Edition 88

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 03 · N u m b e r 8 8 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 0 Pages · J u l y 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 1 6

S MASP IDE

H o m e Decor and More

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

IN

Buying linens and things in the Riviera Maya can be expensive and difficult to find the quality you are looking for. We met a new business in town that may have just what you are looking for.

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T PT Food i es : Home Delivery

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Rockstar Dreams

Photo: Home Decor and More

Live Your >P. 9

· ART & CULTURE

· DISCOVER MEXICO

INTERESTING EDIBLES

RIVIERA MAYA SOSTENIBLE

His image climbs down the pyramid at Chichen Itza twice a year during the equinox.

Learn more about his role in Maya culture and history

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Photo: Riviera Maya Sostenible

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

M AYA A L M I G H T Y

· TPT FOODIES

This relatively new organization is helping to create fair trade financial opportunities for Maya communities so they don’t need to leave home to find work

Mexico is a great country to expand your gastronomic horizons...but this one may push you to your adventurous limits...hint: creepy crawlies

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July 6 - 19

2016

Editorial DIRECTORY Rebecca Page Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Edgar E. Mena Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

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

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

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

Photo: The PlayaTimes

Champagne Kisses and Ceviche Dreams

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

Missey Dee

BY REBECCA PAGE

Sales Executive Cell: 998 127 6071 melissa@meridianmedia.mx

O

k, forget the champagne kisses just give me the ceviche dreams.

You might say I have a slight obsession that I have developed since moving to the Mexican Caribbean.

Shrimp ceviche. I eat it far too many times in one week for it to be healthy. When I go to a restaurant and see shrimp ceviche on the menu, I order it. Sometimes I am delighted, more often than not, I am disappointed. I find that restaurants here are lazy with their ceviche. A pile of chopped tomatoes with a few shrimp tossed on top does not constitute ceviche, in my opinion.

I want flavor, without having to load it up with salsas. I want nicely prepared veggies chopped up perfectly so I can fit everything on my totopo (tortilla chip). Then, when I do want to add salsa, I want to give the

Milton Rosel Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

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

ceviche a kick that it doesn´t have on its own. Now, I haven´t had every ceviche in every restaurant in the region but I’m pretty close. Lucky for me, I work upstairs from the best ceviche I have had.

Embarcadero 18 is a little out of the way but not so out of the way that you can’t easily get there. It is worth the walk, the bike ride, or the cab ride. They are located in Plaza Paseo Coba which is easy to get to. Walk south (beach will be to your left) on 10th Avenue until you get to the end (in front of you is the entrance to Playacar), take a right and walk up the sidewalk to the first plaza on the left. Embarcadero 18 is on the ground floor towards the back of the plaza. Ernesto, the owner, is a young guy from Mazatlan and speaks flawless English. And before you ask, Ernesto didn’t pay me to say any of this. He doesn’t even know I am writing

it. I hope some of you take my advice and check this place out. His staff is amazing, always super friendly, and they have a menu that is sure to meet any seafood lover´s needs. Their appetizers include sashimi, empanadas (shrimp, octopus or fish), and tostados. They have aguachiles, a variety of seafood cocktails, fish fillets, and of course, tacos. Most importantly, for me anyway, they have ceviche. In my case it’s the mango shrimp ceviche, but some of you may want to try their tuna ceviche or their ceviche brother which includes shrimp, octopus, and scallops.

I know, I know. My friends tell me all the time I need to expand my horizons. I get hooked on things. A particular band (U2), a particular drink (Dos XX Ambar), and now it´s shrimp ceviche. I’m just happy that Ernesto and his team from Embarcadero 18 are there to fulfill my ceviche dreams.

@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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July 6 - 19

2016

Happy Birthday, Solidaridad!

From a gum harvesting camp to world class tourist attraction, the municipality that includes Playa del Carmen celebrates 23 years on July 28

BY MELISSA ROBLES

J

uly 28 is the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the Solidaridad municipality. Known worldwide as Playa del Carmen, it is the place with the highest population growth in Mexico.

Long ago, a politician said, “Playa del Carmen will not be a town, even in 200 years.”

Now it is a top worldwide tourist destination with a huge variety of hotels and restaurants.

This city began as a gum harvesting camp and later became a fishing village and then a tourist mecca. It is estimated that in the 20th century when the region was uninhabited, the first camps to process wood and gum started.

The Caste War obliged some families to look for a place where there wasn’t conflict, and many came to Playa del Carmen.

Because of the beautiful turquoise blue sea filled with food sources, many began to

The Municipal Palace between Calle 8 and 10 /Photos: The Playa Times

fish, which became a tradition. The last names of the families are very common, Silvarán, Catzim, Quiam, Dzul, Kantún, etc.

According to various sources, the community was only a few palapas made of palm leaves, a material commonly used at that time. With the growth of tourism in the 1960s, Playa del Carmen became a stopping point for people who wanted to go to Cozumel.

Locals began to invest in tourism, as Mr. Jacinto Silvarán remembers, starting to build on what is today the famous Quinta Avenida.

In the 1990s it was decided to incorporate as a municipality and stop depending on Cozumel.

Finally, the initiative approved by then governor Mario Villanueva Madrid became law on July 28th, 1993. 23 years later, Solidaridad is the most important tourist location in Mexico, highly preferred by both the national and international tourist market, with five million vacationers anticipated for 2016.

Mayor of Tulum, David Balam Chan Photo: Joe Maldonado

Tulum Land Dispute

BY JOE MALDONADO On June 17, a total of 16 lots, including hotels, businesses, houses and vacant lots located in the zone Punta Piedra Tulum, were evicted following the order 326/2016, issued by the Juzgado Cívico (Civil Court) of Playa del Carmen.

This action was backed up by police elements of the Tulum municipality, acting on a request for assistance made by the actuary that executed the judicial order.

Worries about this happening again have been increasing, as the problem, which dates back over 20 years, has created a big uncertainty among investors.

The Playa Times spoke to Tulum Mayor David Balam Chan to find out more about the problem that is affecting this city. He commented that this

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incident is the result of a dispute between private owners, an area where his government shouldn’t intervene. He did acknowledge that elements of the Public Security (Seguridad Pública) were used after the actuary, armed with the judge´s order, requested it. He clarified that this happened only in the area known as “Punta Piedra”, in the tourist zone of the destination.

The zone is over four kilometers long, and the evictions occurred between the site known as “Mayatlán” and the zone of Santa Erica It is important to clarify that the zone in dispute doesn’t belong to the ejido José María Pino Suárez, as the coastal area isn’t a part of the ejido, explained Rodolfo Vallín Lugo, delegate of the national Agrarian Reform, among whose responsibilities is addressing the issues and conflicts between ejidos, regarding land.

He indicated that the evicted area can’t belong to the ejido in question because there is a private owner who claims the land and it is listed in the Public Registry of Private Property.

Former mayor David Balam reassured investors telling them that their investments are welcome and that a legal certainty exists that protects the land ownership.

“If there is a wish to invest in this area, our recommendation is for you to find out everything about the conditions of the lot you are buying and investigate further, as there are also specifications for property like density,” he explained, “Those are important pieces of information to have in mind, but we assure you the city is secure.”

He also stated that the Town Hall of Tulum offers favorable conditions to those who wish to invest and start their own business.

As proof, he mentioned that paperwork in the City Treasury has ben reduced, in order to ease things for investors.

“Those who want to invest can come to us to find out about the status of the land they want because there are cases still under dispute and there is a risk to lose their investment,” he offered.

