Edition 112

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 0 4 · N u m b e r 1 1 2 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · J u l y 5 - 1 8 , 2 0 1 7

Cenotes

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

S MASP IDE

Come along as we explore the magical world of these freshwater sinkholes dotting the Yucatan peninsula, home to the most extensive underwater cave system in the world.

IN

BEACH LIFE

The Hidden Mysteries of Cenotes >P. 6

ART & CULTURE

Cenotes: Gateway to the Maya Underworld >P. 7

Photo: Kim Davidsson for Vida Aquatica Dive Center

· ANIMAL WELFARE

· DISCOVER MEXICO CENOTE LAND & SEA CONNECTION July 5 - 18

A look at the turquoise-browed motmot and its distinctive colored plumage and impressive tail display

>P. 22

Photo: The Playa Times

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Katja Schulz

TURQUOISE BROWED BEAUTY

What Happens Inland Affects the Sea? Absolutely. Find out more about the connection between what is happening on land and how it affects the sea.

>P. 9

2017 Looking for something to do?

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

3

July 5 - 18 2017

Editorial

Hot Days and Hot Nights Call For Cool Cenotes

BY REBECCA PAGE

E

DIRECTORY

veryone comes to the Mexican Caribbean for the turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. However, there’s more to this region than meets the eye. Head into the jungle and you’ll find crystal-clear, cool, freshwater that provides the jungle with life. Cenotes, known as ts’onot in the Yucatec Mayan language, occur when the limestone in the region collapsed and formed pits or sinkholes. They are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and a great way to cool off on these hot, hot, hot summer days!

There are many options for visiting cenotes when on the Riviera Maya. You can book an organized tour through a tour operator or you can visit them on your own.

A great option is to rent a car and make a day of it. Regardless of where you are staying, there are plenty to choose from.

One such choice is located just a short drive from the main highway in Tulum.

Zacil-Ha is a small but beautiful cenote and a really nice spot to cool off on a hot day. When you step out of your car in the parking lot, all you can hear are birds. The grounds are very pretty with wood decking

Rebecca Page General Manager & Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Ian MacKenzie Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design efrenmmedia@gmail.com

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

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

Sales Cell: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx

and palapas with tables where families can picnic. We would recommend going in the morning, before any tours stop by. Also, given its size, I would suggest not going on Sundays. Whether you are at a cenote, beach, or any other tourist attraction, Sundays are always going to be most crowded, as it is the one day Mexican families can spend together.

Zacil-Ha is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and it costs $50 pesos per person to get in. For an additional $50 pesos, you can bring in your own food and drink (including beer). If you don’t bring your own, don’t worry. They have a bar that offers everything from water and soda to margaritas and micheladas. They also have a swimming pool on the property, in case you have little ones who aren’t quite ready

to swim in a cenote.

Are you a certified scuba diver? Do you know the difference between cavern and cave diving? Be sure to check out my interview with Roman from Vida Aquatica Dive Center on page 8. Roman took some time to talk to me about his passion - diving the caverns and caves in the Riviera Maya.

Our resident anthropologist, Alejandra Campo, wrote two articles for our Art & Culture section about the role of cenotes in Maya legend. There are also articles about discoveries in cenotes, the cenote and sea connection, animals who live in and around cenotes and more.

Yes, the beaches are beautiful here and probably the reason you booked your trip.

But, don´t miss out on visiting a cenote while you’re here!

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @ThePlayaTimes playatimes theplayatimes Zacil-Ha is a small but beautiful cenote in Tulum / Photo: The Playa Times The Playa Times

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., Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.

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BEACH LIFE

July 5 - 18 2017

Why You Should Get a

CURP

Find out why having this identification number is a good idea if you are a temporary or permanent resident in Mexico

BY THOMAS LLOYD, FOUNDER OF TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

W

hen you’re living in Mexico, there are a few documents that you can and should obtain in order to make your life easier. One of these official papers is the CURP, which you can get even if you are not a Mexican citizen, as long as you have a temporary or permanent resident visa.

A CURP, which stands for “Clave Única de Registro de Población” (Unique Population Registry Code) is assigned to every Mexican citizen and also to temporary or permanent residents in Mexico. This identification number is similar to what people in the US know as their Social Security Number, and is composed of 18 characters in a unique combination which cannot be duplicated.

To obtain a CURP you must go to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (immigration) with these documents: Passport

(original and a copy)

Residence card (original and a copy)

A letter of intent (CURP request letter)

Photo: Pixels

If you’re staying in Mexico long term, either for work or retirement, at some point you will need to provide your CURP, because this ID number is required for different services.

If you want to sign up for Mexican social security, for example, get a Mexican driver’s license, or file Mexican taxes, among other services, you will need a CURP. Also, if you’re retired and living in Mexico, a CURP is a requirement to get your INAPAM card, a special ID for people older than 60, which offers discounts for several services nationwide, such as discounts on bus and plane tickets, cultural events and museum entries, discounts in restaurants, pharmacies and on some medical services.

If you’re interested, the process to get a CURP is easy, free and it will not take too much time.

To get it you must go to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (immigration) with these documents: • Passport (original and a copy) • Residence card (original and a copy) • A letter of intent (CURP request letter) Bring these to the immigration office in Playa del Carmen Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. only.

Yes, it’s just one hour, but it’s worth getting organized to get your CURP and start enjoying the benefits of having this ID. So, go to the closest immigration office and get it now.

Check out a sample of the letter of intent here: topmre.com/getcurp

Do you have questions related to property management or vacation rentals? Send questions or concerns to allan@ nasplaya.com / Photo: CFE.gob.mx

Ask Allan: Changes to CFE Meters Heating Things Up

BY ALLAN LOCKHART, OWNER OF NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE SEASIDE ROTARY CLUB IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN Hey, Allan I’ve heard that the new electric meters being installed by CFE will mean an increase in my rate. Is this true or not? Marjorie Thanks for your question, Marjorie.

Well, the answer is technically no, but yes, you will see an increase. In March of this year, CFE conveniently increased their rates in all of Mexico 13.3-17.2%. This was a nationwide increase which is not related to the change of meters in Quintana Roo. Considering that Playa del Carmen pays some of the highest rates in all of Mexico, this is certainly not a welcome change.

In terms of the new digital meters, CFE began installing in March of this year in Quintana Roo. CFE superintendent, Gabriel Baqueiro Meza, maintains the new digital meters will not increase the rate you are paying for power. The meters are going to be replaced at no charge to the consumer, but CFE maintains these meters are official property of CFE. That being said, we had one client whose new meter was not working - and which we reported to CFE on various occasions. Instead of fixing it, they just estimated the consumption to be

around $2,000 pesos for 2 months … in a unit that was not occupied! The meter kept reading all zeros until we finally pressured CFE to change the meter.

As consumers you need to be vigilant and monitor your meter and consumption and verify that against your bill. So, the short answer is yes, your rate increased but it’s not related to the change of the meters.

Thanks, Allan Editor´s Note: We spoke with PROFECO, Mexico´s Consumer Protection Agency, and they advised that if you have a complaint regarding CFE, you should file it with them immediately. You will need to bring the original and two copies of your official ID and a letter of complaint outlining the issue. It should include the full name and address of the company you are filing a complaint against. You should also bring originals and copies of your bills showing the increase. If the bills are not in your name, you will need a notarized letter from the person on the bill that declares you have their permission to file a complaint. PROFECO are located on Calle 10 between 20 and 25 (across from the Palacio Municipal near Oxxo) and we were assured they have staff that speaks English.

6

BEACH LIFE

July 5 - 18 2017 colonial chronicles from the Spanish conquerors, we know that the Mayas performed human sacrificial rituals in the cenotes and these were mainly related to the cycle of rain, the harvest and the god, Xilbabá. Expert divers are still finding human skeletons inside the cenotes, and anthropological studies have determined that the majority of the bones belong to little boys and adolescents whose hearts had been extracted first.

For the Maya, cenotes are the gateway to Xibalba, the underworld where their gods resided / Photo: The Playa Times

The Hidden Mysteries of

Cenotes

Ma^ Rn\ZmZg \hgmZbgl hg^ h_ ma^ phke] l eZk`^lm caves systems, which can be found inside these natural sinkholes that stretch across the peninsula.

BY MELISSA MÉNDEZ ORANTES

C

enotes are more than just a tourist attraction in Mexico.

