Edition 92

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 03 · N u m b e r 9 2 · 20,000 c o p i e s · 24 Pages · S e p t e m b e r 0 7 - 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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On September 16, Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos celebrates 195 years of independence from Spain and in this edition, we celebrate all things Mexican!

BEACH LIFE

Life in Mexico as a Foreigner >P. 4

DISCOVER MEXICO >P. 5 Ilustration: Theplayatimes

Wa r o f I n d e p e n d e n c e

· TPT FOODIES

· SPECIAL SECTION FITEATRO

Our informal survey of all our Mexican staff, friends and family voted this favorite dish as the most Mexican of them all

>P. 10

Photo: Diane Davis

Photo: Shutterstock

CHILES EN NOGADA

The Teatro de la ciudad is hosting Fiteatro - the annual theatre festival. Production companies from all over the world will be performing.

>P. 8&9

Looking for something to do?

Check out our What’s On section for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and ideas for Independence Day!

>P. 16

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September 7 - 20 2016

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September 7 - 20 2016

Editorial DIRECTORY Rebecca Page General Manager & Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Edgar E. Mena Ian MacKenzie Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

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

Erika Serra Photo: shutterstock

Public Relations

¿Qué Pedo Guey? And Other ings I’ve Learned

Cell: 984 119 1586 publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Octavio Moreno Sales Executive Cell: 984 179 8347 octavio@meridianmedia.mx

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT: 984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes

BY REBECCA PAGE

T

his month, Mexico celebrates 195 years of independence from Spain, and in this edition, we decided to showcase all things Mexican. There is a little bit of Mexican history, Mexican theater, Mexican animals, and of course, Mexican food. We did an informal survey in the office and online and asked Mexicans what dish represented Mexico the best. It was a close race between tacos and chiles en nogada and in the end, chiles en nogada won. (Look for Catherine´s recipe in our Beach Board section). One thing we didn’t cover is the Mexican language. Yes, of course, Mexicans speak Spanish, but there is a language all itself in Mexico that even the most experienced Spanish speakers may raise an eyebrow to.

Mexican slang can be a confusing, to say the least. Imagine my surprise and concern when out with friends early in my time

here in Mexico, a friend came up to the table and asked, ¨¿Qué pedo guey?¨ I sat there for a few seconds trying to translate that in my head...¨What fart dude?¨ Huh? Seeing my look of concern and confusion, my friends laughed and explained that ¿Qué pedo? actually means ¨What´s up?¨ This opened up a whole conversation about expressions that use the word pedo. There´s ¨No hay pedo¨, meaning ¨There’s no problem¨ - good for diffusing a situation. Then there´s ¨Ando bien pedo¨ or ¨I´m really drunk¨. Looking for a party? Just ask, ¨Dondé es la peda?¨ Found the party and feeling hungover?

Tell your friends ¨Estoy bien crudo¨ (literal translation: I very am raw). Some of my other favorites include: ¡No manches! (Literally: No stain! Actual use: No way!)

Te crees muy muy (Literally: You think you’re very very! Actual use: You think

you’re all that!) - You can also use ¡Aye si! ¡Aye si! (Literally: Oh yeah! Oh yeah!) ¿Qué onda? (Literally: What wave? Actual use: What´s Up?) ¡A huevo! (Literally: To egg! Actual use: Hell yeah!)

Eso que ni qué! (Literally: That that not what! Actual use: No doubt about it!)

There are a million more expressions that are uniquely Mexican, and when you live here or travel extensively throughout Mexico, you begin to recognize and learn more and more of them. I sometimes lose hope of ever mastering Spanish here in Mexico because not only do I have to struggle with eight million verb conjugations in a million tenses, I have to decipher Mexican slang. ¡Viva México, cabrones!

@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.

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B E AC H L I F E

September 7 - 20 2016

Blueprint Conservation Celebrating Mexico

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL I had never experienced virtual reality until I met Oscar Carranza. Oscar is a gentleman.

No, a warrior, who has brought to Playa del Carmen a way of experiencing new adventures like Mexican animals and their ecosystems, and these experiences are beneficial to everyone.

Oscar’s non-profit organization Blueprint Conservation is creating change through feeling. When you hear or read a description of a situation you are only learning about it. With virtual reality, you are fully immersed with your mind, senses, and soul.

You are taken to a site of your choice with special technology that includes 360-degree short movies and specially designed goggles.

Whether flying in a fighter jet or swimming with the dolphins, you can experience this as if you were really there. And it feels real. This is not the 3D technology of the movie theater, this is virtual reality.

So, how can this help protect our environment?

“Oscar has a plan to use virtual reality to relieve the tremendous burden of tourism on the environment,” explains Cindy Nolan, co-founder of Blueprint Conservation. “Keeping the amount of tourists who actually interact with nature down to a minimum is Quintana Roo’s new priority,” A perfect example of this is the new movement to keep dolphins out of captiv-

Ian and his new friend / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

Life in Mexico as a

Foreigner A look at some of the things that I have learned while living in Mexico as a foreigner, and the challenges that we all face in adapting to life here

BY IAN MACKENZIE

A

lthough I have been traveling to Mexico from a very young age and have Mexican family myself, I am still a foreigner. It’s got more to do with having a different passport or being raised in an English speaking nation. There is a distinct attitude towards life here that many of us have become familiar with the more time we live here, and adapting to that is part of the journey we must all deal with.

Being a foreigner has its own specific challenges. Language is the first obstacle to cross, and yet once you have reached a point where you can converse comfortably and understand one another, there is still much to learn. The people here have a different set of values, with great importance paid to family and being hospitable to one another.

Of course much depends on what part of Mexico you live in. The Riviera Maya is hot and humid with jungle weather, compared to the dry heat of a desert city like Cabo San Lucas, so geography is only part of it. But living on the coast with access to a beach can easily turn anyone into a sun worshipper quickly, even if you come from colder climates as I do.

Even still, some things take getting used to. Mexican time is notorious for operating differently to typical American or Canadian rules for punctuality and timeliness. When

you order you internet or TV service it may take a while before they finally get to your place and set you up, as is the case with making plans with friends.

Being Mexican is a state of mind, and for those of us who have chosen to move here and be a part of this country, it is best to go with the flow and surrender to its charm.

With Mexican Independence Day just around the corner and the nationalist pride about to be put on display with a blast of the mariachi trumpet and the fun of the fiesta, it’s important to remember that being Mexican is more than just citizenship and a passport. Being Mexican is a state of mind, and for those of us who have chosen to move here and be a part of this country, it is best to go with the flow and surrender to its charm.

You are taken to a site of your choice with special technology / Photo:Crystal Mitchell

ity. Is it fair to put wild creatures in small tanks for the sake of entertainment? I cannot answer that for you, but virtual reality can create the experience for the tourist without the trauma to the animals or the protests of the people.

Another example is swimming with sharks or turtles. With tourists in their environment, sunscreens and chemicals disrupt their ecosystem, affecting the longevity of the species. When you put on some virtual reality goggles not only do you experience the adventure of swimming with them, but you feel genuine love for these majestic animals. The experience is so real that you feel like you can reach out and touch them.

Oscar is currently working with the local government and the private sector to reduce this damaging impact on the environment here in Quintana Roo and Mexico. Virtual reality makes a big impression very quickly and grabs their full attention. What better way to celebrate Independence Day here in Mexico than by developing new ways of protecting its’ national treasures?

You can learn more about Blueprint Conservations on their Facebook fanpage / blueprintconservation.

D I SCOV E R M E X I CO 5

September 7 - 20 2016

Mexico’s War of Independence : ehhd Zm lhf^ h_ ma^ d^r ^o^gml bg F^qb\h l ablmhkr maZm phne] e^Z] mh ma^ laZibg` h_ ma^ fh]^kg gZmbhg

BY IAN MACKENZIE

1521

S

eptember 16 is Mexican Independence Day, a time for celebration when you will find many fiestas here in Playa del Carmen and across the nation. It is a very important date for Mexicans, and it generates the same feeling of pride which American neighbors to the north will understand. So in the spirit of the celebration let’s take a look at some of the key events in the country’s history and what led to the creation of modern day Mexico.

