage and colors, the colonial center has changed very little over the last 250 years. The cobblestone streets of the historic center are tightly lined with colonial era homes, small stores and frequent churches adorned with vibrantly colored bougainvillea. At the center of San Miguel de Allende stands the picturesque pink Parroquia, the Neo-Gothic parish church of San Miguel.

Culture Art features heavily in the city throughout the year. However, during my trip, I was lucky enough to be invited to some of the events of the annual San Miguel Art & Design Festival (SMART). With artist’s installations featured in Dos Casas Boutique Hotel, L’Otel, Hotel Matilda and various other locations, the city was abuzz with activity and culture. La Lonja, a modern take on the traditional markets, was an enchanting experience. Local artisans and culinary specialists were afforded the opportunity to show-

Gastronomy San Miguel de Allende offers everything from traditional Mexican dishes to modern fusion cuisine. One of my first stops was the small restaurant and boutique store, Via Organica. A non-profit organization, Via Organica promotes healthy eating and sustainability through the promotion of organic agriculture and fair trade. Offering daily fresh produce, local artisan food products, baked goods and homemade sauces, the menu features a variety of Mexican and International specialties, with ingredients sourced locally as much as possible. At Aperi, the restaurant at Dos Casas Hotel, run by Chef Mateo Salas, a

La Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende / Photos: Sara Jones

2 Hours 15 Minutes Duration of non-stop flight Cancun (CUN) to Leon (BJX) Less than $200 USD round trip Volaris offers inexpensive non-stop flights

case their products, such as handmade soaps, flavored salts, spices, authentic honey, paintings, sculptures, hammocks, home wares, clothes, food and drinks. Fábrica La Aurora is a converted textile factory that is now home to a center of art and design. Muse around the 50-plus galleries, antique shops and furniture stores, and don’t miss the enormous loom that was part of the original textile factory.

Hot Springs In the area surrounding San Miguel de Allende there are several hot springs establishments to choose from - luxury facilities such as The Mayan Baths, Gruta and Escondido Place. The Mayan Baths sit atop a hill on the outskirts of the city overlooking the Laja Valley, the perfect location to witness a spectacular sunset. With Maya symbology found throughout the crystal/quartz lined tunnels of the underground baths, The baths were aligned to allow bathers to observe the sun as it sets directly in the center of the tunnel leading out to the open air baths on the day of the winter solstice. La Gruta offers vast pools of varying temperatures all supplied by the natural thermal mineral waters with temperatures ranging from 80–104°F or 25–40°C. The hottest of the pools is an underground bathing area with a domed stone cave-like roof, accessed by a stone tunnel passageway. A few kilometers from the city, Escondido Place is a beautiful thermal bath ‘park’ set amid plentiful trees, grass lawns and a central lake picturesquely covered in water lilies and lily pads. Featuring 10 enclosed and open-air thermal baths lined with stone walls, guests can enjoy the benefits of the mineral-rich thermal waters in addition to the picnic areas, restaurants and ‘al fresco’ massage services. Sara Jones is a Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa Professional Mexico magazine www. spaprofessionalmexico.com

ENTERPRISE FOCUS

Becoming a Naturalized Mexican

Through Residency: Part 2 By Mexlaw

he process of “naturalization” or “citizenship” is optional for foreigners who demonstrate legal residence in Mexico for at least the last five consecutive years prior to the application date. Additionally, the following documents and actions are required to be considered for naturalization. Re q uire me nts Original and copy of the completed application form. Original and two copies of resident card. This document must demonstrate consecutive residency in the country for the five years immediately prior to the date of the application. This document must be valid for at least six months after filing the application. Copy of Unique Code of Population Registry or Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP). Certified copy and two additional copies of a foreign birth certificate issued by the appropriate civil registry office. It must be legalized by a Mexican diplomatic or consular representative or have an apostille from a competent authority. This document must be translated into Spanish by an authorized translator of the federal judicial entity in Mexico. Original and two copies of passport or valid travel identification. Letter under oath with two copies stating the number of exits and entries to and from the country for the two years preceding the filing of the application. Original and copy of Certificado de NO Antecedentes Penales (No Criminal Record Certificate).

Photo: www.gob.mx

Proof that you have a basic conversational level of Spanish, that you know the history of the country and are integrated into the national culture. A questionnaire on general culture and history of Mexico will be administered for that purpose. For those age 60 or older, it is not required to take the test, but there is still an interview with an officer of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the applicant will need to speak some Spanish. Two frontal passport size pictures with white background, no glasses, bareheaded Visit to Mexico City in person for fingerprints and questionnaire or interview. Proof of application fees payment ($4,460 MXN) Processing time: Approximately six months.