These places, considered sacred by the Maya, also hide some archaeological and anthropological data of great importance that you probably did not know about. Here are three examples: Fossil vestiges In the interior of the cenotes, millions of fossilized corals and ma-

rine animals have been found, such as prehistoric sharks, whales and even elephants and other prehistoric mammals more than 10,000 years old. The animals that are the easiest to admire without specialized equipment are those who have shells, because when they die, they tend to accumulate and degrade until compacted densely, forming what is known as a calcareous rock.

Human sacrifices Thanks to Maya documents and

Women in the cenotes Women were not allowed access to the cenotes; the only ones who entered were the priests to extract their waters, which were considered miraculous. The only way a woman could enter was to perform a strange ritual. They were pushed from a great height into the cenote. If they survived and asked for help it was a good omen from the gods, if they were unconscious or drowned it meant that the gods were angry with the rulers.

The paradox of all this is that according to INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico), the oldest skeleton in America, which was more than 12 thousand years old, was found in the cenote Hoyo Negro, located in Tulum, and belongs to a woman from Siberia!

I leave you with one more fact ... the word ‘cenote’ comes from the Maya word Dzonoot which means ‘cavern with water’, a somewhat brief definition after hearing all the history that a cenote can contain, don´t you think?

Cenotes:

A Transformational Experience

BY IAN MACKENZIE The geography of the Yucatan peninsula is like that of a massive island, completely flat on the surface, with no hills or mountains. But if you look a little further, you will find that things are inverted here, and height gives way to depth, as openings in the ground give way to the world that lies beneath.

Cenotes are natural sinkholes which open up on the surface and lead to the subterranean world of the Yucatan’s underground river system. Inside is a massive, connected series of caves that go deep into the earth, possibly the largest of its kind on the planet.

This connects with the underground river system that flows beneath the Yucatan. Rainwater enters and becomes part of the flow which empties out to sea, with its distinct turquoise color.

The ancient Maya regarded cenotes in spiritual and religious terms. For them, it was the gateway to Xibalba, the Maya underworld, the place where there gods resided. It was they who commanded that the Maya deliver offerings of food, gold, and human sacrifice.

There is something about these caves that strongly affects those who enter. According to Otto von Bertrab, it will likely have a transformative effect on your life. Von Bertrab is the General Director at Rio Secreto, located 4 km south of Playa del Carmen. As a guest speaker at the conference on Sustainable Development in Playa del Carmen recently, he told a room full of visiting students what he views as the power of being inside a cenote. He noted the universally positive effects it has had on visitors, regardless of where they come from.

Humankind has been visiting these cenotes for quite some time.

Even to this day, a visitor to a cenote may come across the skeletal remains of a prehispanic human who is not of Maya or Olmec origin, but from an earlier age. Humans have been in and out of these subterranean places for thousands of years, leaving a trace of themselves behind. The opportunity to visit one is like a trip back in time. For those raised in urban environments, a visit will likely leave its mark, as the other worldliness of the environment transcends all culture and ethnic backgrounds to work its magic on those who venture inside.

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By Cabo Secured Lending Mexico is home to the largest number of Americans living outside the United States. Many Americans and foreigners from all over the world come to Mexico to invest in property.

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Historically, foreigners purchase real estate in Mexico with cash, or with equity from their property back home.

Financing and mortgages available for foreigners are limited in Mexico - except partial short-term financing from a developer.

Obtaining a mortgage in Mexico can be more complicated than it is in the U.S. or Canada. Part of the reason is the lengthy process involved if the property ends up in foreclosure. The other issue is that to qualify for a Mexican mortgage you need Mexican residency and an excellent credit rating here in Mexico.

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July 5 - 18 2017

The white flower floating on the waters is actually Nicté Há, waiting for her prince / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Legend of the Prince and Nicte Há

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO If you have visited the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, surely you will have noticed beautiful white flowers that seem to float in the water surrounded by lilies.

In the past, cultures used to develop myths and legends to explain events about which they had no knowledge, or alternatively to generate fear and control a society. They were also used to explain something beautiful, tragic and even poetic.

One legend of this kind has it that there was once a king who had a son named Chac Dzib Dzib, who intended to marry a girl of the same rank. However, the designs of desti-

ny were very different from those of the king.

One day, the young and handsome prince met a beautiful young girl. Her name was Nicté Há, “Water Flower” and the two young people soon fell in love. They used to see each other every night next to the cenote, being careful that no one saw them.

Despite the relationship’s youthful charm, it was not seen well through the eyes of the great king, as Niché Há was only a commoner. Nicté Há’s father was no less than the high priest of the Cenote Sagrado, but still a commoner in the end.

Upon finding out about the relationship, the priest devised a plan to separate them and thus not provoke the anger of the king. However, unable to find a way to put an end to the youngsters’ courtship, he made a fatal decision.

Meanwhile, the prince had decided to marry the girl in secret. However, one night prior to the ceremony, the prince had a bad feeling, He grabbed his red coat and went out to look for his beloved. Arriving at the cenote, he saw her sitting as she did every night and ran to hug her. This was when her father drove an arrow through the heart of his own daughter who fell into the cenote.

Horrified, the prince searched unsuccessfully in the dark waters of the cenote to find his beloved. He begged the gods to allow her to be with him forever. Showing their compassion, the gods transformed Nicté Há into a beautiful white flower, and the prince into a red bird with a beautiful song: the cardinal.

Ever since, people have said that the white flower floating on the waters is actually Nicté Há, waiting patiently every morning for her prince, her everlasting love.

ART & CULTURE

7

Guests enjoy the event / Photos: The Playa Times

Photo: TAEMA AIRPARK PRIVATE CLUB

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By Ian MacKenzie Cenotes represent the entrance to the Maya underworld / Photo: Quinta Magazine

Cenotes: Gateway to the Maya Underworld

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO For Mesoamerican peoples, the concept of life after death was very different from that imposed on them by the Catholic religion following the Spanish invasion. Mesoamerica had no concept of Catholicism’s heaven and hell, nor of only four cardinal points.

Their religion was polytheistic, that is, they believed in many gods.

So what does all of this have to do with a body of water, you might ask?

The cenote, or dzonot as it is known in Maya, has a very important meaning for this civilization: it is the entrance to the underworld. This is not to be confused with hell, which as I mentioned previously, is a Catholic concept.

The underworld of the Maya is called Xibalba and consists of nine levels, each guarded by the Bolontiku, the Lords of the Realm of Xibalba. Accessing each level depended on your cause of death and not on the life lived, unlike Catholicism, where you receive reward or punishment by being sent

to heaven or hell.

According to Maya mythology, a ceiba tree was generally a sign that there was a water source nearby, a fountain of life in the form of a cenote. This is the reason many villages were built around them. In terms of symbolic value, if we take the meaning of the ceiba, which is the center of the universe or the axis mundi, we can understand the great cultural value that cenotes had for the Maya.

In this symbolic world, the ceiba represents life, the four cardinal points, the center of the Earth, and two other vertical points, upwards, and downwards to the cenotes.

The powerful symbol of the cenote was also a focal point during the caste wars, and during the month of July we will be celebrating the anniversary of the Maya social struggle. Legend says that it was next to a cenote where the Talking Cross appeared, carved into a tree.The cross would become a symbol of this armed uprising. Beneath our feet lies a world of a meanings and symbols.

Source: www.arqueologíamexicana.com/ losdiosesmayas

I

t’s the evening of June 15, and I am at my favorite shopping mall in Playa del Carmen, La Quinta Alegria. I am there to attend an event to celebrate the opening of the sales office and showroom for a new development called Taema. So what is Taema, you ask? We are about to find out.

The office is easy to find, located on the ground floor next to the Mac store, and as I walk inside, I see a monitor on the wall showing a slideshow of images from the project. There is a large map on the opposite wall showing the development in detail, while a large spread of food sits on the table in front of it. Refreshments are being offered, and I see some familiar faces from the real estate community who are eager to find out more.

Taema’s

second phase is for those who live, breathe, and eat aviation, and aims to create a community of pilots and aircraft owners.

“The project has taken eight years now,” Jean Damien de Terwangne, the director of the project, told me. “We began with the idea of creating a new concept in Mexico of being socially and eco-responsible. The hacienda lots start at 400 m2 and feature amenities such as 1500 meters of cycling and jogging tracks, 24-hour video surveillance and controlled visitor access, and beach club.”