In August 1521, Mexico fell into Spanish hands. Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors defeated the Aztec empire through a combination of military power and the diseases that they brought with them from Europe. Unable to deal with the sickness that decimated the indigenous population the country descended into colonial rule that would last for three centuries.

In 1808, an event took place that would stoke the fires of revolution.

Napoleon invaded Spain, and proceeded to occupy it until 1813. This was all that the people of Mexico and the other Spanish colonies needed to bring talk of revolution. When Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued his “Grito de Dolores” it became a declaration of war against colonial rule.

Mexico falls into Spanish hands

1810 War of Independence begins

1821 War of Independence ends

Army of the Three Guarantees entering Mexico City on 27 September 1821 / Photo: Wikipedia

Hidalgo would march his armies through village after village, before finally being defeated and forced to flee. After Hidalgo was captured and executed by firing squad, new

leaders emerged who took charge of the rebellion. Among these were José María Morelos y Pavón, Mariano Matamoros and Vicente Guerrero, They would lead armies

of indigenous fighters and racially mixed revolutionaries to defeat their rulers.

The War Of Independence would continue until 1821. It was

then that the Treaty of Córdoba established Mexico as an independent constitutional monarchy. 18 months later Antonio López de Santa Anna and Guadalupe Victoria finally expelled the emperor and established the first Mexican Republic.

September 16 celebrates the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores, and not the official end of the campaign and since the late 19th century Mexican’s have been celebrating this important day with parades, bullfights, traditional dance, or simply going out with friends and having a fiesta.

Need a Good Property Manager, Who You Gonna Call?

Photo: MTSMéxico

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK President Peña Nieto will issue el grito de Dolores on September 15 at 11:00 p.m. / Photo: Wikimedia

¡Viva Mexico!

BY IAN MACKENZIE On Friday, September 16 Mexican’s across the country will be celebrating their Independence Day. Many of us here in Playa are foreigners and are perhaps lacking in knowledge of the formation of the modern Mexico. So I want to share with you a significant event that was behind much of what would later follow: El Grito de Dolores.

In English, it translates as the Cry of Dolores, and like the American War of Independence which had it’s “shot heard round the world”, Mexico has its’ own version. It begins in a town called Dolores, from where it gets it’s name. So who was this person who issued the cry? It was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a respected and unconventional Catholic priest. He was known for his rejection of celibacy and a love of gambling, and his cry was for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico and the redistribution of land.

But this cry would have consequences.

Just like when Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

yelled out “Cry Havoc and let loose the dogs of war”, this is exactly what would happen here. Hidalgo’s militia battled its’ way from village to village all the way to Mexico City, leaving a bloodbath in its wake. It was something that Hidalgo would later regret.

The war cry was a call to arms to the mestizo population and those of indigenous descent. Their contribution of manpower was very important to the overall success. His militia kept growing as he moved from village to village en route to Mexico City.

In January 1811, Hidalgo was finally defeated. He fled and was captured, his fate decided by a firing squad in the state of Chihuahua. But the war for independence would carry on for another decade, and in his absence, new leaders took control of the rebellion.

So when you are out celebrating on September 16, why not issue your own version of the Grito de Dolores? Just raise a glass of your favorite drink and yell out loud ¡Viva Mexico! and you will likely find that you are not the

Felipe Gomez took time out of his busy schedule to tell us a little bit about MTS Mexico, a property management company that began operating in Bogota Colombia 15 years ago.

They recently opened an office in Playa del Carmen, where Jose Antonio Mutis, one of MTS Mexico’s original partners, relocated a year ago. Mr. Mutis was born in Colombia and studied law at Boston’s Harvard University. He started at MTS 15 years ago.

What was the initiative that made MTS choose the Riviera Maya as their next destination to get a foothold?

Besides Colombia we are also in Panama. And since the Riviera Maya is very well known all over the world as one of the most important tourist destination, we realized that real estate investors- small and largeneeded a professional real estate management company.

Are there any other locations planned for the future?

We want to become the leader in Latin America. Therefore in the future we will open offices in more Latin American countries such as Peru, Chile and Ecuador.

Who are your customers?

We have a range of customers. From people who have an apartment to all the biggest development companies in Colombia and Panama and the best and biggest real estate companies. We can accommodate them in English, Spanish and French.

Can you describe for us a little bit what distinguishes you from others in this field?

Our mission. It goes “Go beyond our client’s expectations, offering sustainable services that increase their company’s performance by incorporating us into their value chain.”

Therefore, we are committed to excellence and we are recognized for that. On the other hand, we also offer low rates and the best amenities for our guests.

Anything else you wish to add, either about the business or yourself?

We focus on property management and maintenance, property optimization and confidentiality as well as 24/7 access and on time payment.

Get in touch with MTS Mexico, Carretera Federal 307, Kilometer 326, Playa del Carmen, tel 55 1814 1436. E-mail: info@mtsmexico.mx, or visit mtsmexico.mx

September 7 - 20 2016 The Yucatan Peninsula is a particularly special place for birds / Photo: Diane Davis

DISCOVER MEXICO 7

Where Science Meets the Community:

S aya b P la n e t a r i u m

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI Traditionally, a planetarium would be a place where you can learn about the sky and the stars, right? You would be surprised about the wide range of topics the Sayab Planetarium has available for the public!

From the stars to underwater rivers, fossils, animal anatomy and spiders, the Planetarium Sayab in Playa del Carmen has a wide variety of topics related to science, discovery and the amazing environment of the Yucatan Peninsula. Although it may be thought to be a place for kids, this place offers a great opportunity for all ages to learn about many topics relevant to the place we happily live in. Importantly, it has an amazing, knowledgeable and creative staff who truly believes that education is a key for our planet to survive us.

A Home for Birds Between Two Seas The Yucatan Peninsula is an important location for endemic, regional and migratory birds

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI

T

he longer I live here, the more I discover about the important ecosystems, flora and fauna found in this corner of the world. I recently attended a talk about the importance of the Yucatan Peninsula for birds given

by Barbara MacKinnon (founding president of Amigos de Sian Ka’an A. C.) and found out that this region is a key spot for many species of endemic, regional and migratory birds!

She said this area ‘is a like a finger that goes into the water’ in between two major seas: the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and that makes this place particularly special for birds. The Yucatan has over 527 species of birds and counting!

And this variety can occur here due to the variety of habitats found in this peninsula such as mangroves, marshes, savannah, tropical rainforest, coast, ocean, etc.

There are a few species endemic of small regions of the Yucatan, this means that some species of birds are found only in some areas like Cozumel and nowhere else in the world!

We also have many species of birds that oc-

cur in Q. Roo that are only found in the Caribbean region. And my favorite: there a few more species that use this land in between two seas to rest and feed while traveling for thousands of miles between South America and the northern areas of North America!

Isn’t it amazing?

It turns out that we have a community of people that contributes with sighting data (called citizen science) for international and national programs (e.g. check: www. f a t b i rd e r. c o m , yucatabirdsclub. wordpress.com, or www.birdingyucatan.com), and some important information has been produced through these groups. There are some tours around specifically planned for bird sighting and organizations have focused efforts on training locals as guides; this in turn has not only given a chance of a better livelihood to some communities but also a chance to understand the value of preserving nature.

Given the importance of this area to so many species of birds (and other fauna), the challenge here is to create sustainable tourism that allows economic growth along with the preservation and management of natural resources.

The Sayab Planetarium’s mission is to be a platform for science outreach, technology and culture where critical thinking can be awakened in the community

527

species of birds and counting!

