Edition 102

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 0 4 · N u m b e r 1 0 2 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · F e b r u a r y 8 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 7

S MASP IDE

Marine

Protected Areas

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

IN

There are many MPAs in the state of Quintana Roo, including Cozumel, Sian Ka’an, and Banco Chinchorro. Find out more about the important role MPAs play in the health of the ocean and the management of commerciallyimportant animals >P. 7

>P. 7

COZUMEL

C e v i c h e To u r >P. 11

TULUM

W E L O V E Tu l u m >P. 10

Photo: Denisse Pohls

· ENTERTAINMENT

· DISCOVER MEXICO

SPINNY GROOVES

TWO EXPATS IN MEXICO

Photo: Jeff Gold

Meet Jeff Gold, a Canadian who has been DJing for over 17 years and now the owner of a unique business in Playa

>P. 21

Photo: : Qroo Paul

February 8 - 21

Paul & Linda retired to the Riviera Maya and have been blogging about life in paradise.

Read their latest post on living expenses in the RM

>P. 5

2017 Looking for something to do?

Check out our What’s On section online for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and special events

>P. 20

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February 8 - 21 2017

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February 8 - 21 2017

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

Ian MacKenzie Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Brand Manager Cell: 984 169 1637

Dia del Amor y la Amistad:

marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Erika Serra Public Relations

publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Photo: Agency

Valentine s Day in Mexico

Cell: 984 119 1586

Sales Cell: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571

BY REBECCA PAGE

info@meridianmedia.mx

W

hen February rolls around, people always ask if Valentine´s Day is celebrated in Mexico. Yes and no. Yes, February 14th is celebrated here but not in the way that many are accustomed to celebrate in the U.S. Here, February 14th is known as el día del amor y la amistad or the day of love and friendship. Greater emphasis is placed on the friendship aspect of the day, more than the love.

Friends will often buy small gifts for each other, and no one needs to feel left out just because they´re not in a romantic relationship!

This morning a few of us in the office

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx

were talking about friendship in the Riviera Maya and how long-lasting friendships can be difficult to maintain. You see, a city like Playa del Carmen attracts people from all over the world, and every state in Mexico is represented here. If you live here, you will have friends from all over, and this is a wonderful phenomenon that many people do not have an opportunity to experience. Often, you will find yourself at a party or a table in a restaurant with a mini United Nations with friends and acquaintances from all over the Americas or Europe. How can this be a bad thing? Well, it´s not. Developing relationships with people from other countries and cultures is an amazing experience and truly life changing.

The problem is the region is quite transient – people come, and people go. People visit the region and make their home here for a few months, or even a few years, but then they decide it is time to move on to someplace different or to return to their home country, and it´s hard when they´re gone.

But, as sad as it is when someone you´ve developed a strong bond with moves on to a new adventure, it is still an experience none of us would give up. We have all had the opportunity to meet really interesting people, and most of us still stay in touch via Facebook. We also know that there are new friends in our future. ¡Feliz día del amor y la amistad!

/theplayatimes

¡GRACIAS!

@ThePlayaTimes

Special thanks to local photographer Denisse Pohls for allowing us to use her beautiful photo on our cover and on page 7. Denise is an amazing photographer who specializes in underwater photography. You can see more of her incredible photographs on her Facebook page: Denisse Pohls. Photographer

playatimes theplayatimes

THE PLAYA TIMES RIVIERA MAYA'S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Quincenal.

Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional de Derechos de Autor: (PENDIENTE). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Título: (en trámite). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Contenido: (en trámite). Domicilio de la publicación: Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1. 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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BEACH LIFE

February 8 - 21 2017

resident card.

Check with the consulate in the state you plan to apply in as the exact dollar amount may be different from state to state and fluctuate with the exchange.

Real Estate Owner in Mexico: Original and copy of deed executed before a notary public attesting that the foreign person owns property with a value in excess of $227,000 CD/$174,000 USD; OR

Photo: The Playa times

Qualify for Temporary Residency

by Investing in Mexico

By M EXLAW Qualify for Temporary Residency by Investing in Mexico Expats looking to invest in a business or purchase property in Mexico will want to have their residency in order. Typically you will provide documents proving you can support yourself while living in Mexico, but if you are an investor or own real estate in Mexico, you may already qualify for temporary residency.

Temporary Residency Temporary residency is designed for foreigners who intend to stay in the country for more than 180 days and up to four years. After the first year, temporary residents can apply for one, two or three years renewal of the temporary

As an Investor: 1. Documentation of the Mexican entity executed before a notary public, or document duly certified stating that foreigner participates in the capital of the Mexican corporation. Also provide proof that the investment amount exceeds $113,500 CD/ $90,000 USD; OR 2. A document certifying the ownership of chattels for the foreign legal entity, with a value in excess of $ 113,500 CD/$90,000 USD; OR 3. Documents which support the development of economic or business activities in Mexico.

If you do not wish to have investments in Mexico you may apply under: Financial Solvency: Provide proof of investments or bank account statements showing an average monthly balance of $32,000.00 Canadian dollars/ $25,000 USD during the last twelve months; OR Provide documents proving employment or pension with a monthly income by an amount greater than $1,900.00 Canadian dollars/$1,500 USD during the past six months.

To find out more options about Immigrating to Mexico, contact Adriana@mexlaw.ca.

Send questions or concerns to allan@nasplaya.com / Photo: Allan Lockhart

Ask Allan In Hot Water!

BY ALLAN LOCKHART, OWNER OF NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE SEASIDE ROTARY CLUB IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

H

i Allan, I have been a full-time resident of Playa del Carmen for more than four years. Do you have any insight as to why my water heater has become less effective as time goes by? There is less hot water and the water is not as hot as before. I have the temperature setting as high as it will go. Thanks, George Hola George, thanks for your question. I have a few ideas as to why your water heater might not be performing as well as it should.

The water here in Playa del Carmen can be very high in calcium. Most condo complexes that have been built in the last 10 years are all electric. If you have an electric water heater there is a very strong possibility that your electric heating element is coated with calcium which renders it less effective. There is also a possibility that the water heater has many inches of calcium sediment on the bottom. You or your property manager should be performing annual inspections which include cleaning of the element, draining your hot water tank and cleaning it. If you’re doing it yourself, turn off the heater and water supply, unplug it, drain

If you have an electric water heater there is a very strong possibility that your electric heating element is coated with calcium which renders it less effective. the water from the tank with the drain on the bottom of the heater. You will probably find a few inches of sediment on the bottom of the heater. Flush out this sediment by adding water and keeping the valve open on the bottom until there is no more sediment coming out the bottom. Cleaning can be done by soaking the elements in white vinegar, being careful not to damage the element. If this does not work, you should probably replace the element. If you have a gas heater, I would have someone check the flame and make sure it is sufficient to heat the water in the tank. To clean your tank, you should follow the above procedure.

Hopefully, this will solve your problem and you will be having warmer showers in the future. Thanks again for your question and have a very happy 2017. Allan

BEACH LIFE

February 8 - 21 2017

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More Important Than Your Passport!

John Klug / Photo: John klug

John Klug, a Senior Representative for Travel MedEvac shares his responses to frequent questions people ask about the need for medical evacuation coverage.