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N E WS I N B R I E F

July 6 - 19

2016

Grand Opening: Home Decor & More Buying a home in the Riviera Maya and need to decorate or already ebo^ a^k^ Zg] aZobg` mkhn[e^ Ûg]bg` bm^fl maZm f^^m rhnk ^qi^\mZmbhgl _hk jnZebmr Zg] Zelh f^^m rhnk [n]`^m8 C^ggb_^k ?kZd^k Zg] a^k lmZ__ have you covered.

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

I

f you have driven from Cancun recently, you may h ave n otice d a new store that m oved in on the hig hway, ju st as you e nter Playa del Carme n. Home De cor a n d M ore is set to h ave its g rand ope ning o n Sa turday, J uly 1 6 providing shoppe rs w i t h a h uge va r iety of home goods to h e l p make your Rivie ra Maya dream home yo u r drea m h ome. With ove r 15 years exp e r i e nce in home interior and decor, owner Jennifer Fraker felt a store like his was something that Playa del Carmen was missing. This is their first store in the Riviera Maya, and they are hoping to expand to the surrounding area. We asked Jennifer to give us the lowdown on what to expect from her new store.

Digital Census of Yucatan Peninsula Cenotes

BY JOE MALDONADO The National Institute of Anthropology (INAH), in coordination with the National Geographic Society, the Technological University of the Riviera Maya (UTRM), the Latin American Development Bank (CAF) and the Aspen Institute Mexico is starting an important program to identify, rescue the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and to preserve the hidden treasures of the cenotes.

Although they were hoping to start the project in May, according to Adriana Velázquez Morlet, director of the INAH Quintana Roo, “We are just on the verge of obtaining the permission of the Archeology Council.”

The project is called “The Grand Maya Aquifer” and it will begin with locating cenotes and taking water samples. The work has already started, as the Subdirection of Underwater Archeology (SAS) is in charge of keeping a digital registry of these bodies of water.

Underwater archaeologist Guillermo de Anda Alanís will be the head of this project as

What kinds of products do you offer?

We offer a huge varie ty of produ cts for yo u r h ome such a s comforte rs, du ve ts, c u r tains, towels, pillows, de corative pillows, ba throom a cce ssorie s and mode rn a rea r ugs. O ur h uge inve ntor y range s f ro m economica l bu dge t frie ndly to luxur y, an d we w ill h ave an ex pansion of a m o der n fur n iture showroom soon.

What sets you apart from other stores in the area that offer home goods?

Unlike other stores with limited quantities, we have over 20,000 items in stock to choose from.

What can shoppers expect when they walk in?

Great customer service from our friendly staff. A huge inventory and designers onsite to assist you in transforming your home into your dream home. We offer interior design, shopping assistance and turnkey packages.

Even if your home is not ready, we will hold your merchandise and deliver to your home when you are ready, and we have both Spanish and English speaking staff.

Photo: Shutterstock

Grand Opening: July 16

Location:

Home Decor and More Federal Highway 307 & Avenida Universidades Across the highway from Grand Coral

Phone:

984-688-2969

Where is your new store located?

We are located on the north side of Playa del Carmen on the Federal Highway and Universities Avenue.

Be s ure to ch eck out the ir grand ope ning o n Sa turday, J uly 1 6. They will have hou rly g iveaways (you mu st be pre se nt to w i n ). Giveaways start at 11:00 a. m. with a $ 1,0 0 0 peso gift ce rtificate and e nds a t 7: 0 0 p.m. w ith the ir grand prize give -

away - a new scooter. Bring the whole family starting at 11:00 for hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and sodas. They will also have clowns with face painting and balloons for the kids. You can register to win throughout the day but remember, you must be present to win. Visit Home Decor and More online at www.homedecorandmore.mx.

Their inventory ranges from budget friendly to luxury / Photos: Home Decor & More

he was designated “Emerging Explorer” by National Geographic, and he is also a member of the Mexican Red Cross for Archeologists and related disciplines.

Although there has not been a contact established to date with the INAH in Quintana Roo, the objectives for the planning and organization of the project have already been established: to integrate the complicated aquifers in the 145 square kilometers of the Yucatan Peninsula.

To do this, they will utilize a computer program capable of processing thousands of photographic images from various angles to create 3D models of the materials and their context.

The program was created by Corey Jaskolski, an engineer of the National Geographic Society, as part of the work of the Hoyo Negro Underwater Archeology Project based in Tulum.

When this work is finished, there will be a database for INAH about the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. There will be more information in the future about the archeological remains in these natural underwater museums.

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B E AC H L I F E

July 6 - 19

2016

Life Stories: Karen Russo

BY MELISSA ROBLES Playa del Carmen is a cosmopolitan city, where the large part of the population comes from other cities in the Mexican Republic and even other countries.

Looking for new work opportunities, a lifestyle change, or simply attracted by the beauty of the destination, thousands of people have made this their home. This was the case for Karen Russo, a native New Yorker, who has lived in the Riviera Maya for nine years.

Three years ago, she developed her life motto “If you want it, you can do it”, as she practices cycling and triathlon, ranking first place in competitions. She competes at the same level as 30-year-olds, thanks to her healthy lifestyle.

Why did you decide to come to live in Playa del Carmen?

The RMFF is a very important event for the region / Photos: Ian MacKenzie

The Riviera Maya Film Festival

Returns to Playa For its fifth edition, the RMFF benefitted by a delay in its start date that allowed them to include films recently premiered in Cannes

BY IAN MACKENZIE

O

n Friday, June 24 the Riviera Maya Film Festival returned to Playa del Carmen and Cancun for its fifth edition. Originally scheduled to begin in late April as it has in previous years, the two-month delay has actually benefitted the event, allowing programmers to select films which premiered at the recent Cannes Film Festival in May. The opening night film “Julieta”, which is the latest from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, is one such film, as is “The Measure of a Man”, for which actor Vincent Lindon won the Best Actor award.

Many other films having been making the rounds on the festival circuit for the past few months, including “I Saw the Light, Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story)” and “Semana Santa”, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September. For those of us who cover festivals throughout the year, it is an opportunity to catch up on what we have missed previously, and to experience films we have seen with a new audience whose film-going habits may be different than ours.

What has impressed me the most, and is the biggest sign of growth for the RMFF, is the use of the Teatro de la Ciudad as the festival’s main venue. Gala screenings now have a distinct touch of class that elevates the week-long proceedings to a level it deserves. The opening weekend saw the front steps and interior of the theater full of eager cinema goers, enjoying free screenings which were made available to the general public. The remainder of the program could be found at the Cinemex movie theaters in the Centro May shopping mall, which also serves as the headquarters for the festival.

The RMFF may be a young event by comparison to other film festivals around the world, but for this region of Mexico, it is a very important one. The Riviera Maya is a great location to host a cultural gathering

I wanted to change my life, with a different culture, a calmer lifestyle. I am a recruiter for the company IIPE, so I only need a telephone and computer to work. People here are very nice, kind, and generous because when I came, I didn’t speak any Spanish.

How did you decide to start cycling professionally?

and won second place. I feel like I’m 35 since I have more energy, I sleep well, and I exercise.

What is your message for women who sometimes don’t have time to exercise?

I have a son who is 24. I divorced when he was a baby. I had to do housework and businesses. It is hard. Life is hard, but you should take care of your body because you only have one in your life. There is a group of women who practice Fridays at six a.m. because they have children. They need to fix their lunch for school, they work, and it is interesting because they have the responsibility of their jobs and the housework. We do 40 kilometers each day.