Sayab lobby / Photo: Florencia Cerutti

The Sayab Planetarium’s mission is to be a platform for science outreach, technology and culture where critical thinking can be awakened in the community, particularly the youngest ones, through activities, talks and exhibitions. To do this, it has a few exhibitions clearly explained in both Spanish and English and a ton of fun activities! My favorite exhibition is a mural of the underwater river system where you can clearly see the important, yet sadly ignored, link between land and the ocean, and how the system looks underground. In other exhibitions, you can learn about the large animals that used to live here and are now extinct; about the humans that used to live here and are now bones found in cenotes; or to understand what a cave diver does to map the complex underwater river system.

But I believe the best part is the variety of activities they have for learning. Weekly workshops, talks from experts, summer camps, the telescope and movies in the dome, all this combined to offer key knowledge about the Yucatan Peninsula and an important understanding of what science and creativity can do when combined and shared with the community. After all, what is the point of science and knowledge if not passed through to our society? Want to learn something new this weekend? Check out www. planetariodeplayadelcarmen.org.

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ENTERTAINMENT

September 7 - 20 2016

Arrojad mis cenizas sobre Mickey (Throw My Ashes Over Mickey) W e d n e s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 7 Teatr o de la Ciudad 8:00 p.m.

Puras Cosas Maravillosas (Every Brilliant Thing) Tu e s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 6 Teatr o de la Ciudad 8:00 p.m.

Escriba su nombre aquí (Write Your Name Here) T h u r s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 8 Teatr o de la Ciudad 8:00 p.m.

By: María Prado & Fernando de Retes

By: Rodrigo Garcia

Company: Cuartoymitad Teatro/Spain

Company: Compañia Ideas de Mente/ Playa del Carmen

Synopsis:

Synopsis: The consumerism, standardization and life homogeni-

PaZm b_ rhn p^k^ hger ]^Û g^] [r lmZmblmb\l8 PaZm b_ gZmbhgZebmb^l p^k^ h__^k^] makhn`a m^e^fZkd^mbg`8 Ahp Z[hnm ]^\b]bg` rhnk \abe]k^g l jnZebmb^l8 “Write Your Name Here” is about searching what de-

zation to which the modern individual is submitted in

Û g^l nl3 Zl i^klhgl% Zl `khnil% Zl Z lh\b^mr

modern developed societies.

Bl bm oZkbZ[e^8 Ahp ]h p^ \ahhl^ bm8 Par lhf^

The criticism free rise of diverse topics related to hap-

jnZebmb^l Zg] ghm hma^kl8

Directed By: Sebastian Sánchez/Mexico City

piness and material well being, which translate into a

Through humor and role playing, institutions and com-

dangerous trivialization of human existence, with an

mon life issues are revisited (ethnicity, names, nation-

alarming degree of infantile and senseless behaviors.

Zebmb^l% Ü Z`l ^m\'"% ngmbe Z lbmnZmbhgZe fhlZb\ bl \k^Zm^]'

By: Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe

Living in this world without letting ourselves be amazed by

One that confronts us with the weaknesses of our certain-

something as simple as a beautiful sunset, our lack of cour-

ties, and with the surprise of not knowing who we are.

Synopsis:

Z`^ mh lZr gh mh ma^ m^e^oblbhg eh[hmhfr Zg] ma^ ]^Û &

You are seven years old. Your mom is at the hospital.

Rhnk ]Z] lZrl la^ ]b] lhf^mabg` lmnib]' La^ l lmkn`& gling to be happy. Then you start making a list of ev^kr [kbeebZgm mabg` bg ma^ phke]' >o^krmabg` maZm l phkma living for. You leave it on her pillow. You know that she read it because she spell checked it. Soon enough the list would have a life of its own. A play about what we are willing to do for the people we love.

cient educational system, are some of the issues that you will see and hear in “Throw My Ashes Over Mickey”.

Company Brief: Their constant need to explore new artistic trends has allowed Mind Ideas Theater Company to new acquire their own language and style that translates into professional and quality driven artistry dedicated to Playa´s residents and visitors.

Company Brief: Cuartoymitad Teatro, was created in 2013 by Maria Prado and Fernando de Retes.

It hopes to take the audience right to the borders of doubt. In an era where artistic creation seems like a luxury, this company vindicates the necessity of creating theater and culture out of research and acting. Theater that uses all sorts of questions that makes us more open to the possibility of change.

September 7 - 20 2016

Cuacoyotl: La subversión de las criadas (Cuacoyotl: The Maid s Subversion)

Pipí (Pee pee) S u n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 11 Teatr o de la Ciudad 11 : 0 0 a . m . & 1 : 0 0 p . m .

S a t u r d a y , S e p t e m b e r 10 Teatr o de la Ciudad 8:00 p.m.

By: Jaime Chabaud

By: Jaime Camarena based on a Jose :e[^kmh @ZeeZk]h l eb[k^mmh

Synopsis:

Company: A Poc A Poc/Mexico City Synopsis: Cuacoyotl: The maid´s subversion is an interdisciplinary, l\^gb\ l\kbim bglibk^] [r C^Zg @^g^m l Ma^ FZb]l' Bg mabl o^klbhg ma^ lmhkr mZd^l ieZ\^ bg lhnma^kg N'L' Zg] ik^l& ^gml Z \hnie^ h_ F^qb\Zg bffb`kZgml Zg] Z o^gZ]^kh' The play tells the story of those people that suffer from ^qiehbmZmbhg Zg] Z[nl^ pa^g ma^r ]^\b]^ mh fb`kZm^ ahi& bg` _hk Z [^mm^k _nmnk^' Bg mabl o^klbhg ma^ mph bffb`kZgml l^^d Z ablmhkb\ k^mZebZmbhg nlbg` Z o^gZ]^kh mh l^^ bm makhn`a' The set design by Hiram Kat and the musical score by FZgn^e >lmk^eeZ'

Company Brief: : Ih\ : Ih\ pZl [hkg bg *22- bg Z `eh[ZebsZmbhg ^g& obkhgf^gm' <hg\^bo^] bg ;Zk\^ehgZ% gnkmnk^] [r bgm^k& gZmbhgZe ^qi^kb^g\^l% bm ]b]g m mZd^ ehg` mh `^m : Ih\ A Poc actively involved in this phenomenon, taking this F^qb\Zg \hfiZgr mh fZgr bgm^kgZmbhgZe ma^Zm^k _^lmb& oZel Zkhng] ma^ phke]' : Ih\ : Ih\ bl kb`am Zm ma^ mhi pbma ma^ [^lm ma^Zm^k \hfiZgb^l bg ma^ \hngmkr'

Company: Nunca Merlot Teatro/Cancun

ENTERTAINMENT

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Del manantial del corazón: (From the Heart s Spring) S u n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 11 Teatr o de la Ciudad 7: 0 0 p . m .

Directed By: Conchi León Company: LZ Zl mng(F^kb]Z

<eZn]bZ bl Z `bke pah pZgml mh `h i^^ i^^ bg a^k [Zma&

Synopsis:

room, but the monster that lives under her bed never

Rn\ZmZg ma^f^] ma^Zm^k [Zl^] hg Z Û ^e] k^l^Zk\a

lets her get there on time… and everything seems to

done in several municipalities, such as: Chacksinkan,

`^m phkl^ pbma Z g^p [Z[r [khma^k hg ma^ pZr'

FZg²% NfZg% Mngd§l% Ana² Zg] F®kb]Z'

Company Brief: Nunca Merlot Teatro is a Mexican company based bg <Zg\ng' Bm aZl Z eh\Ze b]^gmbmr [nm pbma Z ngbo^klZe l\hi^ hg fnembie^ blln^l' Bml ih^mb\ eZg`nZ`^ bl [Zl^] hg ^qiehkbg` Zg] ]^o^ehibg` ]bo^kl^ Z^lma^mb\ eZg& guages in order to create mobile shows that can be _^Zmnk^] bg ghg&\hgo^gmbhgZe eh\Zmbhgl' Gng\Z F^kehm ]h^lg m nl^ Zgr l^m ]^lb`g% bm hger nl^l ma^Zmkb\Ze ikhil maZm \Zg [^ ^Zlber aZne^]' Pbma ho^k 1 r^Zk ^qi^kb& ^g\^% mabl \hfiZgr aZl _^Zmnk^] 1 hkb`bgZe ib^\^l'