By John Klug

J

ohn, you’ve said that Emergency Medical Evacuation protection is more important than a passport.

What do you mean?

Pretty simple. Your passport got you to Mexico, but there is only one

way to get home to Canada or the U.S. if you have an unforeseen medical situation.

You absolutely have to have dedicated medical evacuation coverage.

But how realistic is the danger that something might happen here?

Here’s what I tell folks, and it is absolutely true. Government statistics show there’s a one-in-seven chance for people our age that you’ll be hospitalized sometime in the next year. One-in-seven! Things happen, even if you’re in Mexico, so you absolutely have to have a plan how to get home.

Don’t most people have medical protection on one of their premium credit cards, travel insurance, homeowners, etc.?

It depends on what you mean by “protection”? If you look at the fine print of all those types policies, they read the same.

You’ll be taken to the “nearest appropriate medical facility”. Translated, that means to a local Mexican hospital, where you probably don’t want to be, and you will likely get stuck with a big bill.

For example, do a Google search with these key terms: “Indiana woman.

Trapped. Cancun hospital”. You’ll read news reports of a lady who recently had to pay a $107,000 bill before they’d let her out of the hospital!

Photo: Agency

So how can a person protect themselves?

Again, only one way - medical evacuation coverage. One phone call to my company, Travel MedEvac, and within hours we would have had the lady out of the hospital and back to her home in Indiana before she ran up a large bill. Remember, we’ll take you anywhere you want to go in the US or Canada. Back to the hospitals, doctors, insurance you know and trust and near family.

In summary, your passport got you here, but never leave home without Travel MedEvac. It’s amazingly affordable.

For as low as $275 per couple per year,

you can be completely covered. And for life, even if your health situation changes. No deductibles. No add-ons. No hassles. One phone call.

Call or email me.

John Klug, Senior Consultant Travel MedEvac 984-169-2600 (Mexico) 720-570-7883 (US) John@MexicoTravelCare.com www.MexicoTravelCare.com

Retired in Mexico: Our Monthly Expenses

BY QROO PAUL Paul & Linda retired to the Riviera Maya and have been blogging about life in paradise since April 2016.

Each edition we will bring you an excerpt from their blog - Two Expats Living in Mexico.

Paul & Linda are enjoying their retirement in beautiful Akumal in the Riviera Maya / Photo: Qroo Paul

I frequently receive emails from readers asking me for detailed information concerning our monthly expenses here in Mexico.

It’s important to point out that Mexico is a large country and the cost of living can vary significantly from one area to the next. We live in a popular tourist destination along the coast of the Riviera Maya, so the cost of living is significantly higher here than in many other parts of Mexico.

We live on a fixed income, which causes us to carefully track all expenses on a daily basis. That made it easy for me to collect the data for this post.

When we left the U.S., we sold everything and started over.

That gave us the capital necessary to buy a condo and a car outright.

Eliminating those two major expenses was key to living on a

small budget south of the border.

Exchange Rate Used: 20 pesos to 1 USD Monthly Household Expenses • Water / Sewer: $158.23 pesos ($7.91 USD) • Gas (for water heater and stove): $350.76 pesos ($17.53 USD) • High Speed Internet + phone (Telmex 100mbps + unlimited calls to the U.S.): $999 pesos($49.95 USD) • Electricity: $2,125 pesos ($106.25 USD) • Cable TV (Sky): $603.00 pesos ($30.15 USD) • Monthly Homeowner’s / Maintenance Fees : $3,276 pesos ($163.80 USD) • Two Cell Phones (unlimited calls / texts to the U.S., Mexico and Canada) *: $343.96 pesos ($17.99 USD) • Expat Medical Insurance for both of us: $2,516 pesos ($125.83 USD) • Car Insurance: $890 pesos ($44.50 USD) • Section Total: $11,261.95 pesos ($563.09 USD)

* The phone plan is through AT&T. We took advantage of buying 12 months of service and getting 12 months free. The price breakdown here is that amount divided over the term that we paid for.

Let’s Wrap This Up At the current exchange rate, our monthly household expenses come to less than $600. If necessary, we could substantially reduce that amount but cutting out cable TV and opting for a slower Internet connection.

When we decided to leave our jobs and move to Mexico, we lost 67% of our annual income. The amazing thing is that our standard of living is arguably better than it was in the United States.

We swapped our old house in an average neighborhood back in Florida for a modern condo located inside a beautiful resort complex in the Riviera Maya.

To read Paul´s complete post including information on their grocery and eating out expenses, check out their blog post: Retired in Mexico: Our Monthly Expenses 01/01/17 at https://qroo.us/

February 8 - 21 2017

What are Marine Protected Areas for?

MPAs can be very useful management tools when properly designed, when stakeholders are involved in the process, and when its regulations are actually followed

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI

A

bout 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of the coast. In 2013, fish accounted for 17% of the global population’s intake of animal protein. Scientists have estimated that the world’s reefs generate $375 billion USD per year from living resources, fish, aquaculture, sand mining, souvenir manufacturing, tourism, and coastal protection from erosion, waves and storm damage. The health of our oceans has never been more threatened or more important to our wellbeing in the history of humanity. Yet only about 4% of the world’s oceans are protected and most of the marine protected areas are poorly managed (WWF).

The term Marine Protected Area (MPA) includes marine reserves, no-take zones, fully protected marine areas, marine sanctuaries, marine parks, or locally managed marine areas. It refers to any area of coastal land or marine waters designated to protect and manage natural marine and coastal resources and ecosystems allowing biodiversity to be preserved and resources to be sustainably used.

Sadly, most people think that an MPA involves absolute banning of everything within its territory. Not true. MPAs can be very useful management tools when properly designed, when stakeholders are involved in the process, and when its regulations are actually followed. A lot of the world’s reefs and coastal habitats (e.g.

4

% of the world’s oceans that are protected

mangroves, dunes) have been damaged due mainly to over-fishing and unregulated urban development, and MPAs can protect fish stocks and other commercially-important animals or plants as well as key habitats, which in turn benefit fishers, local communities and the tourism sector.

The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) says, ¨We need more MPAs in the right places.¨ I say we need better implementation of regulations in those areas already existing, particularly in developing countries where corruption is common currency in every step of the ladder.

There are many MPAs in the state of Q. Roo, for example: Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Sian Ka’an, Xcalak or Banco Chinchorro. These areas are worth checking out as many of their resources and habitats have been somewhat protected for decades. Make sure you visit some of these during your stay and don’t forget to check out its regulations before visiting.

A hawksbill turtle photographed in Cozumel, one of Mexico’s MPAs / Photo: With Permission from Denisse Pohls

DISCOVER MEXICO

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entists call ‘nurseries’.

Nurseries are areas usually quite shallow with turbid waters; these conditions are thought to help the young one to avoid large predators.

They are often near mangroves or in estuaries which are nutrient-rich environment helping the growth of the newborns. Depending on the species, nurseries are commonly used for a few months or even years by the same animals until the shark or ray is large enough to venture into the deeper ocean.

Mexico is one of the many countries where sharks and rays’ fisheries are valuable sources of food and commerce. Many of the species caught use inshore shallow waters or coastal lagoons as nursery areas. Scientists have been able to identify nurseries in many areas where fishing is allowed in both coasts of Mexico.