How many kilometers do you ride?

With the beginners group, we do 60 kilometers. With the others, we do 80. Sometimes, we go all the way to Chichén Itza, Valladolid and Tulum.

Karen ended the interview with the following message: If you want it, you can do it. It is important, as a woman, to take care of your body and have a healthy life. This makes you more confident; “You can do what you want if you put your mind to it and try.”

Before, I used to use a bicycle to get around. I learned with people here because riding with a group on the highway is different. Security is the most important in learning to ride in a group. I swim a lot, and my boyfriend bought me a bicycle for a triathlon. The group I ride with is Tecnobike. We practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays in the morning.

Have you participated in competitions?

Three years ago I participated for the first time in a triathlon in Tres Ríos. This year I won third place in Tres Ríos. Two years ago in Puerto Morelos, I also won third place and this week I participated in Blackout Chetumal

Some of the films presented included: “Julieta” directed

by Pedro Almodovar “The Measure of a Man” directed by Stéphane Brizé “Semana Santa” directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella of this type, allowing the local public and visitors to discover foreign and independent cinema that they might otherwise not get to see. I´m looking forward to seeing how much this festival will has developed when it celebrates its 10th year.

Karen Russo is a top triathlete in the Riviera Mayas / Photo: Melissa Robles

July 6 - 19

2016

BEACH LIFE

Rio Secreto: An Underground

P a r a d i s e

BY REBECCA PAGE

I The Dream Swim Team

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL Alberto Peralta is a proud coach of seven swimmers who have been training hard for weeks to represent Playa in the state of Morelia at the Mexican Nationals.

They left June 28 to compete after long hard trainings.

The Esqualos-Inglés swim team has been swimming up to 9000 meters daily to get in shape to go up against the best in the country. It is a big sacrifice for teens to commit to high performance,

Good luck to all the swimmers! / Photos: Anja Schäfer

twice a week early morning training sessions from 5-6 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4-7 p.m., but their determination and passion drives them. They train in the facilities at Colegio Inglés to fulfill their program.

Best of luck to Daphne Monserat Avila Gutiérrez (17), Luna C. Schäfer (13), Javier Padilla Aguilar (15), Alexei Dolitski (14), Benjamin Romero Toledo (17), Kevin Johnson (15) and Cristo Romero (11), who are more than ready for this meet.

had the opportunity to sit down with Otto von Bertrab, the Chief Operating Officer for Rio Secreto. Rio Secreto is an underground river and nature reserve located just a few minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Here, tourists have the opportunity to explore the an underground river and cave system unique to this region. Accompanied by a tour guide, small groups enter through one of the many entrances to the intricate and well-preserved cave system. As you exit the caves at the end of your tour, it is impossible to walk out unchanged. Otto explained how this magical journey began.

Otto arrived in the area 17 years ago. He began by working for a well-known tour company

designing tours. He focused on preservation of small communities through ecotourism and sustainable projects. Then in 2006, he was invited to visit, what is now, Rio Secreto.

The ejidatario, the owner of the ejido land where Rio Secreto is located, showed him the entrance to the cenote. Upon entering, they noticed another passageway. The ejidatario admitted he didn’t know where it lead to, and that’s when a year long journey of exploring caves that had barely been explored began.

During the exploration, they realized the cave system had been perfectly preserved. ¨There was such beauty¨, Otto recalls. After signing an agreement with the ejidatario which allowed them to explore the land, use it for an ecotourism location, and most im-

Rio Secreto contains some of the most beautiful caves in the world / Photo: Rio Secreto

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portantly to preserve the natural landscape, Rio Secreto was born. ¨As we were feeling at the moment we discovered this place, that it is a virgin place that no one has entered...everyone who visits needs to feel the same,¨ explained Otto. They designed tours to limit the impact to the environment by providing small group tours.

Rio Secreto has multiple entrances and exits, and the tour guides can bring small groups in and out of the caves without running into other groups. This allows visitors to have an intimate experience and a sense of discovery, like Otto and his team during that first year.

Guests to Rio Secreto are seen as much more than just paying customers. The staff at Rio Secreto has the opportunity to transform the guests into advocates to help preserve this special place.

If you are interested in exploring the underground river and caves of Rio Secreto, you can arrange your tour through their website at www.riosecreto.com.

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DISCOVER MEXICO

July 6 - 19

2016

Riviera Maya Sostenible Four years ago, Beatriz Barreal Daniel set out to create a sustainable environment where the indigenous Maya were no longer forced to leave their villages and homes to look for work in the tourism industry in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. What she has done has helped restore the dignity and preserve the culture of the indigenous Maya.

Beatriz Barreal Daniel hopes to restore the pride and traditions of the Maya / Photos: Melissa Robles

BY MELISSA ROBLES

H

ow do we stop the migration of people who leave the Maya Zone to look for jobs in hotels and restaurants in the northern part of Quintana Roo? This is a question which was asked by Beatriz Barreal Daniel, director of Riviera Maya Sostenible, upon seeing how villagers abandon their communities to look for a better life.

Four years ago, she started an important initiative to dignify the work of people living in villages like Chanchén Palmar, Chanchén l, Hondzonot, Tihosuco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Naranjal and Nuevo Durango, and to benefit 253 families in Quintana Roo and Yucatan.

“At the beginning we had 15 families involved because it was a new effort, the communities didn’t recognize me as someone who was really trying to help

For more information on Riviera Maya Sostenible visit www.rivieramayasostenible.org them, and today they know that we are working for them,” she recalled.

Now, one of the programs that the Riviera Maya Sostenible runs is Kiwik, a fair trade initiative which looks to bring high-quality products to Playa del Carmen. Kiwik is a chain of productivity for the Zona Maya, generating pride and a feeling of belonging among the participants.

Soaps, embroidery, dresses, textiles, ointments, honey, purses, and keychains

Some of the fair trade goods available at events / Photo: Melissa Robles

are some of the articles which can be found at Plaza Quinta Alegría. As of today, 15 expositions and sales have been held.

“We have also been able to place our musicians as part of the ceremonies in hotels for the solstice and the equinox,” added Beatriz. It is also possible to buy Kiwik’s fair trade articles in seven hotels within the tourist corridor.

The project works on the premise that bartering is not permitted, which is a very common practice in Mexico to pay the lowest price to indigenous producers.

The process of empowerment has been achieved with success, indicated Beatriz.

“Bartering is prohibited. We want them to feel proud of themselves, and feeling dignified that their product is good, that they are providing a service, not that we are doing them a favor”.

In Cancun, a workshop for vulnerable groups to manufacture aluxes (Maya elves) was started. For this initiative to become a reality, important alliances have been created with hotels, malls, and other associations.

In the future, they are looking to create agreements with the Secretary of Culture and the Commission for Indigenous Development to make this a program at the state level.

To what level has the migration fallen? “In San Juan de Dios alone, 42 families are involved in the honey cooperative, and have changed the idea that their children have to go away to work,” concluded Beatriz Barreal.

July 6 - 19

2016

MARKETS

KID’S SUMMER COURSES

K A V A K A S A L O C A L M A R K E T every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave.

J u l y 4 t o A u g u s t 1 9 Yo g a ,

D E S AY U N O , every Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jardin de Todas Centro Comunitario, Avenida 80 & Calle 3 Sur (Ejido).