Bm ik^l^gml [bkma kbmnZel i^k_hkf^] [r Rn\ZmZg phf^g' The widespread use of herbal medicine and popular remedies to ease birth pains, the wholesomeness of fhma^k l fbed Zg] [h]r Zeb`gf^gm' Bm Zelh _^Zmnk^l ma^ kbmnZel Zg] \Zk^ maZm \abe]k^g k^\^bo^% [Zl^] hg ihin& eZk [^eb^_l Zg] lrg\k^mblf' The audience is invited to take a big role in the Maya rite of Hetzmeek (Maya baptism), not from an exotic hk \nemnkZe i^kli^\mbo^ [nm Zl Z pZr _hk ma^ eh\Ze ihi& neZmbhg mh ^qieZbg ma^bk ]Zr mh ]Zr ebo^l'

Company Brief: LZ Zl mng bl Z F^kb]Z [Zl^] ma^Zm^k `khni% ^lmZ[& ebla^] bg +)).' Ma^ \k^Zmhk% \hfihl^k Zg] ]bk^\mhk% Concepción León Mora, runs the company driven by her need to create its own common language, that li^Zdl hnm ma^ frlmb\blf Zg] FZrZ \nemnk^ f^fhkb^l' LZ Zl mng aZl ikh]n\^] Zg] \h&ikh]n\^] l^o^kZe ieZrl Zg] lahpl Zehg` pbma gZmbhgZe Zg] bgm^kgZ& mbhgZe \hfiZgb^l'

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TPT FOODIES

September 7 - 20 2016

Hail To The Red,White And Green Talk about special dishes! Chiles en Nogada is a dish rhn fb`am hger Û g] ]nkbg` mabl l^Zlhg Zg] bg mabl blln^% <Zma^kbg^ ^qieZbgl ^o^krmabg` Z[hnm bm'

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

T

iming is everything for Chiles en Nogada, a typical Mexican dish that is a “platillo poblano por excelencia” (poblano dish par excellence). It coincides with Mexico’s Independence Day celebration and the height of pomegranate (granada) and walnut season. Although the star of this dish is the poblano chile, the other two locally cultivated ingredients shouldn’t be overlooked: walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

The story goes that after signing the Declaration of Independence of Mexico in August 1821, Agustín de Iturbide, a Mexican army general and politician, returned to Puebla, the then capital of Mexico. In recognition of this historic feat, the nuns at the Santa Monica Convent created and served him Chiles en Nogada, reflecting the green (chiles), white (walnut cream) and red (pomegranate) colors of the Mexican flag. Since the flag was unveiled during this same time period the dish became associated with a heightened sense of patriotism. A more obscure version says that the original recipe was in fact created by the Traslosheros family from the town of Puebla, even before the nun’s homage to Agustín de Iturbide.

The dish is made with Poblano Peppers, stuffed with a meat and fruit mixture, and

covered with “nogada”, a walnut cream sauce. It is finished with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds, but some of the most complicated recipes might include up to 40 different ingredients. The good thing is that most of the preparation for this dish can be accomplished the day before, leaving you time to enjoy Mexico’s celebratory Independence Day with friends and family.

The dish is representative of Mexico’s traditional cuisine and is usually only prepared

Check out Rodistar for amazing quality / Photo: The Rodistar

The dish became associated with a heightened sense of patriotism

during this holiday while the pomegranates, also called the forbidden fruit, are ripe. Want to make chiles en nogada after the fresh walnut and pomegranate season is over? Then plan ahead and freeze the fruit’s seeds, drying them before placing them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. After a couple of hours remove them from the freezer, place them in plastic baggies and store in the freezer. You may be the only one making Chiles en Nogada in January.

Estia, a Taste of

Greece in Playa

By Ana Martinez

B y I a n M a c ke n z i e One thing that I always hear, primarily from friends from northern Mexico, is in regards to the quality of beef in the Yucatan. For those of you who are craving a good cut of beef, either as a sandwich or plate, you will be happy to know that The Rodistar, Playa’s newest restaurant, has got what you are looking for.

Rodistar is a churrascaria, which translates to barbecue, a popular South American style of rotisserie. They get their meat from Torreon, which is located in the northern state of Coahuila. I took my friend, who also happens to be from Torreon, in order to get a second opinion, and she gave a big thumbs up.

This place tasted like home.

I first spoke with one of the owners named Nector. He explained that their vision was to have a restaurant located in an area of Playa that would cater to the working population rather than tourists, and their choice of location across from Plaza las Americas means that they are in a high traffic area that is grow-

ing fast.

Attila, another of the establishment’s partners, gave me a quick explanation of the many options available. They have arrachera, top sirloin, chicken and choripan. I went for their signature dish, the sandwich de picaña, which goes for 159 pesos. I found the beef tender enough to bite into and chew easily. As I finished up my meal, I was offered a taste of one of their specialties, called pan de la chimenea, which is an oven baked bread.

It comes in many different flavors including natural, coco, Nutella and chocolate chip.

Needless to say, I was quite full after my meal and had little room for any dessert, but with so many delicious options to choose from, I can’t wait to return and try out something else.

Estia is one of the only few authentic Greek restaurants from Mexico city to Panama.

Chef Panos came to Playa del Carmen in 1996 and like most of us, he fell in love with the place. Back then, Playa del Carmen was small, so he decided to continue traveling throughout Mexico. After spending 10 years in Monterrey he came back to Playa del Carmen. Then, the planets aligned, he met Chef Alexis, and they decided to form a partnership and open Estia again. The name came from the Greek Goddess of cooking and food provider.

The restaurant is located just outside of Playacar, Phase II. It is easy to spot, as it is painted white and blue and where you can see the Greek flag, decorated with fresh herbs. The usual dish to start with is the tzatziki (a homemade greek yogurt-based dish). Savory strips of gyro meat are another must-try order. Pita b rea d i s n i ce with your choice brea of dip pikilia (six dips). Greek casseroles are lush like musakas. The menu includes meat, fish, seafood and octopus specialties and also vege-

The Rodistar is located on Avenida 115 and CTM, Plaza Inn, Playa del Carmen. For more information and a look at their menu you can visit their website www.therodistar.com.

Photo: Estia

tarian dishes. Rest assured that everything you will try is fresh and original greek, as both chefs only cook with fresh local ingredients and their own imported greek products. The food is amazing and the service is wonderful. Chef Panos is very friendly and has a good sense of humour, and I can hardly wait to try another meal there. So what can you expect from Estia? Fresh salads, delicious appetizers, mouthwatering desserts, and many more choices for an excellent meal.

FACEBOOK: Estia Playacar

September 7 - 20 2016

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N o M e x i ca n R i g h t o f S u rv i v o rs h i p

BY MEXLAW

Ta c o T o u r i n C o z u m e l

Foreign property owners in Mexico need to be aware of the differences between Mexican law and the rest of North America. Mexico does not have survivorship legislation in place to protect your spouse.

In Canada and the US you have the right of survivorship, which means that if a couple has joint ownership of a property and one of the spouses passes away, the surviving spouse is typically entitled to gain full possession of the property. In Mexico, this is not the case and it is not an automatic right. Although you feel protected by including both names on the deed, there have been cases where the bank is reluctant to transfer the deed without additional legal requirements, fees and taxes.

You must protect each other by not only registering each other as the substitute beneficiaries of the trust and appointing the second beneficiary (perhaps your children or another family member) but also have your wishes

documented in a Mexican will. American and Canadian wills are recognized in Mexico, but the time and money spent validating them can be very stressful for your spouse and family.

Without a Mexican will, the Mexican court may consider your extended family during the distribution of assets. They may divide the property and estate amongst your surviving spouse and include other family members, such as parents, in-laws and children.

In the case where the surviving spouse has assets of their own, as well as owning half of this property, the court may decide not to grant the surviving spouse any of the estate.