For example, the lagoon of Yalahau (Q. Roo), lagoon of Términos (Campeche), lagoon of Madre (Tamaulipas), or the Gulf of California in the Pacific coast.

It is important to understand that it is very hard for sharks and rays find to keep Spotted eagle rays like this juvenile (with the Blue Core AC team) up with fishing pressure because they have rely on nursing grounds for protection and development a very low reproductive potential, long ges/ Photo: Blue Core AC tation periods and very slow growth. Additionally, shark specialists have suggested that fishing juvenile sharks, fishing in nursery areas, and the lack of implementation are some of the biggest issues of the Mexican shark and ray fishery.

Thus, understanding the value of nursery grounds for the survival of these commercially-important species and the impact of fishing juvenile or pregnant females is crucial to

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI manage and protect such a valuable resource.

Sharks and rays have babies in different ways: It is urgent that shark fishing regulations in some lay eggs and many give birth to live Mexico include not only the protection and pups! However, there is little parental care. appropriate management of key habitats such Instead, there is a considerable investment as nurseries, but also the strict implementafrom the mother into the embryo’s develop- tion of regulations so that overfishing and/or ment so the newborns are fully equipped for habitat degradation do not finish with Mexilife; also, many species give birth in areas sci- co’s valuable sharks and rays’ fisheries.

Where are Sharks and Rays Born?

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ART & CULTURE

February 8 - 21 2017

The Day of the Candelaria in Pátzcuaro Alejandra visited this Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán to enjoy the feast of candlemas on February 2.

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

O

n February 2, Mexicans gather with family and friends to eat tamales and celebrate the day of the Candelaria, bringing to an end the parties that began at Christmas. Tradition dictates that the person who “removed the child” from the rosca de reyes bread on Three King’s Day should invite others to eat tamales. The day of the Candelaria is a Catholic holiday tied to a meal or pre-Hispanic ritual dish such as the tamale.

Tamal or “tamalli” is a Nahuatl word meaning “wrapped” and is a dish that is eaten while accompanied with atole. It is served at parties, traditional celebrations, or any day.

Because it is a “wrap”, it is associated with life and death. It is for this reason that it must be given as an offering in the rituals of indigenous people in general, asking their gods for a good harvest.

Tamales are made with corn dough, and if they are sweet then jam, nuts or raisins are added to the center. But if are salty they will have meat, cheese or chile sauce and are covered with dough, before finally being wrapped with corn or banana leaves. The variety of flavors, shapes, sizes and fillings change according to the region. It is a popular dish and is eaten throughout the country.

Photo: Alejandra Campos

This year we went to Michoacán, to the beautiful, magical town of Patzcuaro for the feast of Candlemas. Patzcuaro and other coastal peoples celebrate this day in a colorful manner, where people usually take their children to be blessed. The uchepos (a dish from the state of Michoacán) are made of corn, tend to be sweet and are wrapped in corn leaves. The salted, triangle tamales are wrapped in corn husk. They are usually stuffed with cheese, chicken or pork and are accompanied by cream and green sauce. They can also be made of corn with ash, which gives them a unique flavor. It´s usually recommended to accompany the uchepo with an atole (a type of drink) of tamarind, guava, ash, or some other flavor. Its flavor is delicious.

After a good tamaliza, you can enjoy a walk through the beautiful cobbled streets of Patzcuaro and head to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud. Or you can visit the Plaza Don Vasco, which is the second largest plaza in Mexico. Then, visit the market and colorful handicrafts made with the palm facing the edge of the lake.

Dr. Atl and Nahui Olin:

A Passionate Romance

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO For this month of February, when marketing companies encourage us to celebrate the day of the love and friendship, let me share with you one of the greatest romances in the history of Mexican art. A pairing of two great artists who maintained a passionate and stormy relationship during the 1920s.

Her name was Carmen Mondragón, better known as “Nahui Olin”. She was a painter, writer, and muse to many artists, including Diego Rivera, who added her face to some of his murals. She modeled for many important photographers who captured her naked beauty. His name was Gerardo Murillo, a renowned Mexican painter of landscapes and volcanoes. He was known as “Dr. Atl”, a Nahuatl word that means “water”.

Nahui Olin (which means “perpetual motion” in Nahuatl) was a young woman of extraordinary and rare beauty. She belonged to the Mexican aristocracy, and was the daughter of a general in the old regime of Porfirio Díaz.

From childhood, Nahui showed great sensitivity, with an open and alert mind which was reflected in her poetry. Nahui Olin and Dr. Atl maintained an intense relationship for many years, during which time she wrote him many letters that were loaded with eroticism. They lived a simple

Better known as ¨Nahui Olin¨, Carmen Mondragón was a painter, writer and muse to many artists / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

life, without luxury, in the former convent of La Merced, in the heart of the Mexican capital. Here they were alone with their painting, their passion and their madness.

Both had intense characters and were famous for their fights, fuelled by his shortcomings and her jealousy. After the impending breakup, both went their different ways. She had many important relationships after that, but none like the one that she had with the painter. It was a toxic love without a doubt. Nahui Olin eventually began to lose her sense of reason and lived on the border of sanity until her final days.

The art of Dr. Atl is as extraordinary as the poems of Nahui Olin, and their work embodies their life and their passion.

DISCOVER MEXIC0

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TULUM

February 8 - 21 2017

Tulum Running

BY ASHLEY CAMPO Perhaps you’ve already seen them around town - a group of runners casually hopping over puddles and dodging traffic, all without missing a beat as they trot along and chat away. We sat down to learn more about Tulum Running with the group’s founder, Frank Campo.

Tell us about your background and how Tulum Running got started.

I am the owner and head coach at Prana Endurance Training, a coaching company where I provide personalized coaching to athletes worldwide. I am also an avid runner and triathlete who is passionate about the sport.

After visiting Tulum for the past 10 years, my wife and I discovered a void for those who wanted to stay active during their time in Tulum. Shortly after making Tulum home, we created Tulum Running as a resource for tourists and locals alike. Having been part of several large running groups and making lifelong friends, I wanted to help build that same atmosphere here in Tulum.

WELOVE is a relatively new addition to Tulum, but they have quickly found the right way to embody the spirit of the region. / Photo: Ashley Campo

Who is able to join your events? Do you need to register ahead?

We welcome everyone, runners and walkers of all abilities! No matter what you are training for or even if you are simply looking to be active and meet great people, join us! It

is an amazing mix of locals, expats and tourists. For those of us living here, this is a great chance to meet new people and show them around our beautiful town from a local’s perspective. Running transcends all languages, so don’t let that stop you. We have a great time motivating one another and the energy the group brings is like no other. Great things happen when this group gets together!

“This is a great chance to meet new people and show them around our beautiful town”

We meet every Wednesday night at Campanella Cremerie in town and every Sunday morning at Tunich along the beach road. It is free of charge, and all of the details are online at tulumrunning.com.

Any exciting plans for the future?

It has been great fun participating in races as a group. In 2017, we are planning for more races throughout Yucatan and some international races too.

WELOVE Get to know the clothing company from Tulum that captures the spirit of the area

BY ASHLEY CAMPO

I

f you have spent a lot of time in Tulum, you have likely seen locals around town sporting WELOVE shirts and tank tops.