ECOTIANGUIS

E L Á R B O L P L AYAC A R M A R K E T, every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II. PA R Q U E L A C E I B A T I A N G U I S , every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60.

aerial dance, handcrafts, songs, games, mandalas and relax time. Ages 5 years and up. $1300mxn per week or $300mxn per day. Spanish and English. Casa Ananda Avenue Andres Quintana Roo #2 Esquina Av. 75.

Monday through Friday 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dance Camp. Latin style, stretching, hip hop, technique, urban music, boy expression and break dance. F & D Kids Club Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

984-127-1990.

July 18 to August 5.

Every Friday from 9 am to 11 a.m. Les Alizes Condos Avenue Flamingo and Calle 46.

FB: Coco-Beach-Eco-Marke

SPECIAL EVENTS C U LT U R A L FA I R “Revolución Ecléctica 2016”, Wednesday, July 6 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.at Parque Fundadores next to the Cozumel ferry pier. A celebration of Mexican Art, Culture and to honor Frida Kahlo during her birth month. Lots of performances of dance, aerial dance, painting, and much, much more!

Friday, July 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Artist Pedro Friedeberg visits Ba’al Studio to presents his work. Mayakoba Resort Km 298 Carretera Federal.

ART SHOW

C H I L D R E N ’ S P U P P E T S H O W Saturday, July 16 from 7 p.m. to 9p.m. Puppet show: _e Little Witch’s Tantrum. Mayakoba Resort Km 298 Carretera Federal.

Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. located on Calle 3 Sur between Avenues 75 and 80.

JARDIN DE TODOS MARKET

FA R M E R ’ S

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C H I L D R E N ” S G A M E S Wednesday, July 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group activities: archery, kayak and padel. Ages 12-17 | $98USD. Mayakoba Resort Km 298 Carretera Federal.

COCO BEACH MARKET

M AYA K O B A

ENTERTAINMENT

G O L F PA R A T O D O S (Golf for All) Sunday, July 17 1:00 to 3:00 Club de Golf el Cameleon at Mayakoba. Learn to play golf, games for kids, raffles and food from the best restaurants in PDC & Cancun. Free

MARKET

Saturday, July 9th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A wide variety of gourmet products & handcrafts from the community. MayaKoba Resort Km 298 Carretera Federal.

Tuesday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Hosted by Banyan Tree Wellness team - all levels. Mayakoba Resort

YOGA

JULY 6 - 19

MARTIAL ARTS

2016

J I U J I T S U / M U AY T H A I /J U D O J i u J i t s u : Mondays thru Thursdays 8 p.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 p.m.

Muay Thai:

Saturday, July 9 at 6 p.m. Experiment with the healing power of the gong and the Tibetan Bowls. $100mxn Casa Ananda Avenue Andres Quintana Roo & Av. 75

V I B R AT I O N A L B AT H

J u d o : Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.

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

LIVE MUSIC & DANCING KIDS CLASSES

Rockstar Dreams

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

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here is a new band in town called RockStaraoke. It may look strange at first, but it will be something that calls to your inner rock star fantasy.

Every Saturday night, at La Drinkeria de Henry Miller, RockStaroke plays live for you from 100 songs. The band is made up of Luh Berumen (vocals and MC), Oscar Vallejo (piano and guitar), Adal G (guitar), Juan Manzanera (bass) and Fixx (drums).

Bumping up a few notches from traditional pre-recorded karaoke, you will be living the fantasy with band members, as well as having a live audience screaming at your feet for more, while you are up on stage. Luh tells us, “the special thing about RockStaraoke is that people can feel what it’s like to be

Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Various art and cultural classes for kids. El Hongo, Calle 19 sur between Av 80 y 85 Ejido. Bring your own plate and cup for your food and drink. And also a fruit donation to help with making fruit waters.

C U LT U R A L C L A S S E S

in front of a real band. And being on stage is to feel the drums at your back and the amplifiers in your chest. It’s a real performing experience, not just karaoke singing. We have rock and pop songs from different times, in English and Spanish too. And we are available to do private parties and special shows.”

Who doesn’t like to let loose and belt out their favorite songs on a traditional karaoke night? With the RockStaraoke experience, you can fully immerse yourself, as well as get a workout, while you sing, scream, dance, jump and bang your head to all the live rock tunes that you grew up with, always imagining you would be right there. You might even make some fans to come watch you each week.

Luh Berumen added, “In two months, this has worked so well that the place is full every Saturday and there are people that ask for their own favorite songs and don’t miss any gig, making their dream come true.”

Join RockStaraoke at La Drinkeria at 11 p.m. Av. Petempich, Plaza Punto 115, Local 5, Residencial Los Olivos.

Thursdays 5 p.m. Cooking workshop for kids 6 years and up. El Hongo, Calle 19 sur between Av 80 y 85 Ejido. Bring your own plate and cup for your food and drink. And also a fruit donation to help with making fruit waters.

COOKING

WORKSHOP

D A N C E / S I L K S Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Free trial classes for kids at Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue South and Avenue 60 Diagonal in the Ejido. Given by Aerofobia. Please wear pants or leggings.

AERIAL

Mondays thru Fridays 6-7 p.m. Free trial classes for kids at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu.

Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

J I U J I T S U / M U AY T H A I /J U D O

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Single class $60mxn or 5 classes for $200. Casa Ananda, Avenue Andres Quintana Roo #2 Esquina Av. 75

YOGA

Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.Activacion Fit. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Break Dance. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Circuits. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ballet. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jazz Funk. Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Acrobats. Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Hip Hop. Free trial classes. F & D Kids Club Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

984-127-1990.

DANCE

They also do private parties and special shows / Photo: Luh Berumen

Sunday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Renew, reuse, or remodel your clothes with a team of restorers.

Blue Parrot Calle 12 between 1st Ave & the beach.

URBAN BAZAR

N O C H E D E D I V A S , 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.

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

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 p.m. at The Dirty Martini located on 1st Avenue between Calles 10 and 12.

K A R A O K E , I N T E R N AT I O N A L

LIVE KARAOKE.

Every Saturday at 11:00pm join the band RockStaraoke to live your Rock Star Fantasy. Choose from 100 songs! La Drinkeria, Av. Petempich, Plaza Punto 115, Local 5, Residencial de los Olivos.

D A N C E C L A S S E S , 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 L E S S O N S , every Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Salon Salsanera Raices, calle 12 between 5th & 10th. Free.

SALSA

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.

AERIAL DANCE/SILKS

ART CLASSES A R T N I G H T, Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. Sing, dance, and paint. Free.

KARAOKE

A R T C L A S S E S , Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. $200 pesos, materials included.

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ENTERTAINMENT

July 6 - 19

2016

Singing Seniors

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

They thank me in every class, but they do more for me than what I can do for them

Come celebrate and embrace the Mexican identify / Photo: Revolución Ecléltica

The Eclectic

Revolution Festival A festival to celebrate what it means to be Mexican is taking place on July 6 in PDC

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

O

n July 6, at Parque Fundadores, next the ferry to Cozumel, come celebrate Mexicanidad. This is a non-profit cultural festival that is geared towards celebrating Mexican culture through photography, painting, sculpture, dance, theater, and fashion.

Local artists will gather there for this celebration that will highlight some of the facets that make Mexico...well...Mexican! Mexico is full of color and weaves many traditional and modern types of art into a culture rich with tradition and beauty.

The Eclectic Revolution Festival aims to promote Mexican talent, creating a cultural space where emerging and established artists generate synergy with the audience, awakening interest in artistic quality. Consequently, the festival is a pioneer in conceptualizing and executing unique and influential experiences.