Other complications may arise, such as children from a previous relationship or and former spouse may make a claim against the deceased’s portion of the property.

Common law partners may not be recognized during this process. It is important for both partners to have a Mexican will to protect the estate. Consult a Mexican attorney to discuss estate planning in Mexico.

Would you like to try these delicacies for breakfast like the locals? Vanessa takes you to the local market to find a large variety of them.

BY VANESSA NINI

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oday I’m going to let you know about some good places to eat very good local meat tacos in Cozumel. They have a great offer of tacos and various kinds of fresh juice and cereals. Try the carne asada (grilled, marinated pieces of beef typically sirloin or rib) served inside tacos, or al pastor (crisp-thin shavings of vertical spit-roasted pork, marinated with guajillo chiles and achiote, then served on tortillas).

The famous Taqueria Molina inside the market offers a large variety of tacos, quesadillas, tacos dorados and gorditas. It is very local and very busy. Let’s try Cozumel’s favorite breakfast.

Tacos Dorados. Small rolled-up tortilla with a beef filling, cheese or chicken. It is crisp fried and it is often topped with condiments, such as sour cream and salad. The Gordita is a small cake made with masa (corn flour) stuffed with cheese, meat or some other filling. If you are vegetarian take the famous tacos de rajas con crema (sweet chili cooked with cream and onion).

Between the fruit and vegetable market and the Taqueria Molina make a stop at Taqueria El Ausente, where they make the best cochinita pibil in Cozumel. Cochinita pibil is a traditional Mexican pork dish from Yucatan. The pork is marinated with achiote and bitter orange juice, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted. It is delicious!

Local Market: Calle Rosaldo Salas between avenidas 25 and 20 .

Otates is an institution for the famous carne al pastor and vegan burritos. It is near the center, very easy to access and it is open from 1pm to 2am. On avenida 15, between calle 3 and calle Rosaldo Salas.

After a night party Los Seras is the place to go, as it closes very late at 4am. They have very good tacos at good prices. And they make their famous pizza al pastor!

It’s located on Avenida 30 with calle Miguel Hidalgo.

Just opposite Los Seras, you will find Los Chilangos, who offer very good quesadillas with a large handmade tortilla with Oaxaca cheese. The price includes one filling of your choice.

Try some gorditas, cochinita, carnitas or even pastor pizza! / Photos: Vanessa Nini

Without a Mexican will, the Mexican court may consider your extended family during the distribution of assets / Photo: Agency

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DISCOVER TPT FOODIES MEXICO

Not that you need any help to enjoy these beauties, but we try to give you some / Photo: Raquel Garza Gonzalez

Cozumel Beach C l u B S Undecided about what to do on your next trip to Cozumel? Here is a handful of must-see places for your next visit to the island.

BY RAQUEL GARZA GONZALEZ

C

ozumel is the perfect place to relax by the sea, and even better when you have the option of spending it at a beach club drinking a cocktail and eating a good meal. Here are some good choices.

Del Mar Lounge Monday - Saturday 10am - 10pm, Sundays, 10am - 8pm Breakfast, brunch, Hamburgers, Latin, Mexican, Sandwiches and Fish and seafood.

Relax and enjoy the magnificent waters of the blue ocean into a nice ambiance.

No cover.

Facebook/delmarloungecozumel Paradise Beach Monday - saturday, 9am-5pm, Sundays, 10am- 5pm A minimum of $10USD in food and beverages per person is required.

Beach umbrellas, use of the pool, lounge chair rental for $3 US. You can get the Fun-pass that gives you unlimited play time with the kayaks, full snorkel gear, stand up paddle boards, coconut tree climb, water trampolines, water mats, climbing iceberg, water slide, a floating multi-tiered Jungle Joe climbing structure.

All day long $18USD. Activities available: parasailing, waverunner rentals, banana boat rides, hair-braids, temporary tattoos, and heavenly massages on the beach.

Km 15 on the main road www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

shrimp mummy, rotisserie chicken, burgers and pasta.

Activities available as: snorkel equipment, paddleboards, kayak.

You can take some tours like the Tour to â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Cieloâ&#x20AC;?, a fishing tour, or the snorkeling tour.

Get a local discount with your id.

Chairs to enjoy the view and a rich drink especially from 5 -7pm, which is the happy hour.

Zona Hotelera Sur, 7am until 9pm.

Weekends, up until 11pm reservations 521 987 117 5621 Facebook./TheMoneyBar No Name Bar The place of the crew members cruises, where you find sun loungers, parasols, a pool bar, kayaks, snack food and the option to do diving.

8am until 11pm Facebook/NoNameBarBeachClubCozumel Mr Sanchos From 8am until 5:30 pm everyday A classic Mexican place with good prices, and the best fried fish and all kinds of drinks.

A pool to swim, inflatable games for rent and beach chairs.

Facebook.com/MrSanchosCozumel

The Money Bar Live music, 6pm to 9pm Musica romantica trio Thursday, rock, funk, pop, cumbia, salsa, merengue and dance music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. InternaPhoto: Shutterstock tional menu as coconut shrimp,

September 7 - 20 2016

The Gallery Condos P LAC I N G T H E FI RST STO N E

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

O

n the evening Friday, August 12th, over 600 V.I.P guests attended the ceremonial placing of the first stone at The Gallery Condos. It was a night to be remembered, celebrating the exciting new development, which will be built on the corner of Constituyentes and Avenida 15.

Guests were treated to live music, art, and fabulous food and drink beneath a canopy of lights and magic. During the welcome cocktail, guests were treated to a live saxophone performance followed by a performance of the two main artists of The Gallery, Jobacasen and Reyna Castaño. That evening their canvases were two Italian Vespa scooters, which they transformed into works of art through their creativity and brushstrokes.

The Gallery Condos by Gamma Master Brokers (GMB), which offer a high return on investment, includes studios, one, two, and three bedroom apartments, as well as luxurious penthouses. The property will also include amenities like a family pool area, kids´ club, spa, ocean view rooftop, and adults-only pool, a gym, and an English room complete with pool table, sports bar, and cigar room.

It will also have a permanent art gallery, with the goal of opening the door to artists from all the world who will exhibit their work allowing visitors to Playa del Carmen to find more spaces that not only offer luxurious apartments, but also cultural experiences.

Following a video presentation of The Gallery Condos by Carlos Gil and an introduction by Diego Dreyfus, Marc Pujol, founder and CEO of GMB, made his way to the stage to make the official presentation of the project. He reminded the crowd that while GMB has 23 developments in the region, only one, The Gallery Condos, was born in the art world. ¨I been here in Playa 10 years, and I always thought there was something missing. I found Playa was missing culture and that’s how the Gallery was born – from the idea to bring art to Playa del Carmen, ¨ he told the crowd.

The highlight of the evening was when Marc presented a $100,000 peso check to the el amor te elige a ti (Love Chooses You) charity. El amor te elige a ti provides support to children with disabilities and their families.

Finally, between smiles, applause and raised glasses, the first stone of The Gallery Condos was placed, followed by a fireworks show and celebrations that went late into the night!

If you are interested in learning more about The Gallery Condos on Constituyentes and Avenida 15, please visit www.gmb.com.mx or email them directly at www.info@gmb.com.mx.

I have been here in Playa 10 years, and I always thought there was something missing. I found Playa was missing culture and that’s how the Gallery was born – from the idea to bring art to Playa del Carmen Marc Pujol Founder & CEO Gamma Master Brokers

Photos: ThePlayaTimes

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ENTERTAINMENT

September 7 - 20 2016

SPECIAL EVENT

LIVE MUSIC & DANCING

Thursday, September 15, 7:00 p.m. Buffet with pozole, pambasos, gorditas, sopes, tamales, panuchos, plus tequila and a live Mariachi band. $220mxn per person. La Drinkeria by Henry Miller, Arco Vial (Av 115) with 28 de Julio Avenue.

INDEPENDENCE DAY BUFFET,

NOCHE DE DIVAS, Every Friday, 6 p.m.