Taema also has an agreement with the Puerto Aventuras Golf, Marina and Beach Resort for the use of their services and attractions. The first phase, Hacienda, is due to be delivered in August of 2017.

The big idea behind the second phase, Airpark, scheduled for delivery in September 2019, allows residents to arrive in their own airplane, park in a private hanger, and walk a short distance to their homes. It is for those who live, breathe, and eat aviation and aims to create a community of pilots and aircraft owners, similar to how Puerto Aventuras is for boat owners.

With the combination of beach, marina, private airport, and a beach club, Taema offers many amenities to its homeowners.

For information about Taema, visit their new office in La Quinta Alegria shopping mall, located on Fifth Avenue and Constituyentes, on the ground floor next to the Mac store. Or you can visit them online: www.taema.mx or Facebook/ Taema by Etos

8

DISCOVER MEXICO

July 5 - 18 2017

Diving Caverns

s e v a C d n a

Scuba divers from around the world travel to the Yucatan Peninsula to dive in our extensive network of caverns and caves.

We spoke with Roman from Vida Aquatica Dive Center to learn about the difference between cavern diving and cave diving and what makes it all so appealing.

BY REBECCA PAGE

T

he Yucatan Peninsula has the most extensive network of cenotes and underwater caves in the world. This has made the area an internationally renowned location for cavern and cave diving. Important discoveries have been made in the Yucatan Peninsula thanks to cave divers, including the 13,000-year-old human remains found a few years ago in Hoyo Negro.

We sat down with Roman from Vida Aquatica Dive Center to find out more, including what is the draw to the cenotes, caverns, and caves for divers.

What is the difference between cavern diving and cave diving?

To cavern dive, you must be an open water certified diver, and you can only dive with a guide. The parameters for cavern diving state that natural daylight from the sun is visible.

The maximum penetration is 130 feet, and the maximum depth in an overhead environment is 70 feet or 21 meters. We never dive restrictions in cavern diving (no narrow tunnels). You always need space for two divers to pass side by side (in case you need to share air). Minimum visibility is 40 feet (12 meters). There is a maximum of four divers per dive guide.

There is a cavern diver course, which can be completed after your advanced course.

Some cenotes, like Gran Cenote, are requiring that divers have their cavern certification to dive there and as always they must be with a guide. They will ask for your official dive card or certificate.

In cave diving, there are three levels of courses you must take (since cave divers will penetrate well beyond the parameters of cavern diving). The first is the cavern course. The second is the introduction to cave diving course, and the final is the full cave course. Once you are certified as a cave diver, you can enter the caves. A full cave diver can do circuits, jumps, compression dives and so on. The full cave course is eight days with 16 dives minimum and is for a more advanced diver who has excellent buoyancy control. It is recommended that you have at least 100 dives.

The Yucatan Peninsula has the most extensive network of cenotes and underwater caves in the world / Photo: Kim Davidsson for Vida Aquatica Dive Center

Cave diving is only for those who are properly trained and follow standard procedures.

Cavern diving means following and staying on the cavern line, so you don’t get lost.

What kind of special equipment do cave divers use?

We use a redundant system. That means double tanks connected with a manifold, two first stages, two second stages – one with a seven foot long. Other required equipment includes a primary light, two backup lights (because you will have no natural daylight from the sun), a line-cutting device, spare mask, a dive computer, a second timing device (watch or dive computer), reels, and markers. Depending on the dive you’re doing, you may need additional tanks or mixed breathing gases.

What do you like about cave diving?

The quiet environment – no noise, no boats.

I hear my heartbeat and my bubbles. It´s super peaceful. It´s a little bit of yoga. But I’m aware, very aware. The greatest thing about cave diving is when you are making your way out of a cave, and you see the blue light. It starts as a pinhead and then it opens up more and more. This is always my favorite thing.

The maximum penetration for cavern diving is

130 feet, and the maximum depth in an overhead environment is

70 feet

How much more is left to be explored?

That´s a good question. Local cave divers continue to explore passages in known caves and look for new cenotes. It´s getting more difficult because (the area left to be explored) is more remote. But even in the main caves here, people find some new passages.

What are some of the cool things you’ve seen in the caves?

The formations (stalactites and stalagmites) or sometimes you go from narrow tunnels and then it opens up into a big room, like at

Chinese Gardens. There is the Blue Abyss, which is actually a sinkhole within a cave, so we squeeze through some narrow passages, and it opens into a very large area. Then, you see this fantastic blue, and it goes down about 75 meters.

It is important to note: Accidents have happened here. Divers without the appropriate training can and have died in the caves. It is incredibly important that if you are not a certified cave diver, you should never, under any circumstance enter a cave.

Wait! There´s more! To read our full interview with Roman, please visit www.theplayatimes.com.

For more information about the cave systems here in Quintana Roo, visit the Quintana Roo Speleological Survey at caves.org/project/ qrss. If you’re interested in diving with Roman and the team from Vida Aquatica Dive Center visit http://www.vidaaquatica.com/.

July 5 - 18 2017

DISCOVER MEXICO

9

A Mexican Crocodile?

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI The ‘Mexican crocodile’ or ‘Morelet´s crocodile’ was first described in Mexico in the 1800s by a French naturalist whose last name was Morelet, but it is actually distributed from eastern Mexico through the Yucatan Peninsula and all the way to Guatemala and Belize. This crocodile was often confused with its Cuban relative because of many similarities in their looks. However, it was recognized as its own separate species in the earlies 1900s. They live in freshwater and brackish water too, like swamps, ponds, cenotes, lagoons or rivers.

Where it all begins - the cenotes of the Riviera Maya / Photo: Florencia Cerutti

What Happens Inland Affects the Sea? Yes The porosity of the limestone in the Riviera Maya allows pollution _khf lnk_Z\^ Z\mbobmb^l mh Ühp ]hpg mh ma^ ng]^k`khng] pZm^k% ^o^gmnZeer k^Z\abg` ma^ l^Z pbma fbgbfnf Ûem^kbg`'

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI

T

he Riviera Maya is part of a larger region called the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) which has an enormous limestone platform with high porosity and permeability. This coupled with lots of rain over thousands of years has resulted in unusual surface features like sinkholes (cenotes) and a complex underground water system with caves.

Cave exploration through SCUBA diving started in the early 1980s and has revealed an extensive system of tunnels, caves and sinkholes along the Yucatan Peninsula. The peninsula has the three longest underwater cave systems in the world and snorkeling/diving in cenotes is an important tourism activity.

However, the porosity of the limestone allows pollution from surface activities such as urbanization, tourism, or mining to flow down to the underground water with minimum filtering. The underground river system effectively drains the waste to coastal springs linking water originating from inland areas to discharge areas along the coast, channeling pollution to the Caribbean Sea and its precious coral reefs.

Scientists believe that land-based sources of pollution such as discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater, along with other issues like overfishing, may have contributed to the loss of up to 50% of corals on the reefs along the region’s coast. Given the foreseen increase in coastal settlement and tourism activities in the region, coupled with the elimination of

natural filtering ecosystems such as mangroves and dunes, preventive measures and a better understanding of this system are urgently needed. They would ensure that expanding development does not damage the marine environment, human health and the region’s tourism-based economy.

Characteristics of the Morelet’s crocodile This crocodile has a very broad snout and is a dark gray-brown color with dark bands and spots throughout its body. Young crocodiles are bright yellow with some dark bands. It is considered one of the smallest species of crocodile, but it does reach up to three meters long, and males are larger than females. This species is unique because females build mound nests rather than hole nests like other species. In such nests, she lays 25-50 eggs which hatch after approximately 80 days of incubation. Females coordinate this event with the seasons so that the hatchlings are born in the wet season.

With the wet season comes plenty of water to swim around and feed in, as well as more vegetation to hide from predators. Baby crocodiles are born at about 17 cm long, and females carry them into the water for a short time during which they are very protective. They are one of the few reptiles that show parental care of their young, although eventually, they do leave them to fend for themselves. These crocodiles feed on fish, particularly as juveniles, but as they grow, they can also feed on small mammals, birds, and smaller crocodiles.

Morelet´s Crocodile Characteristics:

• Young crocodiles are bright yellow with some dark bands • It is one of the smallest species of crocodile, even though they can reach almost 10 feet (3 meters)!