March 16 - April 05 2016

DISCOVER MEXICO

4 2

March 16 - April 05 2016

ANIMAL WELFARE Photo:Agency

By The Playa Times Sian Ka’an means the place where the sky is born in Mayan and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986, and a World Heritage site in 1987. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and runs a distance of 75 miles south of Tulum. As the majority of the area is fairly inaccessible, the reserve’s unique nature, comprised of marine, lagoon and mangrove ecosystems, remains mostly intact.

Distance in miles from Cancun: 90; Playa del Carmen: 50 HOW TO GET THERE

s any true Biosphere Reserve, Sian Ka’an has no paved roads, only a dirt road from north to south. During the rainy season, driving can be challenging due to the road surface and potholes, so be careful if driving and make sure you have an appropriate vehicle. These rustic conditions are why most people decide to take an organized jeep tour, some of which include transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum and overnight accommodation. However, it is possible to visit Sian Ka’an independently, and added attractions are the unique starry nights on the beach. There are several cabins for rent and campsites with basic services along the road and also in Boca Paila village. This small village also makes a good base camp for those exploring on their own. Boca Paila is 10 miles south Tulum. Take the 307 Chetumal-Cancun Highway south. From Tulum take the road to Boca Paila and drive a further 6 miles. You will see the entrance arch where the reserve’s dirt road begins. The trip from Playa del Carmen takes around one hour to the entrance, plus around another hour and a half to the heart of the reserve.

Photos: Creative Commons

WHAT TO SEE Boat tour of Sian Ka’an Lagoon. This one-day trip takes you through a wide variety of ecosystems: Boca Paila estuary, where the ocean meets freshwater channels, or cayos; the mangroves surrounded by jungle, and lagoons and bodies of water such as the turquoise Chunyaxche Lagoon, next to the Muyil ruins. There are more than 350 bird species in the Sian Ka’an, including many endemic species of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as jaguars, ocelots and monkeys. Tours usually include snorkeling the reef next to Punta Allen (16 miles south Boca Paila), kayaking along the channels, and fishing at Bahía de la Ascensión, which is considered one of the world’s best places to fish. Muyil ruins. A visit to the ruins is normally included in tours of the Sian Ka’an channels. Artifacts found here date from around 300 B.C. and it is one of the Yucatan Peninsula´s most important archeological sites due to its size and steep Peten architecture. Climb El Castillo, the main 55-foot high pyramid, where you can enjoy superb views from the top temple.

March 16 - April 05 2016

TPT FOODIES

TPT Business Profile:

3XL Comida Grande The Playa Times sat down with owner, José Manuel ¨Cheo¨Arcia to discuss the serious business of a good burger. BY REBECCA PAGE

f you are looking for a really good burger, you have to go to 3XL Comida Grande. Their burgers are cooked on a grill, full of flavor, and I was able to personalize with a huge variety of toppings from their burger bar. After I stuffed myself, I sat down and talked with owner Jose Manuel Arcia, better known as Cheo. Where are you from and how did you wind up in Playa? I am from Venezuela. I worked for 18 years with the Mexican firm Grupo Anderson in Venezuela where I was a general manager. Five years ago, they moved me to Playa del Carmen to manage Señor Frogs, and I was there for four and a half years. After working for someone else for so long, I decided I was ready to open my own business and work for myself. Why did you decide to open a burger place? I was always looking for a good burger here in Playa. I am pretty particular about what I want in a burger and just couldn´t find it. After doing an extensive market analysis, I was

able to create the restaurant I wanted - offering a good quality burger at an affordable price.

3XL Comida Grande Open Daily from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Photo: The Playa Times

Located on Calle 8 across from Walmart. Offer home delivery. What do you feel makes your burgers and your restaurant stand out? It was very important to me to offer a fresh, quality burger. Often the burgers you get in restaurants around town are frozen patties. I order top sirloin from Chihuahua in the north of Mexico - all the best beef comes from the north. My fruits and vegetables are local, and I work with a local bakery to have a good quality

Photo: 3XL Comida Grande

bun. All our products are delivered daily and never frozen. We cook the burger for you and add the cheese but then you get to decide what you add to it at our burger bar. You get to be your own burger chef!

Wait, is that a veggie burger on your menu? Yes, that is my wife’s influence! She likes to have vegetarian options when she is dining out, so I created two different kinds of veggie burgers - one

made of black beans and oats and one made of quinoa and plantain. 3XL Burger officially opened on December 1, 2015, across from WalMart on Calle 8. In addition to amazing burgers, they serve up bbq ribs, hot dogs, sweet potato fries, and more. They are open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and currently accept Visa and Mastercard. They also offer home delivery (984 803 1519). Visit www.theplayatimes.com for more details about 3XL Comida Grande and getting a great burger in paradise!

TPT FOODIES

TPT Meets: Anto Concu and Ramona Nette business locations to rent, and we found a great spot. We felt it was a good opportunity to bring the true Italian cuisine to other cultures.