- 9 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Music: Classical, Chanson and Boleros. El Jardín, 20th Street between Ave 10 and 15. Beers $20 MXN.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS,

Thursday, September 15, the specials will begin at opening and the tributes start at 10:00 p.m. The tributes will include McCarthy’s Grito, a series of Mexican Rock along with the special promotions.

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.

KARAOKE ,

INTERNATIONAL Every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 p.m. at The Dirty Martini located on 1st Avenue between Calles 10 and 12. It’s a more international Karaoke night, not only for Mexicans.

MARKETS KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. ECOTIANGUIS DESAYUNO, every Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jardin de Todas Centro Comunitario, Avenida 80 & Calle 3 Sur (Ejido).

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

COCO BEACH MARKET Every Friday from 9 am to 11 a.m. Les Alizes Condos Avenue Flamingo and Calle 46. https:// www.facebook.com/Coco-BeachEco-Market-196918897175462/?fref=ts

LIVE KARAOKE. Every Saturday at 11:00pm join the band RockStaraoke to live your Rock Star Fantasy.

Choose from 100 songs! La

JARDIN DE TODOS MARKET E very Friday from 9 a.m. to

12 p.m. located on Calle 3 Sur between Avenues 75 and 80.

Drinkeria, Av. Petempich, Plaza Punto 115, Local 5, Residencial de los Olivos.

DANCE CLASSES, Tuesday 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Wednesday 4 p.m. & 6 p.m., Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60, For the month of April come try bachata, salsa, cumbia, & merengue. Fee: Donation SALSA LESSONS, every Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Salon Salsanera Raices, calle 12 between 5th & 10th.

Free.

AERIAL DANCE/SILKS Wednesdays and Fridays 9-10 a.m. Free trial classes for adults at Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue South and Avenue 60 Diagonal in the Ejido. Given by Aerofobia. Please wear pants or leggings.

ANIMAL WELFARE

PARQUE LA CEIBA TIANGUIS, every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60.

ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR , 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

TULUM

SEPTEMBER 7 - 20

2016

Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Chak Acoustic Session. Ahau Tulum Km 7.8 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

Chak Acoustic Session. Encantada Tulum Km 8.7 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

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.

YOGA Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Sanara Tulum. Km 8.2 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

ORGANIC MARKET Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Plaza del Municipio.

Coco´s KITTEN CUDDLING,

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.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COCOS NE W C L I NI C ! Co-

co’s is looking for volunteers who can commit to one day per week to help at our spay & neuter clinic. If you would like to be part of our amazing team of volunteers please contact Coco´s at 9841200572 or info@cocosanimalwelfare.org

MARTIAL ARTS ART CLASSES KARAOKE ART NIGHT , Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. Sing, dance, and paint. Free.

Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. $200 pesos, materials included.

ART CLASSES,

JIU JITSU/MUAY THAI/JUDO Jiu Jitsu: Mondays thru Thurs-

Judo: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 p.m.

Free trial classes for adults at Gracia Barra Jiu Jitsu. Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

days 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m.

Muay Thai:

Celebrating Mexico wi t h the M a r iac h i When you think about Mexico, many things may come to mind, but none like the mariachi, which has become one of the best recognizable symbols of Mexican art

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

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arts of the history of the Mariachi are obscure. Linguists cannot even agree on the origin of the word. We do know that the Spanish instruments replaced many of the indigenous instruments of Ancient Mexico. From conch shells, flutes, and drums, Mexico’s traditional music evolved to violins, trumpets and guitars, once influenced by the Spanish theatrical orchestra after the arrival of Cortes.

There is a specific method. A complete Mariachi ensemble is made up of six to eight violins, two trumpets, a guitar called a vihuela,

a guitarrón (which is a deeper toned guitar which serves as the bass for the group) and a Mexican folk harp. The combination of these vast sounds creates the unique and crisp sound of the Mexican Mariachi.

The first signs of Mariachi can be traced back hundreds of years to the state of Jalisco. In some areas this art evolved differently, but always kept the form of folk music from Mexico, Spain, and Africa. The music played by the early Mariachis was called son.

What many people do not know is that Mariachi was accompanied by a unique dance. This dance was done with such rhythm and force

know Did you

that...

ch m es fr om th e Fr en co i ch ia ar M d or w Th e ) m ar ia ge (w ed di ng

that wooden floors were easily destroyed and turned into splinters.

The beat of the dancers enhanced the Mariachi as if they were another musical instrument altogether.

Mariachis are used to celebrate rights of passage in Mexico. The serenata is the most well-known. It was

Mariachi used to be accompanied by a unique dance / Photo: Facebook/Mariachi En Playa del carmen

used in the days when men were separated from the women and it was a way to express their love to each other. Las Mañanitas, probably the most popular mariachi song today, is used to celebrate the birthday of a loved one. Mariachis are often hired for other special occasions, such as anni-

versaries and weddings.

If you have a special occasion or just want the Mexican feel for you Independence Day celebration, you can hire a local Mariachi here in Playa. Mariachi Arrieros can be contacted at 984-119-4196 and Mariachi en Playa can be reached at 984-144-5674.

September 7 - 20 2016

OHL Classic at Mayakoba Celebrates 10 Years!

As the 2016 tournament quickly approaches, we take a look back at the last nine years

The players and the location make for a flawless event / Photos: OHL Classic at Mayakoba

BY OHL

T

The OHL Classic at Mayakoba was born ten years ago by its founders in an effort to share their passion for the game of golf, showcase the beautiful grounds of Mayakoba to people around the world and help grow the game of golf in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region of Mexico.

In its infant stage, the tournament made golf history when it became the first PGA TOUR event to ever be contested outside of the United States and Canada.

In February of 2007, the players, the corporate partners, the people of the area and a worldwide television audience witnessed for the first time a gathering that became special during the Monday through Sunday activities. Families from the local area and families of the PGA TOUR stars were enamored with the beauty of the golf course and the amenities on the grounds. Plus, the hospitality and kindness from those at the tournament and the residents of the area did not go unnoticed. As one journalist from the United States wrote: “The natives were off-the-charts friendly, the weather was sensational and the event flawless.”

It was an excellent start, but the organizers, OHL and its founder Juan-Miguel Villar Mir held an energetic desire to improve—an attitude that still exists today.

In October of 2007, the inaugural Golf PARa Todos was held at El Camaleon Golf Course. Organizers created a free golf instructional program for people in the area. The goal was to introduce families to the game of golf and to enhance skills for those who already played. Held quarterly each year, on average over 500 people attend each session. In January 2011, Golf PARa Todos broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest golf lesson when 1073 people participated in a massive golf class.

As the success of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba continued with champions like Fred Funk, Brian Gay,

Mark Wilson and Cameron Beckman already in the books, the 2011 edition witnessed the participation in the proam of Lorena Ochoa, the most celebrated athlete in Mexico and a four-time LPGA Player of the Year. And the list of PGA TOUR’s best players continued to come each year. Players like Jason Day, John Daly, David Duval, Matt Kuchar,

The tournament made golf history when it became the first PGA TOUR event to ever be contested outside of the United States and Canada

Bill Haas, J.B. Holmes, Tom Lehman, Greg Norman, Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell have walked the grounds of Mayakoba.

In 2013, after Johnson Wagner and Rookie of the Year John Huh added their names to the list of champions, the event entered a new era with a new fall date in the expanded PGA TOUR FedExCup schedule. With a purse of $6 million USD, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba was able to boast the largest amount of prize money of any golf tournament in Latin America.

That same year as the crowds continued to grow and the tournament’s television coverage expanded throughout Mexico, another Mexican golf star was born. Guadalajara’s Carlos Ortiz earned playing privileges on the PGA TOUR and was one of a constant growing number of Mexican players eligible to compete in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. Tournament organizers had earlier created qualifying criteria for Mexican golfers only and granted them spots in the 132-player field. Ortiz would become the Web.Com Tour’s Player of the Year in 2014 after winning three times.