• Males are larger than females • Females lay 25 to 50 eggs in mound nests • Baby Morelet´s crocodiles are born about 17 cm long

Exploitation and habitat destruction The Mexican crocodile was heavily exploited during the 1900s due to the high quality of its skin for leather products, extirpating this species from many localities. Although populations have recovered through protection, habitat destruction is a significant threat nowadays, so monitoring of this species should be done to ensure that any future population declines are noted. Legal trade in the species from Mexico is restricted to animals from registered captive breeding operations, so be sure to check for this if buying crocodile products in these countries.

50% of the region’s coral reefs have been lost to pollution So, are you visiting a cenote? Use biodegradable skin products and take your trash with you. Do you live here? Use biodegradable products (skin care, detergents, etc.) as they will likely end up in the underground water system. Are you planning a development or business here? Learn about the appropriate wastewater disposal specific to this region. If ‘those in charge’ insist on using national regulations for wastewater disposal which are unsuitable for this area, at least we, the community, can do our best to pollute a little less.

Even though it is one of the smallest, Morelet’s crocodiles can reach almost 10 feet / Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Mike Holmes

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DISCOVER MEXICO

July 5 - 18 2017

Welcome to La Peña

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The view in Antigua is always impressive - surrounded by volcanoes / Photo: Frank van der Burgh

BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH

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hen you come to Mexico, the choice of things to do and places to see is endless. You can spend weeks exploring the Caribbean coast, seeing all the wonders that Chiapas has to offer, sampling your first mole in Oaxaca or climbing the temple of the moon in Teotihuacan. You will surely realize at some point that the more you see, the more you want to see. If you feel like a break, or want to see how things are in another place, why don’t you head out to Guatemala?

Although accessible by bus

from either Chiapas or Quintana Roo via Belize, I recently opted to fly straight into the capital on a one-week break. If you manage to get your tickets through the ‘hotsale’ from one of the Mexican airline companies, you can sometimes fly for as low as 500 pesos.

Since the capital has a questionable reputation, I went straight on to the colonial town of Antigua, which is just a 45-minute ride away. This place has a lot to offer, with a rich colonial past. The fact that it is surrounded by three volcanoes means that whatever direction you look, the vista is always impressive. More so because the one called ‘Fuego’ is active and can be seen spewing ash

and lava throughout the day.

It was a very busy week for me, with six days of living with a local family combined with intensive one-to-one Spanish lessons four hours per day. I met fellow students and travelers and we explored the city together. I saw what the nightlife has to offer and managed to climb one of the aforementioned volcanoes the following day. I ate different food and experienced the rainy season in all its glory.

In just one week of travel, I met new friends, got ideas about places to visit, improved my Spanish skills, and got renewed energy and excitement for continuing the adventure of living in beautiful Mexico.

BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH Traveling around Mexico, you encounter your fair share of ‘Pueblo Magicos’.

If you head over to Queretaro, after an hour’s drive, you will arrive at Bernal.

It is called Peña de Bernal, more commonly known as La Peña. The magical town that I am recommending this time is probably not the the biggest attraction, but rather the unique view that is right next to it.

To be honest, it is really just a big rock posing as a mountain. An impressive one, but a rock nonetheless. More research however, reveals that this is one of the largest monoliths in the world. If you feel up to the challenge you can climb up about halfway for a view of the valley. Unfortunately this is not a recommendation based on firsthand experience.

I’ve been told that it’s a great place for rock climbing, with good routes that lead all the way to the top.

Once you make it safely down again to the surrounding tourist shops and darkness comes rolling in, you can see a fountain light show, which illuminates up La Peña beautifully. Think of it as a smaller version of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.

Since prices in town are very fair, my advice is to stay the night and try some of the locally made gorditas for breakfast. You can walk or take a tuk tuk around this tranquil town where souvenirs are plentiful. And since the cheese and wine route is nearby you can find most of their products in the shops around. At around six in the evening the town closes and there is nothing left to do but relax, with the realization you want to stay another day.

La Peña is one of the largest monoliths in the world. / Photo: Frank van der Burgh

Gilda Sigie from Cozumel

Scuba Fest

BY VANESSA NINI This year, from June 20 to 25, Cozumel celebrated the fifth edition of the Cozumel Scuba Fest. I interviewed Gilda Sigie, the founder and director of Cozumel Scuba Fest.

The Playa Times: How did you create Cozumel Scuba Fest, Gilda?

Gilda: Cozumel Scuba Fest is a diving festival. The event was created in 2012 with the aim of bringing Cozumel back to the minds of the divers and attracting the attention of the press by showing our marvelous coral reef.

Cozumel has the second largest reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef, and our corals and marine life are in great health.

The island needed an event dedicated to the reef and how to protect it. This festival was born in Cozumel, with people from Cozumel; residents, business people, and NGOs. Cozumel Scuba Fest has become a very important platform for divers and ocean lovers to express in many different ways their passion for the sea, via conferences, exhibitions, art, and music.

Cozumel Scuba Fest

2017

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BY VANESSA NINI

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n Sunday, June 25, 2017, Cozumel Scuba Fest closed its fifth edition after six days of non-stop positivity and excellent conferences.

Sylvia Earle, the famous marine biologist, explorer, author, and lecturer brought environmental matters such as conservation to the forefront during this year’s festival. This great heroine held a conference with some advice for the future, “Educate the children to respect our ocean”.

The spotlight was on sharks this year, learning about them and how to protect them.

A sensational live conference, The White Shark in Mexico, was held by Mauricio Hoyos, marine biologist and shark specialist. The white shark in Mexico can be seen in Isla de Guadalupe of the west coast of the Baja California peninsula. That is where Mauricio Hoyos runs his association, Pelagio Kakunja (meaning “protect the open sea”). During the conference Mauricio showed how Jaws misrepresented the great white shark and discussed his project, following the white sharks, with incredible close-up pictures.

Asking for a sanctuary for sharks in Playa del Carmen, Luis Lombardo, from Saving our Sharks, explained the importance of ending the fishing and consumption of sharks in Quintana Roo. He reminded us that the famous cazon fish does not exist anymore and we are now consuming newborn baby sharks. Saving our Sharks is currently studying the bull sharks which come to Playa del Carmen every year between November and January.

Last September, a steel sculpture named ¨Zoe¨ was placed underwater in Cozumel. In-

The spotlight for this year’s event was on sharks and how to protect them / Photos: Vanessa Nini

What about Scuba Fest 2017?

We are very excited about this fifth edition of Cozumel Scuba Fest! We are launching a new tourism product through the “Jean Michel Cousteau Scuba Fest Route” consisting of nine investments in the reefs that the scientist and explorer, Jacques Cousteau visited in the 60s when he traveled to Cozumel island. This route is sold in Cozumel through the dive operators for visitors from all over the world to take the trip in any month of the year.

At the MUSUBO, the Underwater Museum of the Golden Diver, the celebrated oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, will revisit the bronze bust sculpture representation of her that was submerged during the last Scuba Fest. Other bronze busts of the late

This festival was born in Cozumel, with people from Cozumel; residents, business people, and NGOs. Mexican underwater filmmaker Ramon Bravo and Jacques Cousteau were also permanently placed here during ceremonies at previous Scuba Fests.

How do you see Scuba Fest in the future?

It will always be a meeting point for big divers, where we recognize the work and passion of industrial and recreational divers, and create a conscience in the young people who will take care of our reefs in the near future. http://www.cozumelfest.com

spired by the ladder-like structure of DNA, the sculpture was the theme of the presentation by Colleen Flanigan, ¨Living Sea Sculpture: A Story of Coral Regeneration¨. You can see it now by snorkeling or diving from the shore in the shallow water of the Underwater Museum of the Golden Diver in Villa Blanca.

To close the Cozumel Scuba Fest, a tribute to Jacques Cousteau with the movie, The Odyssey, based on the non-fiction book Capitaine de La Calypso by Albert Falco and Yves Paccalet.

The Cozumel Scuba Fest is gaining recognition as the most important dive festival in the Americas.

For more information visit: www.cozumelfest.com Facebook/saving.oursharks/ pelagioskakunja.org/pelagios

Cozumel Scuba Fest has become a very important platform for divers / Photos: Vanessa Nini

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Antonio Ramos Pérez / Photo: Antonio Ramos Pérez

Helping the Foster Children of Cozumel Antonio Ramos Pérez is working to improve the conditions of Casa Filtro, the neglected foster home on the island

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

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ntonio Ramos Pérez dedicates his time to different projects in the Riviera Maya which help communities, especially children.