Ramona Nette and Anto Concu / Photo: Pasta e Polpetta

Catherine introduces us to the owners of the very popular Pasta e Polpetta BY CATHERINE PAWELEK Italian-born Anto Concu and Ramona Nette, originally from Romania, found themselves in Playa del Carmen in 2013, ready to start a new life. With Ramona’s background in hospitality and Anto’s family owning a bakery in Italy, the couple was motivated to open their own restaurant. Their experiences became the perfect combination when they decided to open Pasta e Polpetta in Playa del Carmen. Was there a conscious reason to move to Playa? Yes, we were looking to live in a town close to the sea, to satisfy our adventurous personalities and for the perfect balance between nature and city-like life. Also, to offer our son, Gabriel, a memorable childhood and international education. We searched for available

How do you find and then keep clients for your enterprise? The reputation of the business is well-known within the Italian community, as well as with locals. Therefore, we rely on our friendly service, quality products and reputation to find clients and retain regulars. All of our products are made at the time of the order, inhouse, like our bombas (Italian doughnuts). We source our coffee from Napoli, Italy, and it arrives in capsules, ready to brew in our Italian-made coffee machine. Do you have any advice for people who intend to move to the Riviera Maya to start a business? Playa del Carmen’s restaurant business heavily relies on referral and reputation, where owners support one another by referring business to different establishments. Follow your dreams, take calculated risks, know what you are good at, work hard and do it well. Any ideas for further expansion? We are currently expanding and planning to open up a second location in centro Playa del Carmen, with a bigger kitchen. Therefore, our homemade pasta maker will be transferred to this location, to satisfy the always-growing clientele. Pasta e Polpetta is located on Avenida Constituyentes between Avenidas 30 and 35. Visit them on Facebook/Pasta e Polpetta. To read our full interview, please visit us at www.theplayatimes.com.

La Fe & Los Hijos de la Tostada

A Perfect Match What do you get when you mix a beloved, well-established bar and a popular, young restaurant? A perfect match.

La Fe Fun-loving, popular local bar in search of restaurant for long term relationship. Must love cold beers, great friends, a great party and understand our cravings and desires.

El Ligue Perfecto - The Perfect Match a Fe has been the local spot on 5th Avenue in Playa for the last 14 years. A place where you could stop in whether you were still covered in sand from the beach, or dressed to kill. When the guys from La Fe decided to move locations and pair up with an up and coming restaurant run by like-minded entrepreneurs, they looked no further than Los Hijos de La Tostada. Los Hijos de la Tostada seemed to come out of nowhere on the Playa food scene and in less than a year they expanded from their first restaurant on 28th and 25th to open a spot in the heart of La Quinta on the corner of 38th. Their friendly staff and phenomenal tostadas make you feel right at home. Their delicious dishes and unique menu are the perfect partnership for La Fe’s local vibe and great music scene.

Experience el ligue perfecto for yourself! Visit La Fe/Los Hijos de la Tostada on 1st Avenue between Calles 24 and 22.Calles 24 and 22.

Coffee Shops: Get Your Buzz On CATHERINE PAWELEK Sure, we have all the big coffee franchises in the area but why not support a local mom and pop coffee shop when you are craving that perfectly prepared double, extra foam, caramel macchiato or simple cup of Joe. Here are some of our recommendations to check out: La Bendecida Coffee Boutique Check out this newly opened coffee house, with the distinctly placed commercial grade coffee roasting machine, visible from its front doors. Have an espresso, latte, iced coffee or café cacahuates (peanuts), with a slice of pie. Avenida 10 and Calle 38. Coffee Stop This mainstay is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Stop by and have them whip you up a Mocha Frappe Grande Doble or Te de Frutos Rojos (with secret extras for cold relief), all at a price that won’t break the bank. Add a salmon and cream cheese bagel or a poached egg English muffin and you are set for the day. Calle 10 between Avenidas 10 & 15. Pasta & Polpettas Although the name might insinuate a strictly Italian spaghetti joint, this tiny spot run by Ramona and Anto is also known for its Lavazza and Barbaro coffee and bomba con crema. Drive by any day and find a half dozen news-sharing Italians sipping espressos and munching a sugar-coated delicacy. Avenida Constituyentes north of Avenida 30. Cafferia Sabrina another one of the

Los Hijos de La Tostada

Young, up and coming restaurant looking for a well-established local bar for hot nights and even hotter tostadas. Must have awesome music, hot waitresses. Big caguamas a plus!