Harris English would win the 2013 tournament and Charley Hoffman raised the trophy in 2014. But that year will also be remembered as another great growth spurt for the tournament. Two Mexicans— Ortiz and Oscar Fraustro finished tied for 9th helping realize another dream and goal for the founders of the event.

As Graeme McDowell prepares to defend his 2015 title this year and as all prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, given its humble beginnings in 2007, it can easily be said that this PGA TOUR event is one of the great success stories for sports in Mexico and for the people of the Cancun and Riviera Maya region. Area fans, volunteers and corporate partners should be proud about the past and eager about the future.

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ART & CULTURE

September 7 - 20 2016

Mexican Fairs

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

Living in Cozumel has had a lot of influence on her artwork / PhotoS: Niurka Guzman Otañez

Surrealist Painter: Niurka Guzman Otañez This young and very talented painter lives in Cozumel where you can discover her artwork and meet her in the Galo Art Studio.

BY VANESSA NINI Niurka Guzman was born in 1981 in the Dominican Republic. She decided to move to Mexico City in 2006, where she received a Master’s degree in Painting from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in 2009. In the same year she began to develop a highly personal expression in gravure. Niurka´s dream was to know the Mexican Caribbean and in 2013 a job offer opened for her in Cozumel as an art teacher for a private school.

Her artwork is full of diversity. She is one of those painters who has the capacity to touch you because she knows how to transmit her deep emotions on the painting. We noticed three differents painting periods. The first one is “Looking for the Man Ideal.” She portrays the injustice of the situation women in our society and fights against the machismo.

The second one is “The Research for Myself ” and the last one is “Illuminate Women.”

Her painting is completed by her own origins, life experiences, femininity, sexuality, love and nature.

Her favorite colors are yellow and orange and she enjoys painting shadows with purple.

Living in Cozumel has had a lot of influence on her artwork. She started to paint more of nature and discovered the underwater life. She is now using more intense colors and lighting.

Her artistic work shows a parallel between

For centuries, fairs have been a part of the culture and economy of Mexico. In previous articles I mentioned how fairs were organized in the era of New Spain when the Nao would arrive from China with their merchandise from Asia and Europe. This method and place for commercial transactions grew until it began integrating itself as part of the development of exchange of commerce between cities. In many cases it was the only way to acquire clothing, various products and receive news.

These commercial spaces were also integrating themselves as part of the traditions of Mexican villages. The fair plays a very important social function for recreation, the renewal of agricultural cycles and socialization. The size of a fair varies depending on the city that they are in.

Many are attached to conserving their traditions while others have turned more commercial.

Fairs have generally accompanied the religious parties of a village or city. Some are set up in the streets surrounding the church where you will find the patron saint or Virgin. Or they can be further away, generally outside the city, in order to meet the space requirements. It’s more common that a fair accompany a celebration of this type rather that trying to be a civic event, in which case it it would be accompanied by street markets or open air markets.

Another type of fair revolves around a theme or is used to promote a local or regional product. Some of these fairs tend to be accompanied by workshops and exhibitions. This is the case with the Pulque Fair in Hidalgo, the cheese, bread and wine fair of Tequisquiapan and Alfeñique (candies made of coloured sugar in the form of figures form the Day of the

To view more of Niurka´s creations online, please visit Facebook/ niurkaguzmanotanez or at wix.com/niurkaguzman/ otanez

painting and printmaking. Niurka has executed numerous public and private commissions.

She has shown extensively in group and solo exhibitions in Sweden, France, Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States and Spain.

Niurka is a very active woman who is full of energy. She paints all day long but also teaches private arts courses for all levels and ages. She paints on clothes and creates a real painting clothing line. Each piece is unique, just like her paintings.

For more information you can visit her studio Gallery Galo Art Studio on Avenida 25 with Calle 1, in downtown Cozumel. Or go online at wix.com/niurkaguzman/otanez. You can also find her on Facebook/niurkaguzmanotanez.

Lo/ Photo:

Dead) in Toluca.

Fairs tend to have rides, a palenque (a place where they have cock fighting, gambling, and art shows), horsemanship, sporting events, dances, livestock exhibitions, kids activities, food and nightlife.

In the final part of her series Alejandra looks at the different types of fairs in Mexico and their connections to religious festivals and traditional celebrations.

Among the most famous fairs in Mexico are the San Marcos fair in Aguascalientes, the Horse fair in Texcoco; and the Footwear and Leather fair in León. The Xmatkuil Fair is one of the most important in the southeast region during the month of May..

Whether it’s to celebrate a saint or an anniversary, Mexicans always have an excuse for revelry, with parties happening year round. Are you interested in a “fair” tour of Mexico? You have now been invited!

September 7 - 20 2016

Shopping at El Pueblito Located just up the road from Playa del Carmen, La casa de los pájaros makes shopping for 100% Mexican artisanal crafts easy

Photos: El Pueblito

By The Playa Times

A

short 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen in the eco-friendly resort development of Mayakoba and home to their traditionally styled El Pueblito. Modeled after the colonial towns found all over this beautiful country, El Pueblito offers visitors shopping and casual dining options and is open to the public. Perhaps better known for its three luxury hotels – Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba or its 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course that hosts the famous OHL Classic at Mayakoba, the Mayakoba family welcomed its newest member in the fall of last year. El Pueblito or little town is attracting attention, not only from guests of the Mayakoba resorts but of residents in the Riviera Maya.

El Pueblito is designed as a traditional town square and offers a beautiful store when you are looking for the perfect gift. If you are looking for 100% Mexican, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, a visit to La casa de los pájaros at El Pueblito is a must.

As you walk into the village, the store is on the right. When you enter, you will notice the store is designed like a home where you can move through each room, taking your time to explore and find the perfect gift to bring back from your Mexican vacation or that signature piece that puts the finishing touches on your new Riviera Maya home.

La casa de los pájaros prides itself on only offering goods made in Mexico by Mexican artists. You can find everything from local brands of food like Ah Cacao, Ki Chocolatl and Mayahuum honey to jewelry from Boca Time, Chile Miel, Kalosoma, Gala is Love, Mauricio Serrano and Sophie Simone. They also offer clothing by Lacompré, hats by Sum-

mer Romero, swimwear by Clorofila, and traditional huipil dresses by Hilando. Looking to decorate your home?

You will find beautiful glassware from Vidrio Soplado and candles from Candle Boutique, both made right in Playa del Carmen. They also offer hammocks from local store Hamacamarte, and other home decorations by Pinche Grabador, Gravados Lottas, and Mexican art by Colors. Some of their best sellers include the incredibly beautiful and unique bags and wallets from Prison Art, as well as real silver from Talleres de Ballesteros.

The staff at La casa de los pájaros is extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about the products they sell in their store, and a plus for those of you who haven’t quite perfected your Spanish, they all speak English!

La casa de los pájaros at El Pueblito is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is located at the eco-friendly resort of Mayakoba, just 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.

El Pueblito and its shopping and dining are all open to the general public.

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H E A LT H

September 7 - 20 2016

Scrumptious Smoothies A fast, easy way to add superfoods loaded with vitamins and minerals to your day

BY SARA JONES

M

aking smoothies at home is a great way of getting your vitamins, minerals, fruits, supplements and probiotics. You can easily customize the smoothie to your own taste, and all you need are the ingredients and your blender.

Decide on your main flavors: With an abundance of fresh fruits and the convenience of frozen fruits, it is easy to keep what you love on hand. If you use frozen fruit, I find it helpful to chop this into fine pieces in the blender first, before adding your liquid.

Decide on your liquid base: Choose water, fruit juice, yogurt/ kefir or nut, soy, coconut, rice or regular milk. Choosing natural unsweetened yogurt or kefir will give you a boost of probiotics.

Add some superfoods: Superfoods are a great addition to smoothies, providing a nutrient boost in protein, minerals and vitamins. Let’s face it, some of them

Sara´s favorite s moothie recipes: Red berries, kefir, spirulina, chia seeds & honey.