Parque Fundadores, at 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez, is a perfect landmark here in Playa del Carmen with its famous bronze statue (Portal Maya 2012) and the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Chapel to see more than 40 confirmed artists that will be representing6 many artistic expressions, such as fashion and accessory designers, painters, dancers, musicians and more.

This event, also known as The Fridas, for its Frida Kahlo theme, begins at 6pm to memorialize the month of her birth.

Some of the talent you will see there: Fashion Designers. Sixto Cuevas, Clau-

Two years ago, a very special voice coach and angel began a project to work with senior citizens. Luh Berumen decided to inspire an older generation to put themselves out there and learn something new that comes from the heart - singing.

According to Luh, “In the beginning, they were a group out of pitch and very insecure.” Over time, and with the love of Luh, these seniors have found a new way to express themselves and gain confidence in something they may never have thought to do in the past. Singing is beneficial in so many ways, physically, socially and emotionally.

Physically, singing can strengthen the lungs and tones up the entire respiratory system.

Using deep breaths to produce notes helps you to tone up the heart with aerobic capacity.

Working with Luh, these older angels get to work out in ways they may never have by improving their posture, immune system and many more benefits that come from signing.

Emotionally, belting out the tunes can increase self-esteem and confidence. As Luh mentioned, these seniors began with little confidence and now are performing with the Explayarte singers!

Some of these senior singers have taken off with this newfound talent, having their own songs and performing fre-

quently. It all began when they asked Luh to help them in a contest where seniors from all over Quintana Roo were asked to perform. It was such a great experience, that the classes have now continued for two years. They have performed in Feria de Playa del Carmen, Feria Navideña, and in the contests. On June 29, they sang in the Bolero Recital at Explayarte with Luh’s other students.

Sometimes they sing together and sometimes they choose an individual song to perform. The only requirement is to have fun and enjoy singing. Some of them are feeling for the first time what singing means. Confronting their fears is easier with each class, as they do it in a group setting together.

“This experience is very special for me because, when I was a little girl, I sang in the family meetings with my aunts the Luh Berumen songs that the senior citizens like. So, for me, it is like being with family and also it’s great that I know these trio, bolero and ranchero songs. They were surprised because I know those songs.

And I enjoy their stories and knowledge.

They thank me in every class, but they do more for me than what I can do for them.

I feel that they are all my grandparents, now that all my grandparents are gone.”

Luh explained.

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artists are confirmed

This Program is in Casa del Adulto Mayor. Av 40 between 26 and 28.

dia Bo, Colectivo las 3 Marías, Elisa Aguila, Pia Orozco, Celia Colunga, Yanin Bernal, Leydi Cal, Coral Silva, Irma Ayuso, and Enrique Barrios.

Accessory Designers. Coctel Joyería Frutal, Brizfill Castañeda Granados, María Bonita, Mayokase, and Paola Danieli Painters. La Galería de Playa, Melhor Rolem, Marco Marín, Caria Ramírez, Raúl López, Aixa Ainiver, Brenda Méndez, Marcelo Jiménez, Ángel Basto, Lucio Antonio Frías Correa, Martha Velazquez, Yhazael Villegas , Irena Stanic, Jhos De la Serna, Deysi Vargues Rosado, Guillermo Ochoa, Filiberto Ayala, and Yasmín Pineda.

Dancers. Operativo Silla Móvil, Apasionarte, and Paola Mayor.

Aerial Dance. Aerofobia, conducted by Alehandra Hernandez Music. Paco Domínguez, Samuel Morrisón, and The Black Crocodiles Special thanks to Yenny Gaona and Alehandra Hernandez for supplying the details to this exciting event!

Singing is beneficial in so many ways, physically, socially and emotionally / Photos: Luh Berumen

July 6 - 19

2016

El Pueblito Head just 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen to the Mayakoba eco-friendly resort development to visit their ¨little town¨and yes, it is open to the public!

BY THE PLAYA TIMES

I

f you have traveled at all in Mexico, you may have had the pleasure of wandering through some of the quaint colonial villages with shops and cafes, their Catholic church set as the anchor for the zocalo, a town square for families and friends to gather. Perhaps you have even had the pleasure of attending a big, beautiful Mexican wedding in a place like San Miguel de Allende. This classic representation of Mexican colonial village life has been recreated just 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen in the eco-friendly resort development of Mayakoba.

Perhaps better known for its three luxury hotels – Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba or its 18hole 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.

For those of you who live in the area, you may already know El Pueblito offers a wonderful farmer’s market on select dates throughout the month. Their market, as well as the cafes, shops, art gallery and the Catholic Church of El Pueblito, is open to the public.

El Pueblito is designed as a traditional town square, complete with a Catholic church, cafes hosted by each of the luxury hotels in the Mayakoba complex, and a beautiful gift shop that offers unique Mexican designed and Mexican made items from local artists and others from all over the country. The buildings surround a large patio that is perfect for events like weddings, cocktail parties and other events.

The location is also a great spot for an afternoon at one of its three cafes. Each hotel has its own restaurant within El Pueblito, delivering unique cuisine. Banyan Tree offers Bann Teng Thai with salads, juices and smoothies. La Fondita: Tostadas y Mezcalitos by Rosewood provides diners with authentic Mexican fare including tacos and topÐshelf mezcals and tequilas. If relaxing in a coffee shop is what you´re hoping for, stop in at El Cafecito by Fairmont for Mexican coffee, pastries and ice cream.

Their contemporary art gallery, Bá al Studio, owned by renowned Mexico City art gallery Art Studio By Ethra for Ethra Gallery, is currently displaying works from nine different artists from Mexico, Argentina and Korea. Their most important work is an exhibition by Pedro Friedeberg, Italian-born artist who escaped war-torn Europe with his family in 1939 to settle in Mexico. Mr. Friedeberg

and Frida Kahlo were recognized by Andre Breton as the only Mexican artists who were part of the surrealist movement. His pieces are available for purchase at the gallery. He will also be in attendance at an event in his honor on July 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Your visit to El Pueblito would not be complete without stopping in La Casa de los Pájaros, their boutique shop that offers items from all over Mexico. From beautiful hammocks by Hamacamarte in Playa del Carmen to crafts, artwork and accessories from wellÐknown Mexican artisans such as Daniel Espinosa, Maca Mexico, Moná Mana, Prison Art and more, this shop can not be missed. If you are looking for a unique, beautiful, and authentic gift for someone special or even a treat to yourself, this shop must be on your list.

One of the most popular offerings at El Pueblito is the beautiful Chapel La Santa Cruz. This Catholic Church was consecrated in February of 2014 and is a perfect location for a Catholic wedding, baptism, and even quinceaneras. The church holds around 100 people and as you face the altar, you feel are surrounded by the jungle which is just outside the large glass Additionally, El Pueblito offers cultural activities to the public including events for children, El Cine club with movie nights for kids and adults,

cocktails and art events, yoga, and more.

El Pueblito is open from 9 to 6 and it is open to the public. If you would like a schedule for any of their events, visit our What´s On section in the paper or on our website. If you are interested in booking an event like a wedding, baptism, or cocktail party, please visit www.mayakoba.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

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TPT FOODIES

July 6 - 19

2016

Going Nutty!

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK Pumpkin seeds are found loose and packaged in kiosks, road stands, markets and grocery stores, flavored or plain for that perfect afternoon. Want to make your own? Just spread the pepitas on a baking sheet, sprinkle with cumin, chile powder, lime, salt and oregano and bake in a 350-degree oven for 4 to 5 minutes.