In Cozumel, his focus has been on Casa Filtro, which is a home for children who are in foster care for various reasons. Some have escaped violence, while others are stuck in the limbo of having no home while their parents apply for custody. Some children will be there for a very long time while things are worked out through the Mexican legal system.

The house must be a safe place where vulnerable children are not at risk of hurting themselves.

Casa Filtro is part of DIF, the System for the Integral Development of the Family that exists in each municipality or region. If a solution for these children is not found by a certain deadline, they are placed in the state DIF. Their lives are uprooted and during this transition it is very important that they have a comfortable place to call home. In this case, they do not.

Casa Filtro is not a safe place.

It is run down and not a place anyone would want to call home.

Antonio has taken it upon himself to change this. This house is where these children receive a place to sleep, food, clothing, psychological and medical help, school supplies, and entertainment.

The goal of Antonio and DIF is to make the house more comfortable. They are looking for artists to help decorate and donate appliances (specifically a stove), furniture (beds are needed as the current ones are made from metal and dangerous), and money for plumbing, and painting.

Every item that is placed in that house has to be thought about carefully. It must be a safe place where vulnerable children are not at risk of hurting themselves. Antonio has spoken about how sad the photos made him. He recently was able to visit some of the young residents and tears welled up in his eyes.

Along with DIF Cozumel, Antonio has organized a breakfast on July 8 to raise money to cover expenses for the house. The breakfast will be held at Hacienda Margarita located at KM 4.5 Traversal, Cozumel at 9:00 a.m. for a donation of $300 mxn per person. Contact Luis Angel Sánchez for tickets at 987-103-7921.

The event’s dress code is white.

If you would like to help Casa Filtro, you can contact Antonio at 984 120 3274.

July 5 - 18 2017

CANCUN

15

Saving Nichupté I: Reforesting the Mangroves

BY ANDRÉS MEDOZA DEL VALLE III I can’t stop thinking about how amazing Nichupté must have been a few decades ago, before all the hotels, condos, golf clubs, and marinas. Before all the inherent pollution that comes with rapid development.

Despite being one of the most beautiful places on the Riviera Maya, Nichupté Lagoon was ignored for years. It has suffered illegal waste-water dumping and mangrove destruction since the late 80s. Natural disasters, like Hurricane Wilma in 2005, have also caused severe damage to the ecosystem, to the point of generating dead zones.

Thankfully, it is not irreversible.

The lagoon is not in top shape yet, but it’s recovering. Since 2007, 66 hectares of mangrove have been reforested by the Flora Fauna y Cultura de México organization, with support from Cinvestav-Mérida. They have been one of the main promoters of the lagoon’s preservation. Contact them if you would like contribute to this cause.

After visiting the lagoon you’ll see it’s worth it: Florafaunaycultura.org Nichupté is not just one lagoon, but seven interconnected bodies of water separated from the sea by a narrow seven-shaped strip of land known as Cancun’s island.

(1) Laguna Bojórquez: the north connection to the sea collides with the heart of the hotel zone. It has the highest concentration of crocodiles and is the only one not recommended to swim in.

A juvenile Morelet crocodile can be spotted almost every day right in front of a nearby supermarket.

(2) Cuenca del Norte, (3) Cuenca Central, (4) Cuenca Sur: these three watersheds are the main part of the system. They go from the severely damaged and now infamous Tajamar to Punta Nizuc. Most of the reforestation has taken place here.

(5) Río Inglés; the west side of the lagoon, has also suffered due to its proximity to the urban spot.

(6) Laguna del Amor: a well-preserved heart-shaped sub-lagoon.

Legend says that if you dive into it, you will find the love of your life.

I don’t know if it’s true, but it’s a wonderful spot to visit with that hypothetical love.

(7) Laguneta del Mediterráneo.

Laguna Nichupté harbors birds, frogs, crocodiles and four of the five species of mangrove in the world. Let’s save it and make our future generations proud!

The lagoon is not in top shape yet, but it’s recovering / Photos: Andrés Medoza del Valle III

Kayaking is the best way to experience the lagoon / Photo: Alberto Benitez Mitre

Saving Nichupté II:

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BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III

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uman activity has made a severe impact on Nichupté Lagoon, especially those related to fuel-powered engines: yachts, wave-runners and other types of boats.

Most of these machines are not in top condition, and the burned oil that they release affects the mangroves, the habitat of hundreds of marine species, and the underground water table itself.

Thinking that human activity will stop on Nichupté is naïve, but we can definitely move towards healthier options, for the lagoon and ourselves. I met Camila Pulido from Conexión Nativa Kayak Tours to learn about kayaking in the lagoon. It is the best way to experience the lagoon without causing a negative impact, while building up your biceps in the process.

Conexión Nativa (native connection) is a group of local kayakers offering new ecologically conscious alternatives for visiting the lagoon. They want people to see that it is not a lost cause, and that Nichupté is still alive and safe. The tour includes a visit to a Cancun connoisseur’s spot inside the lagoon, a small beach called Playa Conchitas (Little Shell Beach). You may even find love in the Laguna del Amor springs.

A great thing about kayaking is that you can collect garbage floating around and rescue any creature that might need

a hand. They even saved a couple of crocodiles recently. That’s the idea behind it all of this, to put you in touch with your native spirit.

Conexión Nativa (native connection) is a group of local kayakers offering new ecologically conscious alternatives for visiting the lagoon.

Contact Alfredo (9981499001) and book a visit with friends to the heart of the Nichupté Lagoon. Conexión Nativa also do kayak trips to Isla Blanca, one of The Playa Times’ favorite places. They’ll take you to see the flamingos and other fantastic birds and, only during this season, to see the bioluminescence, so don’t miss out!

Camila also collaborates with Wind & Wave Cancun Surf School. You can find them at Playa Chac-Mol if you want to learn how to catch a wave, or go for a paddle board visit to the lagoon. They are the coolest guys around. @conexionnativa @surfschoolcancun

16

TPT FOODIES

July 5 - 18 2017

Frida Kahlo Mexican Restaurant Frida Kahlo Restaurante sits on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Calle 8 / Photos: Frida Kahlo Restaurante

Breaking her rule about not eating Mexican food on the Fifth, Tilly made an exception and was pleasantly surprised

BY TILLY KYRIAKIDES

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hen I am asked for advice on where to get great Mexican food in Playa, the first thing out of my mouth is “Stay away from Fifth Avenue”. Don’t get me wrong, my favourite sushi spot and Argentinian restaurant are both on Fifth. But for authentic Mexican food, the general rule of thumb is: the further away from Fifth, the better.

That was until I experienced the Frida Kahlo restaurant. I was looking for a place for a special occasion and I wanted Mexican food. A friend recommended Frida Kahlo restaurant as they specialize in everything from celebratory dinners to weddings. De-

spite my reservations, I made one, and I was not disappointed.

The restaurant sits on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Calle 8, above the crowds on the second and third

level. The staff are more than attentive and after a warm welcome, we were seated at a quiet table that had a good view of Fifth and its nightly show of people.

Succulent pastor tacos served on a ‘tortilla’ of a finely cut pineapple ring and topped with red onion were both surprising and delicious.

Dinner began with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Mushroom cups filled with creamy corn on tiny crisp tortillas were accompanied by warm, fresh bread and homemade butter. For our entrees, our very knowledgable server recommended the ‘De piña para la niña.’ These pastor tacos are served on a ‘tortilla’ of a finely cut pineapple ring and topped with red onion.

After our awesome starters, we eagerly awaited our mains with a Modelo and a mezcal, complete with orange slices and crunchy chapulines.

We were going for a full Mexican experience after all.

Next up was ‘Caso de Cobre’ and ‘Cabrito estilo Monterrey.’ The duck confit tacos served with a tamarind,

orange and cinnamon sauce were a definite highlight. But the cabrito was the highlight. It was served with homemade tacos with Frida Kahlo’s face on them!

No meal is complete without a dessert. ‘¡Me he de comer ese mango!’ means ‘I must eat that mango!’ a more than apt name. A creamy mango creme brulée with a perfectly caramelized crunchy topping, served with a scoop of tart sorbet on a bed of brownie had us both arguing over the last spoonful.