The team at La Bendecida Coffee Boutique is serious about their coffee roasting / Photo: Catherine Pawelek

Italian community’s regular haunts. Order an authentic cappuccino with a croissant, sfogliatelle or zeppole, and it will seem as if the road to heaven has been lined with pastries. Constituyentes between Avenida 10 and 15. G & G Café and Bakery is a new addition to the Constituyentes Coffee Corridor, with a handful of tables that overlook the busy street. Ask the Argentinian owner to pour you a cuppa and have a seat at Constituyentes and Avenida 40. Photo: The Playa Times

March 16 - April 05 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL EVENTS

COMEDY

SOHO NIGHT ART, Thursday, March 24th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come meet new friends, have some drinks, and create some art. SOHO Playa Hotel 10th Avenue and 24th. $470 pesos, includes welcome cocktail and all materials. More information www.sohoplayahotel.com.

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

CANCUN VEGAN FEST, March 26 & 27 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm., Reserva Ecologica Ombligo Verde. Conferences, workshops, music, products and many more surprises. Free. More info www. veganfestcancun.com.

ST. PATRICK´S DAY LA RANITA 11th ANNUAL THREE LEGGED RACE to benefit the PDC Bomberos

ANIMAL WELFARE

(fire department), March 17. Register at La Ranita on Calle 10 between 5th and 10th. $750 pesos per team.

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.

ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR,

CHARM SCHOOL , every Saturday, 9 a.m. for 2 to 3 hours. Have fun helping dogs become leash trained, balanced and exercised. Volunteers are picked up at Mega Supermarket, 30th and Constituyentes. Contact info@playaanimalrescue.org.

MCCARTHY´S IRISH PUB St. Patrick´s Day Celebrations, March 17, 18, 19 with the main event on the 17th. Souvenirs, special offices, and of course green beer! Located on the corner of 5th Avenue & Calle 22.

St. Patrick´s Day Celebrations, March 16 & 17, 9:00 p.m. Come see the rock band the Beanheads. Come in green and you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and Irish whiskey specials.

LA CHOPERIA

MARCH 16 - APRIL 05

every Saturday 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers needed to help socialize kittens. It’s also a great de-stressor! For more information, contact info@cocosanimalwelfare.com.

Coco´s KITTEN CUDDLING,

2016

LIVE MUSIC & KARAOKE CRAZY TOY (rock and classic rock) every Thursday and Saturday at PG´s Mexican Caribe Bar & Grille, 6:30 p.m., Calle 26 on the corner of 1st Avenue next to the Grand Hyatt.

SOS el Arca DOG WASH, every Saturday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have fun giving the dogs baths while allowing them to socialize. Check Facebook/SOS el Arca.

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,

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.

every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II.

EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR 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

COCOS BEACH ORGANIC MARKET

KARAOKE Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. PG´s Mexican Caribe Bar & Grille, 6:30 p.m., Calle 26 on the corner of 1st Avenue next to the Grand Hyatt.

TPT FOODIES

March 16 - April 05 2016

ART & CULTURE

By Edgar Mena

Itzamná:

God of Day and Night

St. Patrick’s Battalion battle flag / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Saint Patrick’s Battalion BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO, ANTHROPOLOGIST On Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17 we honor the Irish soldiers who fought side by side with Mexican soldiers during one of the most painful events in the history of our country: the United States invasion (1846-1848). During that era, Ireland was going through a very difficult time due to famine, and many Irish immigrated to the United States of America. The U.S. Army recruited hundreds of these immigrants to fight in the war against Mexico in exchange for the promise of land, riches and American citizenship. The battalion was made up of Irish soldiers who took their name from their patron saint. Upon seeing the injustice of war inflicted by a powerful country against a weak country, as Mexico was in those days, the Irish soldiers decided to leave the U.S. Army and fight on the Mexican side. They did this in spite of knowing this would be considered treason and the fate which could befall them if they lost the war.

The Irish felt a closer cultural affinity to the Mexicans, perhaps because of the importance given to the value of family and sharing the Catholic religion. Saint Patrick’s Battalion, under the command of John O’Riley, had its first battle in Monterrey where the Irish were credited with defeating two of three assaults by the U.S. forces. This battalion fought in other battles in Texas, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and the Valle de Mexico, among others. Finally, at the Battle of Churubusco in Mexico City, the Mexican Army had to surrender. Those in Saint Patrick’s Battalion were captured and treated as traitors, tortured, and marked with the letter “D” for deserters. The last battle at Chapultepec Castle was the scene of the “traitors” hanging while watching the American flag wave in Mexican territory. It is a sad story, but it reminds us of the bravery of those Irish immigrants and their loyalty towards just causes. Because of this, the Irish people have a special place in Mexican history and hearts.

HAMMOCKS: A Variety of Qualities and Materials

Hamacamarte is happy to teach how to get the most out of your hammock / Photo: The Playa Times

Known as Zamná when he walked amongst the Maya, he is considered the cornerstone of the Maya´s economic strength made his fame greater until eventually, people started to worship him as a god… during his lifetime! Following his death, his followers elevated him to the rank of god, gave him the name Itzamná and officialized his worship.