Do you remember the craze of late night TV during the 70’s and 80’s, the Chia Pet? The company is still around, and these fad ceramic figurines depicting rams, pigs, gators and more are rubbed with one of the fastest sprouting seeds (salvia hispanica), watered regularly and originally made in Mexico.

Pepita is a word used in the Yucatan to refer to any kind of seeds, not only those of the pumpkin.

Fried chapulines (grasshoppers) are becoming more and more common / Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Bugs: They´re What´s for Dinner Mexico is a great country to expand your gastronomic horizons. Catherine gives you some options that may push you to your limits

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

Breadnut (ramón) is commonly used as a staple crop in Mexico. It is in the fig-mulberry family with large edible seeds that are high in vitamins A, C, iron and zinc. The tree’s nuts, with its slight chocolatey flavor, can be roasted and used as a coffee bean substitute or ground into meal.

The center of Mexico’s wheat trigo production, the most important crop in the north central corridor, is the Bajío region. Mexico’s wheat consumption is expected to increase in the coming year due, in part, to the ongoing popularity throughout Mexico of bread products, as it is evident in the myriad of baked goods readily available on every street corner

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uck, ew and icky may be the first words to come out of your mouth when seeing grasshoppers and other flying or crawling edible insects on a restaurant’s menu. Instead, while in Mexico try being like Andrew Zimmern on the Food Channel, and try one of these delicacies at least once. Maybe you too will declare, “This is the best thing I ever ate”. We pay dearly for and eat fungi (truffles), fish roe (caviar) and crocus flowers (saffron), so why not replicate some of the early Aztec diet by eating protein-rich, fat-free worms, ants or scorpions.

Gusanos. We have all seen these squiggly worms at the bottom of mezcal bottles, full of protein with aphrodisiac-like traits and tasting like French fries. Maybe.

A side of mayo anybody? Don’t want to eat a whole worm? then just a touch of sal de gusano on your burger will stop that insatiable craving. Find bouquets of hanging gusanos (like those dried chiles, so popular in the 80’s) in Oaxacan markets.

Peanut (cacahuate) can be cooked, dried or roasted and often crushed on top of many regional dishes, for added crunch. Not a single grocery store aisle is exempt from bags of cacahuates, shelled, unshelled, sprinkled with chile powder, doused with lime juice or encased in a crunchy shell (Japanese style). Try them in a crispy brittle with caramel.

Pecans (nuez) continue to be one of the most significant tree nuts in Mexico. Cultivated in Morelos and Jalisco, as well as Puebla and Mexico City, they are often eaten spiced, dusted with cinnamon, dipped in chocolate or encrusted in sugar.

Lagging behind pecan production, but still popular, are the cultivation of macadamia, pistachio, walnuts, pine nuts and almonds.

An enormous variety of these seeds can be found throughout Mexico / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Jumiles. Reminding us of the popular “Fear Factor” show’s crazy stunts, these “stink bugs” are often eaten while still alive, crawling or flying. In Taxco, they are sprinkled with lime and have a taste profile of cinnamon and mint. A Goldschlager Mojito, with a side of jumiles, please!

Alacranes. In the Yucatan, placing bowls of water at the foot of your bed is intended to ward off any scorpions from unexpectedly crawling under your sheets and giving you a stinging surprise in the middle of the night. Craving a crunchy midnight snack? Then, find them deep fried in a corn batter, with a lemon, parsley sauce. Scorpion Francese anybody?

A chapulines (grasshoppers) taco with fried beans in a nopal tortilla

Chapulines. This may be the most popular insect found throughout Mexico, not just in specialty markets, but even in your local supermarket, where these grasshoppers are often found dried. Tired of the ubiquitous peanuts, Chex mix or olives as a bar snack? Be a hit at your next get-together by taking the dried grasshoppers, dousing them with chili powder and lime juice. Crunch, crunch. Just do it!

Editor´s Note: I have been told by my coworkers that I must try Don PP on the highway if I want to have some of these delicacies. They highly suggest a dish of escamoles (ant eggs) which they swear are delicious. I’m not entirely convinced...yet.

July 6 - 19

TPT FOODIES

2016

Home Delivery Services Order food from the comfort of your home, hotel, or vacation rental

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

Costco, DAC and Bio-Natural, so you don’t have to. They will replenish the fridge, stock the bathroom and more. www.loqsea. com also offers locals discounts.

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eing in the Riviera Maya means laying on the beach, riding your bike, snorkeling, meandering through town and meeting friends. These are priorities, not being weighed down by shopping or cooking everyday. Want a plate of pasta, cochinita pibil, Thai curry or cachapa? Most restaurants offer takeout and delivery services, but you shouldn’t contact them individually. There are companies that deliver from dozens of restaurants.

Why stop there? There’s even a service that does the shopping for you.

Put the following companies’ phone numbers on your speed dial and get out there and enjoy.

Playita Express. Not only does this company deliver food from numerous restaurants, but they will scooter down to Oxxo for whatever ails you or pick up a movie for entertainment. Want a Piola pizza, sushi from Sushi Club or La Brocherie’s roasted chicken?

They do that. As they expand their services, the website is updated.

Whatsapp 984 157 0835 or call 984 147 0572. www.playitaexpress.com.

Water Delivery. Living in this tropical climate, make sure that you have enough garrafones of water on hand. Don’t despair, since companies like Epura (984 198 2796), Bonafont (01800 713 2263) and Agua Vida (984 136 4774) deliver those 20-liter jugs to your home, so you don’t have to lug them.

Playa Now delivery is available throughout most of Playa del Carmen and Cancun, from 9 a.m. till midnight. Check out their website, choose a restaurant, peruse the menus. Craving Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Argentinean or Seafood, like Yala, La Portena, Kaxapa and Gluay Maai? Simply Skype your order at Playa Now. www.playanow.com Tel. 984 131 4499 or 984 111 9795.

LoQSea. Launched last year, it is continually broadening its offerings. Currently, their focus is on

Photo:Agency

home delivery of food, beverage and personal products. However, watch their website for the addition of new products and stores,

since “lo que sea” is literally equal to anything, in Spanish.

They go on frequent shopping sprees to major supermarkets,

Pharmacies. Stuck at home?

Sick in bed? No worries. Pharmacies like YZA, Union, Similares and Del Ahorro deliver prescriptions to your door, often 24/7, gratis.

Kosher Food delivery. Chabad House of Playa offers a menu that includes spaghetti meatballs, Moroccan salmon and apricot chicken served with sides.

They deliver to residences and hotels. Delivery charges range in dollars from 7 to 20. kosherrivieramaya@gmail.com.

My Easy Food is a new company on Playa del Carmen’s delivery scene. Craving that burger from 3XL? Can’t wait for a plate of pasta from Pasta y Punto, Romeo’s popular pizza or Babe’s curry noodles? Just contact them for a fast and convenient delivery direct to your doorstep. Encompassing most of Playa del Carmen, check out their list of restaurants and menus with pictures of their dishes at www.myeasyfood.com, or call them at 984 131 0868. Register once with your basic information and it will make future delivery orders go even faster. They are available from noon until midnight.