The staff, the food and the setting of Frida Kahlo restaurant all thoroughly impressed me and I have a feeling I’ll be changing my Fifth Avenue food rule in the future.

The Simply Irresistible Señorita Margarita

By Catherine Pawelek

Great coffee and a warm and welcoming atmosphere / Photo: Derek Suhre

Bendito Café

By Derek Suhre As soon as you enter this coffee shop, you know you are in the right place. Your senses are greeted with the rich, wonderful smell of coffee, a great atmosphere and a beautiful hand painted mural to your right. Bendito Café (Blessed Coffee) is a unique location in Playa del Carmen, slightly off the beaten path, away from the noisy tourist area and busy life of downtown.

With a welcoming ambiance and quiet and pleasant music in the background, it makes for a great spot to have a chat with friends, to work or read.

Now, let’s talk about the main event - the coffee. To start, it is not your typical coffee shop. Bendito Café is a coffee bar with specialty coffee, proudly serving locally farmed coffee from across Mexico. Each variety of coffee bean has unique characteristics specific to the region where it is grown. The staff was very helpful and happy to educate us about the different types and where they are from, as well as some of the characteristics (aroma,

acidity, body, etc.).

Inspired by the trend called “the third wave of coffee” born in Europe and North America and the knowledge that what one consumes is traceable during the entire process, from harvest to cup, Bendito Café offers an abundance of choices for demanding palates. The coffee beans are fresh roasted, and ground right before your eyes.

They have five different brewing and extraction methods: Chemex, V60, Vacuum pot (siphon), Aeropress and French press.

If what you have heard so far is not enough to swing by and get yourself a great cup of coffee, one more thing that is on everyone’s mind and may help push you in the right direction.

Price! They have fair pricing, much lower than what you pay at big chains.

If you aren’t in an adventurous mood, they also have the classics, such as cappuccinos, frappes, teas, and smoothies. A little hungry and want something to eat with your drink? They also have delicious food and pastry selection.

Bendito café is a hidden gem in Playa, and you don’t want to miss it! Visit them at Avenida 25 between Calle 12 and Calle 12 Bis next to One Hotel. Check out their Instagram account bendito.cafe and Facebook/Bendito Café

• 1 ½ oz • Tequila blanco • 1 oz fresh lime juice • ½ oz triple sec • 2 lime wedges • Salt • Ice Moisten the rim of your rocks glass with a lime wedge. Place the salt on a shallow plate, then dip the glass to rim it in salt.

Fill a shaker 1/3 of the way up with ice, add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Shake vigorously.

Pour the ingredients including the ice into the glass and garnish with the lime wedge. Salud!

HINTS Never use a pre-made Margarita or sweet and sour mix. Add 2 OZ of fresh nectar of guanábana (soursop), prickly pear, pomegranate, starfruit, dragonfruit, papaya, mango, tamarind or passionfruit and wake up a humdrum Margarita in a flash.

Make your next Margarita a Golden or Cadillac by switching out tequila blanco with a reposado and, instead of using triple sec, use Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

Want to make a frozen version? Just place all ingredients in a blender and pour into a margarita glass.

Photo: shutterstock

utterstock

July 5 - 18 2017

Take a Slice and Make a Margarita Catherine explores a variety of citrus fruits available to us and how to stock up now but use them later

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

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lthough citrus is cultivated and grown commercially in over 100 countries, it is an economic mainstay for Mexico. Due to its high yield, it exceeds that of any apple, peach or pear tree.

Because limes have some of the most acidic juices of all citrus, they were used by sailors for centuries to prevent scurvy. In addition alcohol they are a main ingredient in margaritas, caipirinhas and mojitos, giving them a welcome acidic punch. Don’t confuse limes with key limes, which are actually yellow in color and more tart in flavor. They are grown in South Florida and Mexico and are used in that ubiquitous key lime pie. When the price of limes is low, buy as much as you can and simply juice and freeze in small baggies or plastic containers for future use.

Oranges. Veracruz is the most important producer of oranges in Mexico with almost 50% of overall production, followed

by Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí. The vast majority are of the Valencia variety.

Although not as acidic as limes, use freshly squeezed orange juice on any meat to tenderize and give flavor.

Lemons have a low tolerance for cold weather, which restricts the area for cultivation. Just one lemon tree can have an annual

Lime and lemon juice can be frozen for future use / Photo:

yield of 3,000 lemons, a great income producer. Although Mexico is a major producer of lemons, the majority are used for export, juices and oils. Try to find an actual lemon here in Quintana Roo, and it might seem like a fruitless task. When you do, stock up and as with limes, juice and freeze them.

Grapefruits are grown in Michoacan and Veracruz producing both white and red varieties as well as deliciously sweet and sour pomelos, with only 50% fruit juice and 50% pith, but a great substitute for most other citrus fruits.

Since citrus is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as essential for healing wounds and producing collagen, it is essential to incorporate in into our daily diet, giving us an excuse to have another margarita.

Photo: kiwilimon.com

Carlota de Limón

By Catherine Pawelek Have you been invited to a friend’s house and you don’t want to bring the omnipresent and boring trifle, tiramisu or pudding? Then make one of the world’s simplest but most impressive desserts and a Mexican favorite: Carlota de Limon. This refreshing and make-ahead dish will wow even the most disbelieving person. With only five ingredients, it doesn’t get any easier than this. Make a second carlota and freeze for a one-of-a-kind frozen treat.

Ingredients: • 1 can condensed milk • 1 can evaporated milk • 1 cup fresh lime juice • 2 rolls of Maria cookies (about 350 grams) • 1 cup strawberries, sliced Pour the condensed and the evaporated milk into the blender on a low setting and very slow-

ly, add the lime juice. The mixture will eventually thicken. You have to have patience. Don’t pour too fast or it will never congeal. Check its consistency by dipping a spoon into the mixture, which should stick to its back.

Line the bottom of an 20 cm x 20 cm glass dish with a layer of cookies, pour some of the lime mixture over the cookies. Repeat this process till all the cookies and mixture have been used. Place the cake into the refrigerator overnight. Just before serving, top with sliced strawberries or other fruit.

Slice and enjoy this simple tart/sweet concoction.

Tips You can also use a springform pan, and once the cake is set, remove the rim for a cool layered look.

Use blueberries, raspberries, bananas or blackberries instead of strawberries.

For a unique twist use a combination of key limes or grapefruits and oranges.

TPT FOODIES

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18

ENTERTAINMENT

July 5 - 18 2017

Kriya Yoga Meditation Program in Tulum

By Kriya Yoga

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Playa Pride 2017 was a great success / Photo: Ginger M.

Playa Pride 2017: United in Color

BY GINGER M. On Wednesday, June 14 Jan Novak and Norma Angélica cut the ribbon to officially launch Playa Pride with an inauguration of the exhibition ‘Unidos en Colores’’ at the Teatro de la Ciudad.

Around 8 p.m. everyone sat comfortably in the theater to watch the dance piece ‘POSDATA’ from Silla Movil. It tells a story of love between two human beings, expressed through modern dance, and it was captivating.

Thursday was a big day because for the first time in the history of Playa del Carmen, we hung the gay flag on the city hall. It was a huge achievement and I must say, not everyone was happy about it. The reason it is so important for members of the LGBT community is because of the discrimination people experience on a daily basis. Some heterosexual people complain by saying that they don’t hang their flag for the world to see. That is true. However, in general, people don’t get discriminated against because they are straight. This is why we do what we do, to be equal to everyone. It is not about being better, just equal and respected.

At night, one of the most successful parties

of the week took place. LesMex had more than a hundred people in attendance. DJ Kayssy from Montreal was on fire and the crowd had a blast on the dancefloor! Everyone was pleased with the announcement of the new event beginning on Friday June 23: LGBT Fridays at Mexican Caribe on 1st Avenue and Calle 26.

It was an all-day event at Reina Roja with the bear pool party during the day and the drag queen night show at night. Even the rain didn’t steal the drags’ thunder!

Saturday was delightful. The parade started a little after 5 p.m. at the Poliforum, on Avenida Benito Juarez, and went all the way to 10th Avenue and on to the city hall. For the first time ever there were more women in attendance than men, so thank you to all the ladies who joined Playa Pride and LesMex to march.