Exuding the total laidback and carefree atmosphere of the area, they feature casual, comfortable styles. WELOVE is a relatively new addition to Tulum, but they have quickly found the right way to embody the spirit of the region and those lucky enough to experience it.

WELOVE began in 2014 after fate introduced two total strangers, inspiring a friendship and business partnership. Antonio Lira and Angela Monaco had both moved to Tulum from big cities to find a more relaxed way of living and to be more in tune with nature. The new lifestyle that they found here proved to be refreshing and inspiring. Just two months after meeting, they opened the very first WELOVE store in Tulum.

Much of the inspiration for their fun, whimsical designs comes from the lifestyle of Tulum. It is based on the experiences that are unique to this place. But their most important inspiration is love.

“Tulum is a tiny metropolitan town, full of culture from all over the world,” Angela explains. “It is the ideal place to learn and grow.” This is such a fitting description for what has attracted so many of us to the area. It’s no wonder we’re all drawn to products created in a community nurturing that mentality.

Recently they have expanded from their two locations in Tulum and their shop in Holbox with the opening of their online store. It’s intended to help spread the word and share the great message born here in Tulum to the world. If you are in Tulum or Holbox, make sure to check out one of their stores. Or visit their website: www. welove-store.com. You can have their great designs delivered right to your home.

Tulum Running welcomes everyone, runners and walkers of all abilities! / Photo: Ashley Campo

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

BY VANESSA NINI Cozumel’s Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a true natural treasure. It is an ecological reserve covering an area of 247 acres. An ideal place for taking pictures of the exotic birds living in freedom, watching crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat, laying on the beach and snorkeling by the coral reef which lies offshore.

This is the favorite place for an eco-aware person like Alexandra, from Monterrey. “When I come to Cozumel, I love going to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. I know exactly where my money is going and I appreciate being in symbiosis with nature without feeling any negative impact of my presence. The snorkeling area is, for me, one of the best features of the island, with an abundance of fish and easy access from the shore. The waters are calm and make a great place to introduce children to the world of snorkeling. I love allowing myself to relax in a hammock under a palapa on the beach.”

Colombia Lagoon is one of the main attractions of the park, with its mangrove swamps and jungles sheltering a variety of wild birds, crocodiles, fish and vegetation.

There are viewing decks and towers in many parts of the park where you can observe and take fabulous pictures. You can also take a boat trip on the lagoon and take a closer look at the crocodiles and other wildlife. In addition to these natural attractions, Punta Sur Park is also home to a Mayan Ruin site called El Caracol Mayan ruins. This unique

Always ask for local fish in your ceviche! / Photo: Vanessa Nini

structure has conch shells embedded in the walls that whistle in different tones depending on the direction of the wind. As the legend goes, they were meant to warn the Maya people of oncoming storms or hurricanes.

When I come to Cozumel, I love going to Punta Sur Eco beach Park, Alexandra, from Monterrey

If you are feeling energetic, you should really climb to the top of Punta Celerain Lighthouse. The panoramic view is just amazing. The lighthouse is also home to the navigation museum. A family from Houston, Texas says “This place is ideal for my family.

A lot of experiences to share on the same day about culture, nature and history. The children just loved the museum.”

It’s like they say: “Punta Sur Eco Beach Park has something for everyone.”

Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm, Adults $14.00 US, Children $8.00 US (3-11 years old) The park is located about 21 km south of San Miguel de Cozumel. I recommend you to rent a car or a scooter to go there. cozumelparks.com/eng/punta_sur.cfm.

A Ceviche Tour of Cozumel Check out this guide to some of the best restaurants for ceviche on the island

BY VANESSA NINI

H

ave you ever tasted the fresh, delicious dish called ceviche? The preparation and consumption of this is practically a religion in Cozumel!

Since it is an island, it is the ideal place to eat fresh seafood and one of the best ceviches in the region. But what is it exactly?

Ceviche is a dish prepared using the ancient method of marinating seafood in acidic citrus juices instead of cooking with heat. In Mexico, the seafood is mixed with diced onion, tomato and finely chopped coriander leaves and can be served with toasted tortillas.

The preparation and consumption of ceviche is practically a religion in Cozumel!

It can be prepared with shrimp, fish, conch, octopus, and lobster, to name a few.

Here is a guide to the best places in Cozumel for a nice ceviche: • El Pezcozon is a very local seafood restaurant on 40th Avenue and 10th Street. They serve a very special ceviche with fried octopus, or ask them if they have fresh conch for a delicious conch ceviche.

• La Perlita seafood restaurant is famous in Cozumel. It was the first restaurant on the island to propose lionfish ceviche. This beautiful fish, well known to divers, is un-

fortunately not very welcome in the Caribbean sea, as it is not part of its endemic species. With no predators, the lionfish interferes with other species. So they’ve decided to eat it! And it is delicious, believe me. Try it on 10th Street between 65th bis and 70th Avenue.

• Bahia del Caribe is a local restaurant where you can eat any kind of seafood.

Here they really know how to make a good fish ceviche. Ask for the lionfish or lobster ones. It’s on Fifth Avenue after Ninth street; keep going till the end, it is just before the cemetery.

• Camaron Dorado - on the road which takes you to the other side of the island (Transversal de Cozumel), after the gasoline station. Look on the right side for Camaron Dorado and make a stop for a delicious ceviche sandwich, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• The restaurant El Pescador is also a good place to eat ceviche on the other side of the island, before Chen Rio. • El Palomar, on the seafront, is a very nice place to chill out, watch the sunset and have a nice lobster ceviche. It closes at 11p.m. and can be found on 10th street and Rafael Melgar Avenue.

Warning: Ask for local fish! I recommend that you ask the name of the fish before ordering.

Unfortunately, some restaurants will prepare ceviche using ‘basa’, which is one of the cheapest and most common on the market, due to industrial farming of it in Vietnam. Be clear about what you want and what you will get before ordering, to ensure the best ceviche experience.

Facebook/@ElPalomarCozumel Facebook/@ElPescadorMarisqueriaBar

There are viewing decks and towers where you can observe and take fabulous pictures / Photos: Vanessa Nini

Say No to the Straw!

BY NASH

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relatively new movement is underway to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic, take out packaging, straws, water bottles, household plastics and any other single-use plastic. Heather and Estrella from No Mas Plastik (No More Plastic) are working fiercely with the government, Greenpeace, scientists and other environmentalists to try to find solutions for the damage we are causing the oceans.

Plastic is lethal to the reef and sea creatures; they get entangled in it or mistakenly think it is food. Plastic debris is toxic, releasing chemicals into the ocean, causing a threat to humans as well, through the food chain and contamination to our drinking water and surroundings. Heather reports that a handful of sand from the Sian Ka’an beach has more plastic than sand!

Education is critical, informing people of the damage caused by the way we deal with waste without casting blame. Heather is presenting a proposal to Chedraui, suggesting eco-changes,

bulk food packaging, no plastic and meeting with restaurant owners to offer compostable containers and straws. They also have plans to reach out to schools to educate children on environmental living.

The goal is to create awareness and find solutions for the food and beverage industry, including hotels. One beach club in Playa reports throwing away one hundred thousand plastic cups a month! Imagine the amount of plastic that reaches our sea, drinking water, and the bellies of all living creatures.