Representation of Zamná as a mortal priest, not as a god.

ery few deities enjoy the popularity and affection as Itzamná. Although he is no longer worshipped, the collective cultural memory holds a large spot for him in the hearts of all the modern Maya people. Zamná, the man. A group of pilgrims called the Itzaes arrived many centuries ago to the land today known as Izamal from the island of Cozumel. They were guided by a kind and wise priest called Zamná. Their task was to find the perfect land to build a city dedicated to their worship of water, and they found it. In 525 A.D. they built Chichen Itza. Chichen, meaning well and Itzá, their name, sorcerer of the water. For economical and cultural reasons, they started a pilgrimage throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and founded many cities, such as Ek Balam, Merida (originally named T’hó), Polé, Champoton and others, rapidly making Zamná, their guide, a rockstar. Stories about him became legends, and every step he took away from people who met him only

Itzamná, the god. A belief still held by Maya elders is that Zamná named all things; animals, cities and cenotes. In ancient times, Itzamná was associated with day and night. People believed he was a universal spirit of life who could make it collide with chaos to create living things. Therefore, many considered him the god of creation. The Maya represented rain through Itzamná and Chaac. Chaac allowed the water to fall, and Itzamná would create life also from the rain and with the help of his other friend, Kukulcan representing the sun. Itzamná today. Although nobody worships the god anymore, there is something in which both history and legends agree. It is because of him that the Maya economy, and therefore, the Maya culture were so great. He introduced the Maya to the henequén, a plant very similar to maguey, which was the base for the Yucatan economy up to the 20th century. Itzamná holding an henequén plant. Bas-relief in bronze by Lee Lawrie.

By HAMACAMARTE

here are different qualities and materials among hammocks and it is important to know how they differ and which to choose depending on your needs. The quality of a hammock depends on the thread, the thread count and the thickness of the thread used in the hammock’s making, all adding to its value. Hammocks can be made from cotton or nylon. Hammocks made with nylon thread are recommended for outdoor use and cotton is recommended for indoors. Considering cotton is a natural fiber, a hammock of such material will have a shorter lifetime in changing climates compared to a hammock made of nylon. In other words, in places with a climate like Playa del Carmen, we recommend a hammock made of nylon. Both materials can be found with different thickness of threads. When a hammock is made with thick thread, the final result is a wider woven fabric, where as one made with thinner

thread will be of greater value as it entails more refined work with tighter weaving. There are even hammocks made of thread so fine and thin like the thread used to sew buttons. Known as croché hammocks, they are true masterpieces, both soft and resistant, available only in king and jumbo sizes. It is important to know there isn’t a bad hammock, only differences in their levels of comfort. When we are enjoying a hammock, we can appreciate their quality. The best will let you sleep in it as if you were on a cloud and others for a shorter rest that you’ll also enjoy. Remember, all of our hammocks at Hamacamarte are 100% handmade, and your hammock’s durability always depends on its care. We look forward to seeing you at Hamacamarte and helping you choose a hammock that best suits your needs. Visit us at our store - Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the beach.

Some varieties of the henequén plant / Photos: Wikimedia commons

HEALTH

Run For Your Life! It is never too late to start running. Learn more about ma^ [^g^Û ml h_ knggbg`% ahp mh `^m lmZkm^]% Zg] pa^k^ to run in Playa BY SARA JONES The Benefits here’s no denying that running is one of the most popular forms of exercise. Anyone who runs can easily tell you why they love it; it clears the mind, invigorates the body, burns calories and frequently leaves you with a feeling of empowerment. Running reduces the risk of certain cancers, keeps the heart healthy, increases bone density and protects against age-related bone loss, helping to prevent fractures and breaks. As if this wasn’t enough, running can also improve learning and memory.

Getting Started Get fitted for a good quality pair of running shoes. Many stores analyze your technique to recommend the best fit. If you are new to running, start slowly. Alternate brisk walking with gentle jogging to build up stamina. Take a break when you need to.

Focus on taking long deep breaths, filling your lungs each time. You can also count your foot strike as you breathe. Find what works for you, but try ‘infor-3 and out-for-2’ (alternating your exhale side helps to prevent stitch). Don’t stretch cold, warm up with a gentle jog or brisk walk before stretching out your hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, quads and glutes. Just a quick stretch is sufficient here, under 5 seconds per stretch or do dynamic stretches if you’re focused on high performance. Complete a full stretch when you finish your run to avoid stiffness. Spend at least 5 – 10 minutes stretching the whole body. Keep your weight forward so you can push off each foot. Your feet can’t push you forward effectively if they are ahead of your hips. Don’t strike the heel. Land the mid-foot softly, underneath your center of gravity. Relax your upper body and get into the rhythm of the run with your arms. Where To Run In Playa Jogging around the calles of Playa Centro can often be hazardous. With potholes, uneven paving and trees getting in your way, it can seem more like an obstacle course. Playacar is a great choice for running with wide pathways and trees for shade. The sports grounds with running tracks offer an excellent running surface, if a limited view. You could play ‘dodge the tourist’ on 5th Avenue unless you are up very early, or perhaps try new 5th out towards Paradissus (watch out for dog poop, not everyone picks up here!). Find Your Motivation Download Runkeeper, load your favorite tunes or run with a friend! Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa Professional Mexico magazine www.spaprofessionalmexico.com