The closing concert in Plaza 28 de Julio saw artists Morganna Love, Eduardo Togi and Elaine Mercedes Mendoza entertain the crowd. What a great show!

Sunday was the closing pool party at Reina Roja, a well-deserved, relaxing and laid back sunny afternoon after a busy and successful week. See you all next year.

e are honored to announce our first Kriya Yoga meditation program in Tulum, featuring our beloved Swami Atmavidyananada from India.

Kriya Yoga is a non-profit charity, established with the purpose of fostering this ageold spiritual practice.

It is a powerful meditation technique for simultaneous physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development. Based on the science of breath and open to all, irrespective of religion, Kriya Yoga is a non-sectarian path to reaching higher states of consciousness and transforming one’s life and awareness of the Divine.

Schedule of Events: • Friday, July 21, at 7 p.m. a free public lecture.

• Saturday, July, 22 & Sunday, July, 23 beginning at 8:30 a.m., an initiation into Kriya Yoga meditation and practice.

This event will take place at Holistica at Residencia Holistica, Calle 10 Sur Lote 2 Mza 902 Tulum, in the meditation hall. Please bring a meditation cushion, one flower, and five fruits.

During initiation, you will be introduced to the fascinating science behind Kriya, which teaches how to channel prana through the seven chakras in the spine in order to achieve soul consciousness. Chakras are energy centers or the subtle forces that energize the physical body.

This science plays on the connection between the breath and the mind. By controlling the breath, we regulate our mind, thoughts,

Kriya Yoga Association is headed by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda Guru/ Photo:Kriya Yoga International

and ego, thereby proceeding more easily on the path of spirituality. Taught directly by guru to disciple, it involves a purification process and energization of the chakras through which one perceives divine light, sound, and vibration.

Born in ancient India, nurtured amongst snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Kriya Yoga has been lovingly passed from teacher to student for generations. Many great masters are links in the unbroken chain of yogis all the way through to today’s practitioners – from the mysterious Himalayan yogi Mahavatar Babaji, to the renowned Paramahamsa Yogananda (author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi), and Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

Kriya Yoga Association is headed by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda Giri, the successor of Paramahamsa Hariharananda, a realized master, powerful teacher, and current head of the lineage. For more information contact Vera at plato7747@aol.com or 984 807 4529.

20

ENTERTAINMENT

July 5 - 18 2017

Vatos King Blues An Interview with Vatos King Blues, a new band of seasoned players bringing some classic blues to Playa del Carmen.

BY TEENA CLIPSTON

I

t was a Monday, rehearsal day for Vatos King Blues. The band members arrived one after another at Ricardo Vidal’s apartment for the practice. This was going to be an easy interview, I thought. I knew three of the band members, and I love the blues. However, I didn’t count on the comedic stylings of guitar player, Daniel Apolinar, who had us all constantly laughing. A straight answer to any of my questions was hard to come by. The atmosphere was primed: great people having fun, laughing, and playing great music. You can expect the same charged energy at all of their shows.

After a few questions, the band got into some funky New Orleans flavor with The Meters and the song Hey Pocky-A-Way, some classic blues with Freddie King and Just Me & My Guitar, and Junior Watson’s Two Tacos. All in all, not a bad way to start my week.

Vatos King Blues was the brainchild of Ricardo Vidal, who previously played with Los Villanos Blues Band in Guadalajara. Accompanying him in Vatos King Blues is his brother Jorge Vidal on bass. The brothers were part of the award-winning original alternative rock band Teletransportador, however, they left that behind when they moved to Playa del Carmen two years ago. In Playa, they are known for their rock cover band, Los Brockolis. Ricardo plays guitar in Los Brockolis and drums in Vatos King Blues.

“I love the blues,” Ricardo said.

“I´ve wanted to start another blues band for a long time now.”

Vatos King Blues, from left to right: Jorge Vidal, Daniel Apolinar, Manuel Pinos Piedra, and Ricardo Vidal / Photo: Alejandra Somarriba

Hear them live...

• Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. at Fah • Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. at Kitxen.

The Vidal brothers brought the band concept to the attention of friend and fellow musician Daniel Apolinar.

Daniel is known in Playa del Carmen as the guitarist of cover band, Procer. Daniel has also performed with La Salamandra and recorded an album under the label Peerless. He performed with KKs Blues and El Chivo Azul. In

2007, he joined the Gustav Mahler Konservatorium in Vienna Austria where he became a jazz guitarist, performing in bands such as Sigma Dixieland Band and Funkorama.

“I am a huge fan of Los Brockolis,” Daniel jested. “Sometimes I would spend months, drinking beer, listening and watching them from behind a tree or something.”

“So you are kind of a stalker fan of Los Brockolis?” I asked. “Yes, yes,” Daniel agreed and we all laughed.

Three weeks ago sax player Manuel Pinos Piedra joined the band.

Manuel, hailing from Barcelona, has spent almost three years in Playa del Carmen. He has played clarinet with the Symphony Orchestra of Quintana Roo, and saxophone with both the Big Band Playa del Carmen and the

Big Band of Cancún. He has also performed with the Swing Doctors, Mr. Heisenberg Brass Band, and Playa Poppers, just to name a few.

Although Manuel has known Daniel for about three years, he met the Vidal brothers recently at Kitxen bar on Fifth Avenue.

“I had an audition with another band,” said Manuel. “Ricardo asked me if I play the blues, and then they invited me to play.”

Manuel’s saxophone definitely adds the final touches to the Vatos King Blues. And there is nothing like seeing seasoned musicians play together. It’s as if they are speaking another language. Their connection to each other comes through eye contact, smiles, and nods, telepathically creating unison within the music. I

could see this in Vatos King Blues— it’s a comradery unmatched.

“Tell me more about who your favorite artists are and what songs you will be performing,” I said.

“Jorge is a huge fan of Freddy King,” answered Daniel. “But we are also doing a little tropical fusion, like some Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White by the Fabulous Thunderbirds.”

“How are you performing that without a harmonic?” I asked.

“Manuel will be performing the harmonica parts on sax,” Daniel replied.

Definitely something to see.

“I noticed that, with the exception of Manuel, you are taking turns on the mic. Isn’t this your first time singing, Daniel?”

“Yes, it is my first howling,” Daniel claimed.

“What makes you unique? Why should people go see Vatos King Blues?” I asked.

“In Playa there was no real blues band. There are many bands that sometimes play blues, but it is more rock blues and not blues in the traditional sense. We are also a lot of fun.

We are funny people. Ugly but funny,” Daniel joked. “And we are not only the best blues band in Playa; we are the only blues band in Playa.”

And that, my friends, is as good a reason as any.

Vatos King Blues performs on Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. at Fah and on Wednesdays at Kitxen bar at 9:30 p.m.

Teena Clipston has spent more than fifteen years immersed in the Canadian music scene, making headlines in Concert Promotion, Event Production, and Artist Management. She now makes her home in Playa del Carmen, and is the owner and operator of PDCMUSIC.

Dhani Pacheco with Xuuxnë for DIF

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL The arts movement in Playa del Carmen is made up of a beautiful community of people, and when they work together to help the less fortunate they can make miracles happen.

Xuuxnë believe that everyone has the right to music, no matter their socioeconomic status, especially children.

Xuuxnë is a Mixe word meaning “music that heals” / Photos: Dhani Pacheco/Xuuxnë Oficial

Dhani Pacheco is a local musician who has teamed up with Marcz Reyna, director of the Xuuxnë music program, to work with the children in the DIF (System for the Integral Development of the Family). If you are not familiar with DIF, it is an organization that helps families. The children under the care DIF may have been abandoned, taken from violent homes, or are waiting out a custody battle between their parents. They are children in a system which does its best with the resources it has, but which often does not meet their needs.

Between now and their July 15 event at Parque La Ceiba, these two artists and their organizations are holding a Facebook campaign. For 500 likes on the Facebook/Xuuxneoficial page, Dhani will sponsor a week of classes given by Xuuxnë for the children in DIF. For 1000 likes, Xuuxnë will sponsor a second week of music therapy for the DIF children. The goal of this event is to provide social and psychological therapy for the kids through music.

Xuuxnë is a Mixe word meaning “music that heals”. These children are in vulnerable situations and music has the ability to support them through their transitions. Xuuxnë believe that everyone has the right to music, no matter their socio-economic status, especially children. They will launch a campaign of ‘Likes for Them’ on the Facebook pages of Xuuxnë and Facebook/PachecoMx. As a bonus, the young students of Xuuxnë will perform the first single from Pacheco’s MUTUAL album called “Morenita” at the July 15 event at Parque La Ceiba.