How can you help?

Get involved, No Mas Plastik desperately needs volunteers, for events, presentations and social media.

Do a two-week challenge, do not purchase any groceries in plastic packaging and use cloth bags. Not only will you help the environment, but you will be eating better.

Buy local products.

Choose cans over glass, they are 100% recycled here in Mexico.

For more information Facebook/No Mas Plastik.

Photo: Agency

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Each Escape Room, Cozumel mission is based upon the heroics of you and your team of agents recruited by the Cozumel Detective Agency / Photos: Vanessa Nini

Mayan Mind Maze:

Escape the Room, Cozumel Experience the latest Escape the Room craze in Cozumel with a Maya-themed adventure for all the family

BY VANESSA NINI

D

o you know Escape the Room? It is a real-life adventurer puzzle game.

In this game, people are locked in a room with other participants and have to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit. The games are based on the Escape the Room video games. Players must be observant and use their critical thinking skills to escape the room.

Jason, from U.S., has been living in Cozumel for over 10 years. A few months ago, he opened the first Escape the Room location in Cozumel, called “Mayan Mind Maze”.

The Playa Times: Mayan Mind Maze is something very new for the people in Cozumel, could tell us more about it?

Jason: Yes, something new is finally open in Cozumel to entertain the entire family. Each Escape Room, Cozumel mission is based upon the heroics of you and your team of agents recruited by the Cozumel Detective Agency. Each hour-long game is unique and follows a storyline filled with intrigue and suspense. The main character is an American archaeologist, epigrapher and Mayanist scholar called Sylvanus Griswold Morley. The game incorporates Mayan mythology, history, and immersive design to make your total experience some-

thing you will never forget! During the game, you will learn the Mayan culture and language while solving puzzles to escape in time.

You only have 60 minutes, so teamwork, communication and collaboration are critical to solving this modern day Indiana Jones mystery!

The team group is from two to ten players. The game is available in English, Spanish and Mayan. The wall paintings have been designed by local painters, such as Niurka Guzman and Galo Ramirez.

Can kids play the game?

Yes, children aged seven years and over can enjoy the game. However, adult supervision is required for any participants under the age of 15.

Playing an Escape Room requires you to be creative, cunning, logical, accurate and, most importantly, observant, which I think is didactic for children. They can experience playing a real-life adventurer puzzle game with their family, far away from the computer.

Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays, you will find Escape Room, Cozumel at Fifth Avenue 250, between Third and Rosaldo Salas Street.

The game experience takes two hours and is a great addition to your fun-filled day in Cozumel!

The clock is ticking… Will your team rise to the challenge?

You can book on-line: http:// mayanmindmaze.com/booking/

February 8 - 21 2017

Isla Blanca Kite Festival 2017 Discover why this little sandy peninsula is such a popular place for people who love the wind

BY AMOR LOPEZ

B

efore getting high as a kite on this great event, here is a short geography lesson. For those who are not familiar with Isla Blanca, let’s start with a fun fact: it is not really an island. It’s actually a little sandy peninsula. It’s called an “Isla” because in extreme weather conditions the sea manages to cross the narrowest part that’s not even a half-mile wide.

IB, as my friends and I call it, is located at the northernmost point of the Mayan Riviera. It’s on the mainland part of the Isla Mujeres municipality (that one is a real island).

It has a 12-mile shallow littoral, a beautiful lagoon, and powder-like sand beaches. It is a goldmine for photos for social media, and its sunsets are nothing short of epic.

Isla Blanca is also known for its constant wind that makes it the favorite spot for kite-surfers from all over the area. And for this very same reason, kite lovers were not late to embrace it.

It’s been almost a decade since the kite festival began. In 2009, it was a modest project that gained popularity over time among Cancun locals and international vis-

itors. It became much bigger around two years ago, when Cancun Pro Kids began fundraising at the event. They created new activities for children and adults, such as kite-making and kite-board lessons.

The 2016 Kite Fest was the biggest and most popular to date, hosting world-famous big kite flyers like Jim Martin and Penny Lingenfelter. This year there will be stunt kites, kite lines, and the spectacular giant kites, including the festival’s signature: The massive orange octopus!

Come see this unique event taking place on February 25 and 26; all you need is a car. Access is via one of Cancun’s most well-known roads, Bonampak – Punta Sam. It’s a 45-minute ride from downtown Cancun. There are a few public accesses along the way, but make sure you go all the way to the end.

There is very limited public transportation to the place, only three times a day: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m – 4 p.m, departing from El Crucero.

For more information about the history, creators, sponsors and activities, visit the official Isla Blanca Kite Fest website: www.islablancakitefestival.com The Isla Blanca Kite Festival began in 2009 / Photos: Dorothy Ross

CANCUN

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February 8 - 21 2017

Alvaro Madero, Geeof Bednar, Annette Koelemeij, Valentin de la Hera and Attila Gombos / Photos: Meliá Hotels International

Paradisus Playa del Carmen:

First Luxury All-Inclusive Resort to Receive Certified Angus Beef® Gold License Ma^ F^eb§ Ahm^el Bgm^kgZmbhgZe k^lhkm pbee [^ ma^ Û klm bg bml \Zm^`hkr mh h__^k \^kmbÛ ^] [^^_ bg Zee bml k^lmZnkZgml

By Melía Hotels International

P

aradisus Playa del Carmen, a member of Meliá Hotels International, reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest quality in its gastronomic offer by receiving the GOLD license of Certified Angus Beef® in all its restaurants, including its signature restaurant Passion by Martin Berasategui.

This certification states that all beef products have been inspected for their health and endorsed for their quality and consistency.

This initiative is part of the projects that the managers of the brand Paradisus continuously drive, in order to offer its guests the best quality of beef.

The benefits of Certified Angus Beef ® quality certification are: • The highest quality beef with the greatest availability.

• Gives you an advantage over the competition.

• The category leader in quality, availability, market share, customer recognition and marketing support.

• Ensures product integrity and consis-

tency in every box with the industry’s most extensive tracking system.

The resort has 14 restaurants in total, available for La Perla and La Esmeralda guests, who have previously excelled for their high level of competence in categories such as customer service, best staff, food and beverage and sustainability certifications, Awards by organizations both nationally and internationally.

Daniel Lozano, General Manager of the hotel, commented that “for Paradisus Playa del Carmen, the most important thing is our guests, who come every year looking for a unique vacation experience. That is why, this alliance allows us to continue offering the highest quality in all consumer centers, to provide peace of mind to their families. “ In 2017, Paradisus will be able to use the logos and names of the prestigious beef brand, the Certified Angus Beef® brand, by belonging to a select group of companies in the CAB partner network.

About Paradisus Resorts Paradisus Resorts is an all-inclusive luxury resort brand owned and operated by Meliá

Hotels International, one of the world’s most successful hotel companies and the largest resort operator. The growing brand currently has two hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana, three resorts in Mexico: Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla (adults-only), Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda (for everyone) and Paradisus Cancun and three resorts in Cuba: Paradisus Princesa del Mar, Paradisus Varadero and Paradisus Rio de Oro. Boasting unique room categories and luxurious upgrade options, such as the adults-only Royal Service and family-only Family Concierge, the resorts are ideal for a wide spectrum of guests and interests, including romantic getaways, leisure and family vacations, business meetings, and destination weddings. The properties in Punta Cana each feature The Reserve at Paradisus, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort concept,

where guests experience private check-in and stay in residential style accommodations, among numerous other services and amenities. In 2017, Paradisus Resorts will expand to Southeast Asia and continue its growth with the opening of a brand-new property in Central America in Papagayo Bay, Costa Rica.