New to running? Start slowly, alternating brisk walking and gentle jogging / Photo: Stock

Snake plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen during the night / Photo: Wikimedia commons

Powerful Purifying Plants BY SARA JONES We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors (although perhaps in Playa del Carmen this percentage is a little lower). While society in general is concerned about outdoor air quality, we rarely consider the quality of the air we breathe inside. Indoor air can be up to 12 times more

polluted than outdoor air. Pollutants, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, varnishes, furniture, plastics, building materials and cleaning products have been related to several kinds of cancer and can cause ‘sick building syndrome’. The right plants can neutralize this pollution by absorbing the VOC gases from the air, along with carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, I haven’t always had the best luck with houseplants; my longest relationship was with a cactus that I largely ignored! However I am determined to enjoy the benefits of some of these ‘easy to care for’, air purifiers. Aloe Vera. Lucky for us, aloe is abundant here and easy to grow. Aloe thrives in the sunshine, so place your plant near a window with plenty of light. Aloe absorbs formaldehyde and benzene. It can also be used for burns, wound healing and inflammation, just cut off a leaf and scoop out the gel. Spider plant. This pet-safe plant is a great option for light areas without direct sunlight. If you’re prone to killing houseplants, this resilient flowering perennial is a great, hardto-kill option. You can also easily regrow spider plants from the newly sprouted ‘spiderette’. Spider plants absorb benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. Snake plant. This plant thrives in low light and is one of the hardest to kill. Great for the bedroom as it absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen during the night. Snake plants absorb benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. Dracaena. With over 40 types of dracaena, it should be easy to find the right style for your home or office. Best grown in a light environment but away from direct sunlight. Don’t over water this plant; allow the soil to dry between watering. Dracaenas absorb xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene and formaldehyde.

March 16 - April 05 2016

COSTAMED

HEALTH

By Rebecca Page

Ex pa n d i n g its Reach in t he Mexican Caribbean We sat down with David Lugo Segovia from COSTAMED to discuss the history of their facilities, their newest member, and healthcare support for English speakers OSTAMED Medical Group is one of the leading healthcare systems in the region and has facilities in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Mahahual. They will be opening a fourth location in Tulum on April 15. We wanted to find out more about COSTAMED and its services, so we sat down with David Lugo Segovia, General Director of their Tulum and Mahahual locations to find out more.

Tell us about COSTAMED´s facilities. We opened our first facility, Cozumel, in 1997. Several years later we opened in Playa. We started small and have grown tremendously. Both facilities offer a wide variety of specialties and technologically advanced medical equipment. In Cozumel, we offer neurology, cardiology, C-arm devices for catheterization, a completely automatized laboratory, state-of-the-art equipment, and a hyperbaric chamber. We have similar facilities in Playa with the exception of the hyperbaric chamber. However, we coordinate with other hyperbaric facilities in town. On November 26, 2015, the Playa facility had a grand reopening after we enlarged the hospitalization room has and increased the specialities to

Depression: How to Support a Loved One BY ROSAN OUWERKERK Depression is more than just feeling sad and going through a rough patch. It is a serious mental health condition. It is not only difficult for people who are suffering from depression, but it also affects their loved ones. How can you help someone who is depressed? Educate yourself about depression. It will help you to deal with a depressed person if you understand what depression is and the person’s feelings. Don’t try to cure the depression; you are not responsible. It is good to talk with him about his feelings but don’t try to be a therapist. It seems easy to see what depressed people need to do, but that is because you are not suffering from depression yourself. Advice is often interpreted as reproach. Therefore, it is better to ask how you can help instead. Don’t judge, try to listen. Depressed people feel ashamed of the negative thoughts about themselves, others and life. Don’t judge but remind them instead that these thoughts are part of the depression, and not part of themselves as human beings. Don’t try to convince them that the world looks differently than he experiences it, just try to listen. Give attention. A simple text message saying “How are you?” could be very helpful. Keep on inviting him for social events, even though you know, he doesn’t want to go and don’t expect response and interaction. Don’t expect interest. Not being interested in anything and feeling indifferent is part of depression.