Contact Daniel Pacheco 984-1066988 or Marcz Reyna 999-397-5352 or through the Facebook pages Facebook/Xuuxneoficial or Facebook/Pacheco Mx

July 5 - 18 2017

21

HEALTH

Experience with Pranic Psychotherapy

By Sanación Pránica

Scrumptious Smoothies

For more information about Pranic Psychotherapy, contact: The Center for Pranic Healing • Playacar Fase II, Paseo Tulum, Edificio Bugambilias • Facebook/Sanación Pránica Quintana Roo

to accomplish many things. Not only my life, but also my family’s life changed materially, financially and spiritually.

MCKS taught me to be a good person – to take care of my parents, my brothers, sisters and relatives, to practice the virtues, to do service, and to do tithing for charitable and spiritual purposes every month. Now, I own a house, a car, and have savings.

A disciple from the Philippines.

Source: Master Choa Kok Sui, The Origin of Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga, Second Edition, Institute for Inner Studies Publishing Foundation, Inc. Makati City, Philippines p.247. (reprinted with permission) The Center for Pranic Healing is located in Playacar Fase II, Paseo Tulum, Edificio Bugambilias. For more information visit Facebook/Sanación Pránica Quintana Roo Photo: Diana González

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

I received a call from my sister-in-law complaining that my brother was addicted to a form of synthetic cocaine. He had lost his job, was gambling and chasing after women.

His mind was cloudy and no longer rational.

We could not talk “sense” into him anymore.

My sister-in-law sent me a photograph of my brother and his friends. I made an agreement with her that she would call me when my brother was about to take the addictive drug.

Then, I would do Distant Pranic Psychotherapy on my brother and his entire group of friends – who were also drug addicts, as well as the room where they had their drug sessions.

She reported to me that the group would usually stay in the room for a long period, but when Pranic Psychotherapy was applied they would instead disperse rapidly. We continued the Pranic Psychotherapy for almost a month.

Then, he awakened one day and said he had no more desire to take the addictive drugs. He stopped smoking, gambling and chasing women. According to my sister-in-law, up to now, he never returned to those negative habits.

Before I met Master Choa Kok Sui 17 years ago, my life and that of my family was financially very difficult. I was living a very simple, ordinary life. After I met MCKS and began practicing his teachings, my life became much better. I was able

Insuring Your Peace of Mind

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

BY SARA JONES

M

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

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

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

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

• Mango, banana, grapefruit juice, spirulina.

• Strawberries, banana, spirulina, chia seeds.

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

Add some superfoods: Superfoods are a great addition to smoothies, providing a nutrient boost in protein, minerals and vitamins. Let’s face it, some of them don’t taste great on their own; for example, spirulina is virtually undetectable in a smoothie. However, it has a distinct odor of pondweed when you open the packet!

Add cinnamon, ginger, spirulina, maca root, hemp seeds, flax seeds, etc. Chia seeds would also be considered a superfood. However, I would recommend adding those last, once you’ve poured your smoothie into your glass.

Eat your greens: Adding greens to a smoothie is a great way of increasing the nutrient content. Blend in some spinach, kale, chard, avocado and even herbs like basil and mint.

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

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

Photo: shutterstock

By Mike Keller, Guardian Insurance Mexico You came, you saw, you stayed! Now that you’re here, you’ll find you’re in great company as over one million expats call Mexico their home. Or, maybe you’re not ready for the big move and have decided to invest in rental property. Either way, you need to be sure that you and your investment are protected. What type of health care is available? How do you protect your property and valuables? Navigating the insurance requirements in a foreign country can be a daunting task. You need an experienced, qualified person as your guide, helping you to navigate through the process quickly and easily.

Guardian Insurance Mexico is here to provide you with the security you need and the full service you expect. We will guide you through the process of selecting the appro-

priate insurance coverage that meets your needs. Whether for health, travel, automotive, homeowners, boat, commercial, or any other type of insurance, we will walk you through the process, step by step, in English.

Our insurance brokerage and service is specifically designed for the English-speaking foreign market in Mexico. We are an international team striving for your complete satisfaction and peace of mind.

Most importantly, we are the only brokerage to provide you with an in-house claims department, ready to assist you to file a claim. We will be there every step of the way, making sure your claim is settled fairly and promptly.

We have two offices conveniently located in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya, and we can offer you insurance wherever you are in Mexico. For more information or to request a quote, please visit guardianinsurancemx.com/.

22

ANIMAL WELFARE

July 5 - 18 2017

Turquoise Browed Beauty

BY NASH

Over time, a mutation caused the fish lose its eyes altogether / Photo: Wikimedia Commons/H. Zell

To See or Not to See Adaptation has caused this Mexican species to lose its sight in favor of other heightened senses

BY NASH

A

djusting to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment is crucial for survival, and the Mexican blind tetra cavefish has mastered its life in the dark underwater caves of the Yucatan. Scientists believe that the tetra cavefish compensates for living in total darkness by not wasting precious energy on sight.

To reduce energetic supplies used for vision, and parts of the brain used for sight, it has evolved as blind in exchange for heightened taste, hearing, smell and other senses which allow it to thrive in complete darkness.

Scientists believe that the tetra cavefish compensates for living in total darkness by not wasting precious energy on sight.

When you lose one sense your other sense organs will improve to compensate. They can

Photo: Kim Davidsson for Vida Aquatica Dive Center

even detect light through a skin gland in the head. Specialized hair cells run along the lateralis system (tactile sense organs), enhancing the ability to feel changes in the vibration of the water. Over time, a mutation caused the fish to have poor eyesight and eventually lose its eyes altogether. Without light, its iridescent coloring has changed to an albino light pink color, which would make the tetra especially vulnerable if it was ever to surface.

These adaptations mean the species must stay underground as it would not have any protection against sighted predators or sunlight.

This fish is omnivorous and will eat anything it can find. This includes animal carcasses, plants, aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms, snails, fish, and algae. The eyeless Mexican tetra fish loses its circadian metabolic rhythms, which is the internal body clock that tells the body when to sleep or eat. As it is affected by temperature and sunlight (or lack of) it allows them to save a lot of energy.

The creature has become popular in home aquariums, but the question is: will it regain its sight living above ground? The surface-dwelling sighted version of this species has adjusted to a human presence in its environment and has even learned to wait for cave divers, taking advantage of their lights and following them into caves in order to hunt.

While most birds are busy building nests high up in the trees, the turquoise-browed motmot can be found burrowing long tunnels in an earth bank, quarry or cave where it will prepare a hideaway nursery. It will lay 3-6 white eggs which hatch in 17-20 days, and both parents participate in the tunneling, building the nest, incubating and attending the young once they hatch. This bird is one of the smallest motmots, approximately 34 cm long and only 65 grams, but one of the most handsome birds in the tropics.

Turquoise-browed motmots have a radiant plumage of olive green, orange and blue flight feathers.

Their distinct brilliant turquoise eyebrows appears to be reflective in the dark. They also boast a black mask around their eyes and a distinct extra long tail which resembles that of a badminton birdie. The tail has two bare shafts and feathered tips which they wag back and forth like the pendulum of a clock.

Studies show that the tail display of male and female turquoise-browed motmots is likely a form of communication with predators, to let them know they are aware of their presence in the hope that the predator will not waste its time with a chase. The tail wagging is also a mating signal performed by male birds.

They are a monomorphic species meaning there are no obvious differences between the genders. It is not clear if their fluffed up eyebrows are displayed to attract a mate or a sign of feeling threatened, possibly both. The have a wide, curved bill with finely serrated edges that provides a firm grip on their prey as they typically kill it by smashing it against a hard surface.

With a sharp sense of sight, they are very swift and can snatch their prey in midair.

The bird inhabits Central America, South America, and parts of Mexico, mainly in the Yucatan. The motmot is the national bird of El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Motmots eat snakes, small reptiles, bees, dragonflies, other insects, and fruit. It is not on an endangered list, but with continued destruction of their habitat, they and all other wildlife is at risk.

Turquoise-browed motmots have a radiant plumage of olive green, orange and blue flight feathers / Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Katja Schulz