To learn more about Paradisus Resorts visit us online at www.paradisus.com, or follow us on social media: Twitter (@Paradisus); Instagram (@ParadisusResorts); and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Paradisus.

Resorts).

For more information please contact: PRP Mariana Olivares Mariana.olivares@prp.com.mx +52 (55) 5395-9077 / 88

February 8 - 21 2017

Stay Healthy While Traveling =hg m e^m ma^ lmk^ll h_ mkZo^e `^m mh rhn4 _heehp ma^l^ mbil _hk Z a^Zemar chnkg^r ^o^kr mbf^

BY SARA JONES

I

have a love-hate relationship with travel. Of course, I love traveling and I am lucky enough to do a lot of it. The process of traveling however can sometimes be less than enjoyable because of crowded airports, long lines, time-zone adjustments and overnight flights. I write this at I set off on the second of three flights, heading down to Brazil, totaling 24 hours of travel, for a couple of days assessing a spa retreat (don’t feel too bad for me).

Having been in close quarters with a friend just coming down with a cold earlier today, staying healthy while flying is particularly on my mind this trip. There a few things you can do before and during flights to minimize the effects of travel and jet lag and prevent illness.

Supplements Take oregano oil and/or garlic capsules before traveling to boost your immune system and help your body fight off any germs it comes into contact with.

Take a multivitamin with vitamin C, so your body is not lacking anything essential for regeneration.

Sprays Flying dries out the airways so a non-medicated nasal spray can help to prevent pain and occasional bleeding in the nose. Coming from the humidity in Playa, we’re certainly not accustomed to dry air.

A throat spray can also help; I use a bee propolis spray with ginger to prevent infections taking hold, even if I’m a little run down. You can also wrap a scarf around your neck to help keep the throat warm.

Hydration While it’s nice to enjoy a drink at the airport or on the plane, remember to keep hydrated with plenty of water. Avoiding sugary drinks also helps to keep your body healthy while traveling.

Sanitizer Anywhere busy is subject to germs; touchscreens, tray tables, airport counters and communal pens are all things that spread microbes. Keep a small container of hand sanitizer and use it frequently to avoid picking up a bug from something.

Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is a great way to make your journey more pleasant.

Use a relaxing blend when you want to sleep, an energizing blend to revive yourself when you arrive at your destination and a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree essential oils to ward off colds and flu and keep your airways healthy.

Apply to a tissue or pulse points on the wrists and take deep breaths.

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

HEALTH

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Sara Jones

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he award-winning Cenote Spa at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is named after the fresh or ‘sweet’ water river openings, emblematic of the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. The central ‘replica cenote’ cave features a circular, warm water pool bathed in natural light from the opening high above. Warm, orange illumination from the candle- style lighting placed in the cave walls represents constellations. Designed by architect Javier Sordo Madaleno, this cave-like, shared space can be enjoyed by both men and women, before and after spa services. You can relax on lounge chairs while you get in touch with your artistic side by coloring in a mandala or reading about your favorite artist from their selection of books.

The luxury facilities at Cenote Spa include a eucalyptus fragranced steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, invigorating cold plunge and chromotherapy experience shower. The spa incorporates six single treatment suites and two couples suites that feature private bathtubs, showers and dressing areas. All treatment suites are expertly designed and overlook natural mangroves and lush jungle foliage, with outdoor terraces where guests can enjoy the pre-treatment foot ritual.

The treatment menu offers a wide variety of massages, facials and body treatments. You can tailor any Cenote Spa experience by customizing your music preference and choosing from six options. You select your aromatherapy oil based on what speaks to you most at the time, with choices that include muscle release, stress relief and energy balancing.

A full-service salon offering styling, manicures and pedicures complements the spa, in addition to a 25-meter lap pool and a fully equipped fitness center. Staying up to date with new trends, Cenote Spa recently launched AquaForza classes held in the lap pool or in the main pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. AquaForza is a functional exercise class held on a floating board tied in place

February 8 - 21 2017

Cenote Spa at

the Grand Hyatt Visit the luxury facilities in the heart of Playa del Carmen and experience a unique ambiance inspired by the Riviera Maya

Photo: The Grand Hyatt

in the pool, using a combination of water, balance, and specific exercise moves. You use your own body weight to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and core stability and increase blood circulation. Cenote Spa offers two

varieties of AquaForza classes: Strength and Conditioning and AquaForza Yoga.

This February, Cenote Spa is offering their customized ‘Love Is in the Air’ Valentine’s package, including a welcome mimosa, followed by

a chocolate fountain with aphrodisiac fruits served in the relaxation area, to be enjoyed while listening to a guest DJ spinning soothing, sensual sounds. Choose from two spa experiences; the 45-minute Sensorial Aromatic Massage to heighten the senses and relax the body, followed by a 15-minute aromatic bathing experience with your choice of aroma. The alternative, a Neuro-Stimulating Massage, is a 60-minute experience designed to invigorate and uplift your senses with notes of bergamot and orange essential oils.

This luxury spa journey is available from February 13 - 15 for couples looking to enjoy a sensual shared experience and singles embracing self-care and celebrating abundance and joy of life. It is priced at 2199 pesos per person and is for a limited time only.

The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen has recently created an exclusive membership for local residents who want to take advantage of the luxurious facilities on a regular basis and receive the ultimate in service, such as valet parking and personal training. This limited membership is available to just 10 people at a cost of 139,000 pesos annually. It includes unlimited fitness center access, a variety of conditioning classes, a 60-minute spa service monthly, a 30% discount on spa services and in La Cocina restaurant and The Grill at 1 26 restaurant. It also includes one night’s hotel stay per year.

For locals with resident I.D., Cenote Spa offers a 30% discount on all spa services depending on availability and a 50% discount one time during the month of your birthday. When you’ve decided it’s time to indulge a little, check out the menu of spa services on their website at www. playadelcarmen.grand.hyatt.com Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness Mexico magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com

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February 8 - 21 2017

PUEBLITO MAYAKOBA

ANIMAL WELFARE 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! Facebook/ACCION-ANIMAL

CINE CLUB (KIDS) Thursday, February 9 from 7:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Outdoor movie night presenting “Up”. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900.

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. Facebook/PlayaAnimalRescue

FARMERS MARKET, Sunday, February 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A wide variety of gourmet products and handcraft from the community plus activities for kids. Free entry to the public. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km.

298, 984 873 4900.

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.org Facebook/CocosAnimalWelfare

CASAR EXPO, Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Expo of providers for weddings and events showcasing their products and services. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900.

F E B R U A R Y 8 - 21

2017

DOG WASH, every Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have fun giving the dogs baths while allowing them to socialize.Facebook/soselarca VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COCOS NEW CLINIC! Coco’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 Facebook/CocosAnimalWelfare

FARMERS MARKET, Sunday, February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A wide variety of gourmet products and handcraft from the community plus activities for kids. Free entry to the public. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km.