Take care of yourself. It can be very exhausting to deal with someone who is depressed. Set boundaries and take time for yourself. Offer practical help. Normal daily activities, like household chores, can be difficult for depressed people. Offer to help but avoid criticizing. Undertake outdoor activities together. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves: be inviting and encouraging to go, for example, for a walk together. Ask about suicidal thoughts. Depressed people often have those thoughts. They feel ashamed about it, and it can be helpful to talk about it. In case you think someone is indeed suicidal, you must contact a psychiatrist. Search for help. With early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, many people get better. 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 at: rosan.ouwerkerk@gmail.com

match Cozumel. We essentially rebuilt the entire building to match our vision and commitment that we had in Cozumel. We have a clear vision for our facilities. We provide quality and trustworthy medicine within reach. Our Mahahual facility has been open for a while, but we just had the inauguration on the 19th of February. It was born as a first contact medical unit, meaning it is well-equipped to provide primary attention in the early stages of a condition. The unit has a consultation area, two well-equipped emergency beds, artificial respirators, and a mobile X-ray unit. In addition to all of this we have a diagnostic laboratory We will be opening our Tulum facility to the public on April 15th. Our Tulum facility will include general surgery, gastroenterology, OB/Gyn, trauma, orthopedics, pediatrics, anesthesiology and nutrition. We will have an emergency room, operating rooms, a maternity ward, as well as medical imaging (Xrays, CAT scans, and ultrasound). For our extended interview with David Lugo Segovia from Costamed, please visit our website: www.theplayatimes.com.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Poisoning: a Painful Death BY NASH

What symptoms should we be on the lookout for if we have a sick pet? It depends on the type of poison they have ingested, normally the animal will be salivating, disorientated, experiencing convulsions and respiratory problems, and sometimes bleeding from the nose or mouth. El viejo de monte stalking its prey / Photos: Wikimedia commons / Flickr/Tambako The Jaguar

Mr. Tayra: The Old Man of The Mountain You may be lucky enough to catch sight of this spirited, weasellike animal frolicking in the treetops or racing around on the ground. Although they are funny and cute, they are hunters and can kill animals as big as agoutis BY NASH

he tayra, known in the Yucatan Peninsula as viejo de monte (old man of the mountain) or cabeza del viejo (old man’s head) is similar to a weasel with shorter legs and a long body. Their name comes from their light colored wrinkled face. The rest of the body is covered in dark brown or black fur and a small spot on the chest. They range from 60-70 cm in length, plus their long bushy tail. The females are smaller than the males, and the latter have more muscle mass. This solitary mammal can be found in most parts of Southern and Central America, Brazil, parts of Argentina and Mexico. Tayras prefer to live in subtropical forests, and they are just as quick in agile in the treetops as they are on the ground. Since they spend a lot of time in trees, they are equipped with sharp curved nails and a long tail for balance. They have sharp canine teeth, and poor eyesight, but are guided by their sense of smell. Tayras are omnivores, and hunt rodents, small mammals, birds, lizards, agouti, insects, fruit and honeycomb. They are smart enough to hide unripened fruit and come back later when it is ready to eat; this act is called ripening caching. The tayra females take care of their young alone, usually producing to one to three offspring. The babies are born blind, covered with fur, with closed ears and are completely dependant on mom. She starts to teach them how to hunt at three months. Indigenous people are known to have kept tyras as pets, as they are

Can an animal be saved if it has been poisoned? This also depends on the type of poison. It is very important you get take the animal to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. The animal may not have much time. Once they type of poison is determined, we can begin the proper treatment. There are treatments available, again depending on the type of poison and how long it has been in the system. Sometimes an animal is made to vomit and provided medication, fluids, but if it is already in the system it may be too late. Unfortunately, most poisons kill an animal within a few hours. What should we do if we see a wild animal that has been poisoned? You should report the wild animal to PROFEPA (Federal Office of Environmental Protection). At this time PROFEPA is investigating the poisonings in Playacar. It is difficult to catch a wild animal that has been poisoned before it is too late. Once

you find them they are already in advanced stages. It is not advised to pick them up as they may very dangerous and bite. They are scared and suffering. Laura also comments that it would be useful to do a necropsy on these animals to see what is being used and to confirm they are being poisoned. Whether pets ingest the bait directly or a cat brings home a dead rodent that was poisoned your animals are at risk.

There has been an increase in reported sick and dying coatis and domestic animals in Playacar Most likely rat poison or organophosphate poisoning is being used to eliminate “pests” and is a very inhuman and painful way to die, not to mention illegal and should not be tolerated. The controversy grows with accusations that the golf course maybe trying to eliminate the coatis, and last year a team that included Dr. Laura, IFAW and a group of biologists wanted to investigate the same issue, dying coatis in Playacar. The Playacar administration did not respond to the request. Dr. Laura reminds us to not feed wildlife, as it makes them dependant on humans and multiply faster than normal. Visit Dr. Laura Bevilacqua on Facebook/ Vitanimal or for appointments call 984-151-9779 To report a sick wild animal please contact www.profepa.gob.mx/innovaportal/v/393/1/mx/contacto.html

Tayra Facts Normally a quiet animal, but when frightened, tayras bark and make snarling sounds. Some of their group conversations are a series of clicking sounds. Can live up to 18 years in captivity. Tayras have black eyes that glow blue green at night.

playful, silly animals that also provide rodent control. However, others see them as a pest to crops and chickens. Ecologically, these animals play an important role in the regeneration of the forests as seed dispersers. The tayra population is shrinking in Mexico due to habitat deforestation.