Organika Playa produces, purchases and distributes organic products, mainly of Mexican origin. Don’t have time to make it to their store at 40th street and 5th Avenue? Then make use of their home delivery service. They feature a myriad of organic products, including dried goji berries, coconut oil, cacao nibs, turmeric, moringa powder, whole grain rice. They are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 998 162 1795 www.organikaplaya.com.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad B y M i s s ey D e e

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ooking for a little taste of the Caribbean? This recipe is not only healthy but super easy to make. On those hot summer days, this light and fresh recipe is sure to be a hit! You can alter the recipe with mango, my favorite, or pineapple to make it even more tropical.

What you will need 1 kilo boiled or steamed shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 avocados cut into large pieces 2 tablespoons diced red onion cilantro is recommended, but optional

You can either use Hass avocado or go with the local kind

For the dressing ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard salt and pepper, to taste Preparation, combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix and enjoy!

Experience a salad with true local ingredients / Photo: Missey Dee

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July 6 - 19

ART & CULTURE

2016

By Edgar Mena

Kukulcan The Feathered Snake is one the workshipped icons in all Mesoamerica, if not the most, and today you will meet the Maya version

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Markets are still very popular throughout Mexico / Photos: unvisitantenuevo

Markets and Fairs: from Pre-Hispanic Mexico to Modern Times Bg ma^ Ûklm iZkm h_ a^k l^kb^l% :e^cZg]kZ ^qiehk^l ma^ ik^& AbliZgb\ fZkd^ml h_ F^qb\h

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

I

magine arriving at an open air plaza, stopping a moment to observe the scene in front of you: people circulating among hundreds of stands with merchandise on the ground or on wooden tables, merchants offering their wares. People purchasing and bartering for items including fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, seeds, handcrafts and dolls made out of corn husks, clay pots and plates, cooking utensils, cloth, traditional clothing from different villages, delicious food and drink, edible insects, dogs, beautiful birds, chickens and hens. This is a typical day in the market in Chilapa, Guerrero.

Now imagine all of this and add luxurious items like quetzal feathers, golden jewelry, slaves, xoloitzcuintle dogs, woven palm leaves, medicinal plants, honey, corn, beans, salt, a variety of chiles, flowers, natural dyes, shells, snails, fish, snakes, obsidian knives, animal skins and more. Imagine the smell of coffee, and in the background a group of

judges watching over everything and making sure problems are solved. This is how a market was in the Pre-Hispanic Era. When they arrived in Aztec lands, the Spanish were very surprised, as Bernal Díaz del Castillo (a soldier of Hernán Cortés) related in his chronicles about the great market of Tlatelolco.

In Pre-Hispanic times, the currency used in the markets was cocoa (the biggest pieces), but precious jewels, cotton cloth, feathers, and copper could also be used to buy merchandise.

The most important markets were Xochicalco and Xochimilco where goods were sold at the floating market in canoes. This was not only in the state of Mexico, but also in Puebla and Monte Albán in Oaxaca, among others.

In the Maya region, the most important were the ones close to the coasts as the merchants were also sailors, among them Cozumel y Chichen Itzá.

Besides taking places weekly or bimonthly, the tianguis were also part of religious festivals.

he worship of the Feathered Snake is present in most of the cultures in Mesoamerica, and it is one of the most important icons in the region. It is unclear why people chose this particular image to worship, although, interestingly enough, it does recall the image of a dragon, especially when you think about the influence of Eastern countries over ancient America.

In the Maya culture, this description of a snake-like god with beautiful feathers belonged to the god Kukulcan (kukulmé, feathers and kan, snake), who was considered one of the gods responsible for the creation of the world, as well as the god of the wind. He dates back from way before the peninsular Maya people. According to fray Diego de Landa, one of the main Spanish missionaries responsible for the conversion of the Maya to Christianity in the 16th century, Kukulcan existed as a man who came from the west long before the Itzaes (previously mentioned in this column) arrived from Cozumel and founded Chichen Itza.

It is easy to link Kukulcan to Mesoamerica. Besides their resemblance, he has a lot of similarities with the Aztec and Toltec god Quetzalcoatl, so even if you haven’t read anything about these gods before, it is easy to relate them through the name quetzal, which is the name of the currency, as well as the bird, symbol of Guatemala (in Mesoamerica).

The Toltec god.

When the Toltec warriors from Tula arrived at the Yucatan, they found a very smart, educated and wise group of people (the Maya), but with little skill for war, so it was really easy for them to occupy the region.

Soon enough, their main god, Quetzalcoatl, was being worshiped by the Maya.

The Castle.

The Maya were great astronomers, and they could predict important events. Priests had

Head of Kukulcan sculpted at the base of the Castle in Chichen Itza / Photos: Wikimedia Commons / Shutterstock

The yearly event that even today takes place in Chichen Itza announced the Maya the arrival of Kukulcan

great power due to their ability to predict the perfect timing for planting crops, rainy seasons and other important moments.

To increase their power, they gathered the people in Chichen Itza on the days of the equinox so Kukulcan could speak through them. The now well-known phenomenon that takes place in the pyramid amazed the crowds, as it does even today.

Even though Kukulcan isn’t worshiped nowadays, he enjoys international recognition. He is visited by thousands of people every year as he descends from the stairs of the Castle twice a day during the equinox.

July 6 - 19

2016

Aromatherapy On The Go: Helpo Migraines got you down? Keep this handy little mental refresher with you wherever you go.

BY SARA JONES

Helpo’s deliciously uplifting blend of essential oils includes mint, lavender, Rosemary and ylang ylang in a base of soothing Aloe Vera, all sourced directly from India. Applied in gentle dots around the temples, forehead and then the sides and back of the neck, it can also be gently massaged into the skin using the opposite end of the bottle. The chic, stylish bottle contains 50 roll-on applications and is easy to carry with you on your keychain, belt loop or handbag.

Although originally designed for migraines, Helpo is also beneficial for stress, tension, tiredness and allergies. This uplifting blend pleasantly cools the skin, opens the airways and clears the mind. The effects can be felt for up to half an hour after application.

Helpo can be bought online at www.hihelpo.com, Mio Spa, Yogaloft and Yoga Maya Tulum.

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uffering with migraines from an early age, Karina Alvarez was given a blend of essential oils brought over from Spain by her friend’s grandmother.

After a while, Karina started making the blend herself, utilizing essential oils found locally around her hometown in the state of Chihuahua. She was able to stop taking medication and was inspired by the opportunity to help others also suffering from migraines and headaches. She entered a contest for startups at university and won a year of business support with Tecnológico de Monterrey.

After intensive research into aromatherapy, the blend was perfected and the first batch was ordered. Karina and her team started selling locally to friends and family. Helpo then entered another competition to compete globally against 40 countries, making it to the quarterfinals. From there, Helpo was able to break into the retail market around Chihuahua before Karina and her team decided to move to the eclectic town of Playa del Carmen, of which she had heard so many great things about.

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

Helpo is now available in Playa del Carmen / Photo:Helpo

Lucky for us there is no shortage of sun to get our vitamin D / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Sunny Benefits of Vitamin D

BY SARA JONES Deficiency of vitamin D

Unlike other vitamins and minerals that can be provided by our diet, the best way for us to produce vitamin D is from sunlight. Luckily for us, here in Playa del Carmen, there’s normally no shortage of sunlight.

There are two forms of vitamin D, inactive and active. Cholecalciferol is the inactive form, obtained mainly from sun exposure and, in small amounts, from dietary sources like oily fish, eggs and dairy and fortified foods. Our bodies need to convert this, using the liver and kidneys, to the active form, Calcitriol.

Essential for bone health, low levels of vitamin D in children can cause Rickets.