Banana, cacao powder, almond milk Avocado, cucumber, spinach, lime juice, cayenne pepper.

Mango, banana, grapefruit juice, spirulina.

Strawberries, banana, spirulina, chia seeds. don’t taste great on their own; for example, spirulina is virtually undetectable in a smoothie. However,

it has a distinct odor of pondweed when you open the packet! Add cinnamon, ginger, spirulina, maca root, hemp seeds, flax seeds, etc.

Chia seeds would also be considered a superfood. However, I would recommend adding those last, once you’ve poured your smoothie into your glass.

Eat your greens: Adding greens to a smoothie is a great way of increasing the nutrient content.

Blend in some spinach, kale, chard, avocado and even herbs like basil and mint.

Sweeten it up: Avoid refined sugar and opt instead for natural honey, maple syrup (the real kind), agave nectar or dates. You may find that if you include a banana in your smoothie, you don’t need additional sweetness.

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa & Wellness Mexico Magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com

Fresh & frozen fruits make it easy to keep what you love on hand / Photo: The Playa Times

HEALTH

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ANIMAL WELFARE

September 7 - 20 2016

Official Mexican coat of arms

Mexico´s Symbol of

Spirit and Resilience As we are about to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, we wanted to focus on the golden eagle, which is featured on the coat of arms and is a national symbol of Mexico. This majestic bird is called aguila real% pab\a f^Zgl khrZe ^Z`e^'

know Did you

BY NASH

T

he history of the Mexican coat of arms comes from an Aztec legend, which tells the story of a nomadic tribe leader who had a dream of the god Huitzilopochtli. He was told that the tribe would come across an eagle, perched on a cactus and devouring a snake. Once they found this eagle they were to settle in the area. Eventually the eagle and snake were sighted in a swampy area, which is now the site of Mexico City. North America’s largest raptor, the golden eagle, became a symbol of Mexico.

The eagle is dark brown, with luxurious gold shades through its head and neck. Their powerful beak and talons represent its hunting prowess. They are incredibly powerful and fast, hunting rabbits, squirrels, reptiles, fish, other birds, and small animals. Although the eagle is capable of killing large animals, they mainly focus on small prey.

The golden eagle is monogamous, mating with the same partner

that...

to 100 mph n soar in winds of up ca e gl ea en ld go e Th ph. and dive up to 200 m the t formidable of all os m e th ed er id ns They are co ica. raptors in North Amer tween Their wingspan is be

for years. The pair will breed once a year and have one to four eggs. The incubation period is approximately 40 - 45 days. Their nests can be seen high up in cliffs or trees, and eagles sometimes visit them year after year.

Migration seems to depend on where they originate. For instance, an eagle from Alaska or Canada will migrate south for the winter, yet birds living in warmer areas do not migrate.

However, the golden eagle pop-

e

185 cm to 220 cm wid

ulation is in decline and they are in danger. Although there are laws in place to protect these majestic creatures, deliberate poisoning, poaching and pollution are making their habitat disappear. The head of the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), Guillermo Haro Belchez, reported that there are only 102 pairs of golden eagles in Mexico. He has promised that the agency in charge will deploy all its power to preserve this species.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

S.O.S el Arca S.O.S el Arca is a non profit dog shelter located at Avenida 85 Sur, Playa del Carmen, México. We are completely privately funded, with no government financial support.

We rescue and rehabilitate dogs from the street and local dog

pound, where dogs are euthanized after 30 days. Our main objective is to rescue and find good homes for all dogs that have been abandoned, wounded or abused. We are a nokill shelter; our dogs are with us until we find a permanent home.

Donations to S.O.S El Arca.

Account: 92-00167752-7 Santander CLABE: 014694920016775270 OXXO: account 5579 1001 1902 8460 Santander and also on PayPal: soselarca.org/donate

September 7 - 20 2016

B E AC H B O RA D

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CLASSIFIEDS

¡Oralé!

Oye! Need some ayuda with your Spanish?

Test your skills and learn some new phrases in our new section

By Edgar Mena

WORD SEARCH

Street, Path, Airport, Bus, City, Store, Plaza, Food, Avenue, Where, Building, Station, I want, Cab, Let’s go

SPANISH CLASSES. Private, semi-private, small groups.

Quality teaching, low prices.

9841149090 ( w h a t s a p p /c e l l ) agoralanguagecenter@gmail.com

BEACH BOARD Want to sell something? Buy something? Find something?

Why not take out an ad in our Beach Bulletin Board? For as little as 20 pesos per word (10 word minimum). Contact us at i nfo@me ri d i anmed i a. mx.

Recipe: Chiles en Nogada

U s ef u l Trave l P h ra s e s : 1. ¿En cuánto me lleva a Tulum?

The colors of the dish are meant to match the colors in the Mexican flag / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

How much is it to go to Tulum?

By Catherine Pawelek 2. ¿Cómo llego a la playa?

How can I get to the beach?

3. Me dijeron que costaba 40 pesos.

I was told the price was 40 pesos 4. ¿Puede regresar por mí?

Can you come back to pick me up?

5. Perdí mi cartera. La has visto?

I lost my wallet. Have you seen it?

6. Voy a la quinta con calle 18.

I’m going to the fifth with 18th Street.

7. Hay una tienda en la esquina.

There is a store in the corner.

Say What? (¿como dices?)

A quick lesson on a common Mexican idiom.

Va h e c h o m a d r e s .

Translation, “He is going into a motherly transformation” Use: When somebody is driving very fast and recklessly. Sounds weird, but it happens to work. (Might come in handy in a taxi!)

Wo r d S e a r c h A n sw e r s : Calle, Camino, Aeropuerto, Autobús, Ciudad, Tienda, Plaza, Comida, Avenida, Dónde, Edificio, Estación, Quiero, Taxi, Vamos

Filling 1 ½ lb boneless pork shoulder 1 sliced onion 1 sprig fresh thyme 2 diced garlic cloves 1 cup minced onion 3 minced garlic cloves 4 Tbsp vegetable oil (or lard) 2 Lb fresh tomatoes (or a 28OZ can whole tomatoes), cored and chopped 1 sprig fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick ¼ tsp ground allspice 1/8tsp ground cloves 1/8tsp grated nutmeg 1Tbsp cider vinegar 1 ½tsp sugar ¾ tsp salt 1 peach, peeled 1/3 cup dried apricots and/or peaches, chopped ¼ cup raisins ¼ cup pine nuts 1/3 cup diced peeled green apple ½ cup diced peeled ripe plantain Sauce 1 ½ cups walnut halves 3/4 cup slivered almonds 1 ½ cups milk 1 ½ cups crumbled queso fresco 1 tsp sugar salt to taste Chiles 8 large fresh Poblanos, roasted and peeled

½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds Place Pork shoulder in a large dutch oven with salt, onion, garlic, thyme and water to almost cover the shoulder. Bring to a boil and skim the foam. Reduce heat, simmer, partially covered, until pork is tender, 1 to 1 ½ hours. Cool pork, drain the liquid, then dice the pork. Discard onion, garlic and thyme.

Make the filling. Heat the oil and saute onion and garlic over low heat till softened. Add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, stirring until tomatoes have broken down and sauce is thickened 20 minutes. Immerse the peach in boiling water, when softened, remove, pit and dice. Discard thyme, bay leaves and cinnamon stick from tomato mixture. Add diced pork and remaining filling ingredients and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.

Prepare the sauce. Puree the nuts in a blender with milk, cheese, sugar and salt until smooth (the sauce should coat back of a large spoon).

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Cut a lengthwise slit in each chile and the remove seeds, leaving the stem intact. Divide pork filling among chiles, close by overlapping sides of openings slightly. Transfer, seam up, to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until just heated through, 15 to 25 minutes. Transfer chiles to plates, carefully turning them seam sides down.

Pour walnut sauce over each chile, leaving some of the chile visible, then sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Serve with a side of rice.

FYI: Everything can be prepared 1 day in advance, other than stuffing the Chiles.