298, 984 873 4900.

CINE CLUB (ADULTS) Thursday, February 23, from 8:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Outdoor movie night presenting “The Lunch Box”. Federal Highway Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km. 298, 984 873 4900. www.facebook.com/elpueblitoatmayakoba/

SPECIAL EVENT DAY OF Dimitrí Ivánovich, Wednesday, February 8 from 3:00p.m to 7:00 p.m. Four activities 3:00 p.m. conference ($20pesos), 4:00 p.m. workshops Periodical battle, 8 years and up ($15 pesos), 5:00 p.m. The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements: What does it tell us and how do we read it? ($20 pesos) and 6:00 p.m.

Dome: Violent Universe. (Movie commented) $ 40 pesos. Or $80 pesos for all the days activities. Activities are in Spanish. You can buy your tickets at the planetarium box office from 11 am to 6:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/Planetariodeplayadelcarmen VALENTINE’S SPECIAL DINNER WITH CHEF HILARIO TINOCO, Tuesday, February 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Come and enjoy with family, friends or your partner, a delicious menu created by our Chef Hilario Tinoco accompanied by wines from El Cielo winery and sommelier Elisa Garcia, the night of friendship and lovers. 6-season food pairing with Mexican gastronomy and wines from the Guadalupe Valley. Price per person 690 MXN, gratuity not included. Reservations omarmoramayo14@gmail.com or call 999.471.7871 MK Cocina de Vanguardia Avenue 10 with Calle 24. Facebook.com/events/764071550436330/ Les Mex LGBT I LOVE YOU SEXUAL DIVERSITY EVENT, Tuesday, February 14, from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. DJ Sndell will be featured. Mexican Caribe Bar, First Avenue and Calle 26.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER SPE-

TULUM CIAL, Tuesday, February 14, from 8:00 p.m. Glass of wine, dinner, dessert all are part of this romantic dinner accompanied with Bossanove Jazz music. Le Lotus Rouge Calle 2 with Avenue 35, Playa del Carmen. https://www.facebook.com/lotusrougeplaya/ FREE LOVERS DESSERT, Tuesday, February 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm. Bring your love to Carboncitos on Valentine’s Day to receive a free dessert to make your night just a bit sweeter. Carboncitos Calle 4 almost to the corner of Fifth Avenue behind Häagen-Dazs. https://www.facebook. com/Carboncitos/ SATURDAY FLEA MARKET, Saturday, February 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Workshops, artisans, crafts, aerial dance shows by Aerofobia, live music by Xuuxnë and much more!

Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue with Diagonal 60, Ejido, Playa del Carmen. h t t p s : //w w w. fa ce b o o k .co m / Pa rqueLaCeibaFloraFaunayCultura/ INSTRUMENTS OF THE PLANET CONTEST Xuuxnë, Saturday February 18 at 4:00 p.m. Bring your homemade musical instrument made of 90% recycled materials to Parque La Ceiba for a chance to win 2 weeks worth of classes of your choice of violin, singing, guitar or percussion (4 classes total). 15 years and younger please. The musical presentation will also be dedicated to the memory of Alexandra De Cienfuegos from Tulum.

Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue with Diagonal 60, Ejido, Playa del Carmen Visit www.xuuxne.esy.es or https:// www.facebook.com/xuuxneoficial/

LIVE MUSIC Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Chak Acoustic Session. Ahau Tulum Km 7.8 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila. Facebook/AhauTulum/ LIVE MUSIC Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Chak Acoustic Session. Encantada Tulum Km 8.7 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila. Facebook/encantadatulum/ YOGA Monday thru Saturday at 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. On Sundays at 10:15 a.m. and 5: p.m. Sanara Tulum. Km 8.2 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila. Facebook.com/pages/Sanara-Tulum/ ORGANIC MARKET Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Plaza del Municipio.

LIVE MUSIC & DANCING LIVE MUSIC, Every night from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. La Bodeguita Del Medio en Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue with Calle 34. Facebook/LaBodeguitaDelMedioenplayadelcarmen LIVE MUSIC, Every Friday night five local talents singing their hearts out. El Jardin Restaurant Calle 3420 between Avenues 10 and 15. Playa del Carmen.

Facebook/El Jardin community LIVE ROCK MUSIC, Every night from 10:00 p.m. McCarthy’s Irish Pub, 5th Avenue with Calle 22, Playa del Carmen. Facebook/McCarthys Irish Pub Playa del Carmen

ROCK NIGHT, Wednesdays 9:00 p.m.

-12:00 a.m. Live rock bands. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/ Choperia Playa del Carmen ACOUSTIC NIGHT, Mondays 8:00 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Live acoustic bands Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/Lucky Luciano Playa del Carmen LIVE JAZZ, Thursdays 9:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook.com/ Lucky Luciano Playa del Carmen DJ NIGHT, Every Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. When you buy a bottle of Bacardi, you will receive another of Bacardi Oro. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/ ChoperiaPlaya del Carmen DJ/LADIES’/MEN’s NIGHT,, Tuesdays 8:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. Ladies Martinis or Cocktails. Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/ Lucky-Luciano Playa del Carmen 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. Facebook/PGsMexican Caribe Bar Grill SALSA LESSONS, every Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Salon Salsanera Raices, calle 12 between 5th & 10th. Free. Facebook/LASALSANERA/ LADIES NIGHT, Mondays 9:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. Ladies drink free.

Buy a draft beer for a lady and get one free. DJ 8:00 p.m.- 1:00 a.m. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28.

Facebook/Choperia Playa del Carmen PIZZA 2x1 & STAND UP COMEDY, Wednesdays 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Comedy in English. Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/ Lucky-Luciano Playa del Carmen PASTAS 2x1 & STAND UP COMEDY, Wednesdays 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Comedy in English. Lucky Lucianos 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/Lucky-Luciano Playa del Carmen POLE DANCE, Every day. Ladies who do a full pole dance will receive a free shot of tequila. La Choperia 5th Avenue and Calle 28. Facebook/ ChoperiaPlaya del Carmen AERIAL DANCE/SILKS, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.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. Facebook/aerofobiaplaya/ Akumal KARAOKE. Every Wednesday from 7:30p.m. to 11:00 p.m.at 11:00pm. La Buena Vida, Akumal. Contact Shannon 984-209-4215. Facebook/La Buena Vida Puerto Aventuras KARAOKE. Every Monday and Thursday from 7:00p.m. to 11:00 p.m.at 11:00pm. Café Ole, Akumal. Contact Shannon 984-209-4215. Facebook/ Cafe Ole in Puerto Aventuras

February 8 - 21 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Playa Amigable

BY NADIA MORELLA Last November, I had an interesting encounter with Jan Novak. We discussed certain ideas that I had for Playa Pride 2017 and how I wanted to further develop the LGBT Community in the Quintana Roo area.

In December of 2016, it all officially started, with Jan as the head of the project, and with our help; today we present to you: Playa Amigable.

Our initiative aims to create a common front against discrimination, hate and violence in the Riviera Maya and worldwide, through an advertising campaign that promotes the economic development of the region, using the potential of gay-friendly destinations.

Photos: Jeff Gold

Spinny Grooves Meet Jeff Gold, a Canadian DJ and now the owner of a unique business in Playa: Spinny Grooves record shop

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

What is the name of your business and how long has it been open?