Baby coati / Photo: Vitanimal

I f y o u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o n s a b o u t t h e a va i l a b l e d o g s f r o m P l a y a A n i m a l R e s c u e , c o n t a c t P a t a t i n f o @ p l a ya a n i m a l r e s c u e .o r g

Our lovable, handsome Marco is still looking for his perfect family. Marco was born in September 2013 and arrived to the shelter on February 5th, 2015. He weighs about 23 kg, is neutered and current on all vaccinations and preventatives. Marco was rescued from the street in Puerto Aventuras with a

broken leg. He is all healed now and ready for his next adventure. He is outgoing and energetic! He loves to go for walks and gets along with his doggy roommates well. He is a larger dog and would benefit from an active owner. Do you need a friend to go on walks with you?

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Mariposa was born about November 1, 2014 and arrived at the shelter September 23, 2015. She weighs about 16 kg, is spayed and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Mariposa is an adult female dog who came to PAR from Coco’s Animal Welfare. She had been hit by

a car and encountered someone in her past that cropped her ears very short, but that doesn’t stop her from loving and enjoying her human visitors. Mariposa is a young, medium energy dog, with a friendly outgoing temperament. She loves to be around other dogs and people.

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March 16 - April 05 2016

BEACH BOARD

CLASSIFIEDS

How old are you? From your picture, I’d say you were about 50, but it’s hard to tell because I can’t see your face.

RENTALS & PROPERTIES EXPERIENCED TEACHER NEEDED

Looking for an experienced teacher (Literature and EFL) for middle and high school students. Native speaker with university degree and certificate in CELTA, TESOL or TEFL is required. Working knowledge of Spanish is a strong asset. Resident in Playa prefered. Please respond with resume and short cover letter to elpapalote@prodigy.net.mx.

I n q u i r i n g l y Yo u r s Well Inquiringly, As it turns out, my age is impossible to be determined. You see, I was not “born,” per se, so much as I was hatched. Well, grown. In a lab. I am the result of a combination of experiments intended to create a super-soldier, but instead, created an acerbic misanthrope. My skills/abilities include: sarcasm, snobbery, and being able to leap over stupidity with a single eye-roll. Dear Craig, Are you single?

of damage I ’d be li ke ly to i n f li ct in a fistfig h t . That being said, if I could punch one person in the face, it would have to be Trevor Krebelchuck. From 5th grade. He used to trip me all the time at recess whenever I was walking in front of him. You know, that super funny gag where you kick the person’s foot while they’re walking so that they trip over their own feet and everyone thinks they don’t know how to walk? Hilarious, I know, but also humiliating to a boy whose main goal was to be as cool as Michael Knight or MacGyver.

Asking For A Friend Alas, AFAF, it can never be. While I’d like to know true love, I have no heart, since hearts were deemed to be detrimental to the super-soldier program that I was developed by. As a result of calculated genetic engineering, I lack the ability to love. The scientists at the lab where I was created referred to it as being “dead inside.”

So, yeah, if I could punch one person in the face, it would be Trevor Krebelchuck from 5th grade. Hopefully he’d fall into an icy puddle and wreck HIS He-Man lunchbox as a result, but I’d be happy just with the free sucker-punch.

Dear Craig,

Just Asking

If you could punch one person in the face, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Nice try, JA … I’ve been down this road before – you ask me what my fears/phobias are, then you show up at my house/place of business dressed up as ALL of my fears/phobias at the same time. I scream like a pig, run around in circles, pee my pants, then you and Trevor Krebelchuck have a good ol’ laugh at Craig’s expense. Besides, I know a lot of people who are afraid of butterflies.

Serious Answers Only Please Well, SAO P, I have be e n waiting for this question for a ve r y long time. As you can imagine, like most people w ho hide be hind a pen, I envision ge tting into physica l a ltercations all of the time. Wh a t w ith my ability to spe ll check an d my skills as a grammar ia n, you can imagine the kind

Dear Craig, What is your worst fear/phobia?

(Dammit!)

Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa. If you have a question email dcraignorton@gmail.com

GENERAL SERVICES PRIVATE BEACHSIDE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Looking for a qualified investor to assist in expanding our 15 yr. recreation business, in the P.D.C. Area. A great retirement option! $125k U.S.-$300k U.S. For negotiable % of business. Serious inquiries ONLY. Please contact alifetodivefor@gmail.com to set up a private meeting. Eng. speaking preferred. 985-151-9932 Whatsapp or call.