This softening and weakening of the bones has lasting effects and has been on the rise in recent years due to the overuse of sunscreen.

Loss of bone density and osteoporosis.

Cognitive decline, fatigue and depression.

Thinning hair and brittle nails Migraines, headaches and aching muscles.

Susceptibility to infections.

Getting the right amount of sun exposure:

Vitamin D has many important functions in the body:

Helps the absorption of Calcium from the intestines. This absorption is essential for a healthy skeletal system.

Supports the immune system, so your body can fight against everything, from the common cold to cardiovascular disease and even cancers.

Encourages a good mood and reduces the risk of depression and mental illness.

Relieves overall muscle pain and general pain tolerance.

Get some sun the morning or late afternoon when the sun (and the temperature) is not so high. It is still important not to burn, so if you know how long it typically takes your skin to burn, stay in the sun for about half that time.

For example, if you can burn in around 40 minutes of direct sun exposure, you need about 20 minutes for optimum vitamin D absorption.

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

HEALTH

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ANIMAL WELFARE

July 6 - 19

2016

Pet Ownership: Commitment Issues

BY NASH

Misha, from rooftop to living a happy life in B.C. / Photo:Help Tulum Dogs

Do you plan to have children? Many humans give up on their pet when a new baby arrives; this is not necessary. We hope you can balance both loves in your life.

Having pets in the home is medically proven to boost both your physical health and your mental wellbeing. Although we fall in love quickly, many adopted animals end up abandoned.

Sometimes we get caught up and make sudden decisions to take an animal into our home. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly, and it requires considerable thought and planning for the future. It is easy to fall in love with an animal in rescue, and it would be amazing to save the day and rescue this puppy, but be sure to consider these points:

Most rescue organizations provide a contract in the event you need to return your adopted pet, but with careful thought and planning, that should not be necessary. Pets are an important addition to your life with many health benefits.

Pets lower your blood pressure, ease anxiety and boost your immune system. Make the commitment to lifelong love.

Will you be able to afford the veterinary bills if your pet has medical issues?

Is your home pet-friendly?

Can you promise to always live in a pet-friendly home?

Who will take care of your pet when you go on vacation or in the case of an emergency?

If you leave the country, will your pet be included in the move?

Editor´s Note: There are a lot of well-meaning people in the region who rescue a cat or a dog only to abandon it when they leave the country. We see it far too often on the local Facebook pages and other social media. Please, before you rescue an animal, remember you should consider yourself the sole person responsible for caring for that animal.

If you leave the country, you should plan on your rescued pet going with you.

Are you willing to commit for the rest of this little guy´s life? / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Animal Rescue Reaching Across North America There is a saying, ¨it takes a village¨, but in animal rescue, it takes a continent. Canadian, American and Mexican rescuers work together to ensure abandoned animals have a chance at a better life.

BY NASH

W know Did you

that...

years Cats can live up to 20 all dogs s and up to 20 for sm ar ye 13 to 10 of n pa Dogs have a lifes 12 years Rabbits can live 8 to years old own to live up to 95 Parrots have been kn 30 years Snakes may live up to

e talked to Lisa Edwards, Founder of Lost Dog Foundation and Help Tulum Dogs, about her work in rescue, along with Cathy and Richelle. They are working between countries to get animals in need into loving, permanent homes. Tulum is overpopulated with unwanted animals that suffer abuse and neglect and many in need of medical attention. Due to the lack of education and financial means of the Maya community in this area, it is a very difficult environment for dogs. Through donations, volunteers and their parent charity, Lost Dog Foundation based in the US, they can provide medical care, vaccines, and food to animals in dire need. Educating people and providing better housing for animals is all in a day’s work.

Help Tulum Dogs has a goal to sterilize the majority of dogs in Tulum, and control the countless street dogs that are trying to survive. They are able to sponsor free sterilization clinics twice a year in Tulum.

These women have created an incredible network, working with private fosters, donors and other rescue groups in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Help Tulum Dogs

Three countries come together to donate, rescue, foster, transport and adopt Mexican dogs doesn’t have a physical shelter, so they are always looking for suitable foster homes and transportation to Canada and the U.S. Lisa states that finding homes for older dogs or special needs dogs is the most difficult task. In Tulum, there is no shortage of puppies, and they get adopted fairly quickly. Although there is no set adoption fee, they request a donation to help cover the medical expenses, which include sterilization, core vaccines and complete vet check up. If you can foster a desperate dog, donate or adopt, please email helpmexicandogs@hotmail.com.

Follow these two nonprofit rescue groups on Facebook/Lost Dog Foundation and Facebook/Help Tulum Dogs.

M y F r i e n d F r o m T h e St r e e t Mi Amigo de la Calle (My Friend From The Street), is a dedicated group of people with a mission to improve the life of neglected pets in Playa del Carmen.

Since 2014, this nonprofit organization has been collecting pet food (over 11

tons of food to date), which is donated to local animal shelters and Cebiam (city pound). They are committed to raising awareness for street and shelter animals through education, including children’s events and animal conferences.

Mi Amigo de la Calle sponsors sterilization campaigns in Maya communities and hosts regular adoption events.

To attend an adoption event or donate food, follow them on Facebook/Mi Amigo de la Calle.

July 6 - 19

2016

ANIMAL WELFARE

19

CLASSIFIEDS 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 in fo@m eridianmed i a. mx.

LEARN SPANISH! The clinic will be able to offer low cost veterinary care to the public / Photos: Dr Judith Sanchez Chacon

small groups or private, professional teachers. Special prices for local

Puerto Morelos:

residents 9 8 4 1 1 4 9 0 9 0 . agoralanguagecenter@gmail.com

Low Cost Veterinary Clinic Congratulations to Planned Pethood International on the opening of their new facility right here in the Riviera Maya!

BY BARBARA MARTIN DANIEL

O

n Saturday, June 18th in Puerto Morelos, almost in front of the hotel El Dorado Generations, the Plannet Pethood International hospital was opened. My friend Carlos, who is the representative, met us and introduced us to the organization.

What is Planned Pethood International?

It is an international foundation to help animals founded by Jeff Yuong. The main branch is in the United States.

When did it start and how long have they been working in Mexico?

It started more than 20 years ago and this is the first time they have operated in Mexico.

When did you start to work with Planned Pethood International?

Five years ago. As you know, since I was young, I was interested in working with street animals (dogs, cats, raccoons, and so on) and I helped them. (Author’s note: in 2008, with a wonderful group of people, Carlos formed the Malix Pek organization in Playa del Carmen and later took his own path to become incorporated with Planned Pethood International.

Opening day

Is the clinic low cost?

My life is happier now that we can help many in the community and the street animals to avoid overpopulation, sicknesses, abandonment, and so forth.

It is low cost and runs on donations. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4pm and Saturdays from 8:30 to 2 pm.

The day after opening, you and your coworkers did a sterilization campaign. How many animals did you attend to?

We sterilized 64 dogs and eight cats. We are planning the next campaign for November 2016. Currently, they will only be in Puerto Morelos but in the near future, we will be doing sterlization campaigns in local communities where it is needed.

How have you felt since you opened the veterenary clinic?

We are always ready to help the whole community of the Riviera Maya. It is a pleasure to be part of the community and help them begin to take more responsibility for animals. It is a community on the rise!

I invite you to visit the Planned Pethood International clinic in Puerto Morelos, with their wonderful project. Facebook/PlannedPethoodInternational.

B E AC H B O RA D