It’s called “Spinny Grooves,” and we opened up in July. Currently, it is Playa’s only music and DJ store. We specialize in vinyl records, with genres from classical to techno and a little bit of everything in between. There is also a small section for CDs and cassettes.

We also sell local art, clothing, and electronics and offer vinyl DJing and music production classes.

W

hile many talented musicians in Playa focus on work, you will find that there are some with a passion that turns into a business. Jeff Gold is one of them. He is a DJ and the owner of Spinny Grooves record shop. I met with Jeff to get to know him better. Now it is your turn.

The Playa Times: Where are you originally from and how did you find yourself in Playa del Carmen? How long have you been here?

Jeff: I was born in Calgary, Canada and spent my late teens bouncing between there and Edmonton.

I later moved to Toronto for a year, then to Montreal for about nine years. I have been living here in Playa for seven years.

You are a professional DJ and business owner here in Playa del Carmen. Do you feel it is easy to run a business in a foreign country?

There are many challenges here, but they all have a solution. The people in Playa have helped make it easier; they have shown amazing support since we opened.

Jeff Gold

I have been DJing for over 17 years now, but I have found at the root of everything the same things are needed: a vision, a plan and the motivation to see it through.

There are many genres of DJ music, what type of music do you call your own?

I like all music, but I really love to play deep house and deep techno music.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a business in Playa?

Get a feel for the city and make sure you find a good location for what you want to open.

How is DJing different from your past ventures?

Well, I have been DJing for over 17 years now, but I have found at the root of everything the same things are needed: a vision, a plan and the motivation to see it through.

To learn more about Jeff visit his Facebook Fan Page: Facebook/@4djjg or listen to his work: http://soundcloud.com/jeffgold The Facebook Page for Spinny Grooves is: Facebook/@ spinnygrooves

Mexico is the second most-visited country of Latin America by the LGBT community, after Brazil, and is the seventh country worldwide Mexico is the second most-visited country of Latin America by the LGBT community, after Brazil, and is the seventh country worldwide.

Members of the LGBT community were actually spending about $9.2 million USD per year on their vacations in Mexico based on OutNow Global Study LGBT back in 2015.

This indicates huge potential for economic growth and Playa Amigable is a proud taker!

Playa Amigable is a card membership with discounts at participating stores for the general public in support of the cause. We are promoting inclusion, awareness, respect and acceptance of human rights in the LGBT community.

Playa Amigable creates a gay-friendly environment, as much for the employees of the participating businesses as for their customers. By participating in Playa Amigable, you join a network of 200 businesses (our objective for 2017), that people from the LGBT community can count on to visit and feel safe.

To participate in the program, contact us through our Facebook page: Facebook/@PlayaAmigable or send us an email: playamigable@gmail.com

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ANIMAL WELFARE

February 8 - 21 2017

Cada Vida Importa: Every Life Matters!

BY NASH After a visit to CEBIAM Centro de Bienestar Animal Municipal (the local city pound) in the summer of 2014, Alexandra Berger was devastated when she saw the condition the dogs were living in due to lack of funding. She also quickly realized they were not getting adopted due to lack of publicly and as a result, they were euthanized after 30 days. She started a Facebook page, Cada Vida Importa (Every Life Matters), to showcase the dogs in need of homes and created a team of volunteers dedicated to saving these captured dogs from death row. In animal rescue, not all dogs get their happy ending. Stray, neglected or abandoned dogs end up at CEBIAM, and sadly many dogs do not get adopted within their 30 days grace to period. The Cada Vida Importa team checks in on the dogs each week, taking photos and posting to social media in hopes the dogs will be adopted.

They also provide love, exercise, attention to the dogs, and collect donations in order to provide improvements in their lives.

Through fundraisers and donations, they can purchase cleaners, dog beds and food for the dogs at the shelter and most importantly rescue dogs from the pound placing them in foster homes, adoptive homes or no-kill shelters. Thanks to their efforts they have saved hundreds of dog’s lives. If you are looking for a new family member, check with them first as these dogs are at high risk. All dogs are sterilized before moving to their new home. The organization was originally called Save a Dog From Death Row; the name was changed to put a positive spin on the group. Team members include Dr. Daniel Lopez, Lisa Wright, Jimena Arvizu Lobo, Nancy Alba and Alexandra Berger and many walkers, foster parents, and flight escorts. You can help CADA VIDA IMPORTA save a life by making a donation or volunteering, find them on Facebook/cadavidaimportarescue.

You can help CADA VIDA IMPORTA save a life by making a donation or volunteering, find them on Facebook/cadavidaimportarescue.

Little Oscar (right) will have a better life thanks to Cada Vida Importa / Photos: Alexandra Berger

Without bats there would be no tequila! / Photo: Wikimedia

Salute to Bats Bats are perceived as scary creatures of the night or as a blood sucking vampire, but in reality, we need these harmless animals to survive.

BY NASH

A

lthough bats should be respected as a sentient being alone, we will break down how they benefit humans economically and environmentally. We need bats to survive, bats play a crucial role in our ecosystems, and without them, we would suffer devastating consequences.

They provide natural pest control. Think about all the mosquito-borne diseases we are exposed to on a nightly basis and be thankful that bats consume over 1000 mosquitoes an hour! A pregnant or nursing bat will consume her body weight in insects every night, helping us fight mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and many others.

Bats lunch on many pests such as the corn earworm moth that would otherwise destroy crops. The corn earworm larvae also endanger the plants by creating infection with a destructive fungus, which produces toxic and cancer causing byproducts, and causes serious health hazards for livestock and affect the value of the crop. Bats provide this invaluable service and help reduce the amount of pesticides farmers use, less contamination to our food and the environment.

They are also on pollination duty, pollinating fruit trees, flowers and Mexico’s agave which we need to make tequila. Humans have attempted to imitate the pollination process, but it is not as efficient as the bat’s technique, bats being the only mammal which can fly, cover vast areas while cross-pollinating plants creating stronger and improved genetic diversity.

They are also great fertilizers. Bat droppings, called guano, are a natural way to fertilize plants without chemicals.

Bat guano also plants seeds as fruit-eating bats disperse seeds, restoring plant life to land that has been cleared, especially in the rainforest where land has been stripped of vegetation.

1000 #of mosquitos one

bat eats in an hour!

The vampire bat’s saliva produces an anti-coagulating enzyme which aids in taking blood from an animal. Scientists are exploring this serum as a way to treat strokes and heart attacks. Researchers are also studying the bat’s resistance to malaria, one day they may provide a better way for humans to deal with this deadly disease.

So think about bats when you are enjoying food, chocolate, or breathing fresh air, and when you sip tequila, salute the bat for making all this possible. Salude!

S.O.S el Arca S.O.S el Arca is a nonprofit dog shelter located at Avenida 85 Sur, Playa del Carmen, México. We are entirely 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 primary objective is to rescue and find good homes for all dogs

that have been abandoned, wounded or abused. We are a no-kill shelter; our dogs are with us until we find a permanent home.

Join the volunteers at S.O.S el Arca for daily dog walking, weekend baths, and playtime.

Donations of food can be dropped off at the shelter, and monetary donations may be made to;

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

ENTERPRISE FOCUS