Edition 124

B i m o n t h l y . Ye a r 0 5 · N u m b e r 1 2 4 · 2 0,0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · J a n u a r y 0 3 - 1 6 , 2 0 1 8

FREE MAPS INSIDE

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

>P. 8

>>TPT FOODIES

Red Pozole Jalisco-Style

>P. 17

>> ART & CULTURE

People of Playa: Michael Maurus

>P. 19

ART & CULTURE NEW YEAR IN THE PRE-HISPANIC ERA

HEALTH NEW YEAR DETOX

Mesoamerican peoples had their own reasons to ring in the new year, built around festivities dedicated to the sun and Huitzilopochtli.

Photo: Pixabay.com/darvinsantos

>P. 18

After all the indulgences of the holiday season, we usually need a detox to kick-start our bodies into action for the new year

Photo: Pixabay.com/silviarita

>P. 21

January 3 - 16

2018

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.

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

3

Editorial

DIRECTORY Rebecca Page

New Year, New Beginnings, New Look

General Manager edition@meridianmedia.mx

Siobhán Gallagher

Editor theplayatimeseditor@gmail.com

By Siobhán Gallagher

F

irst things first: Happy New Year!

What does 2018 have in store for you? We hope it involves lots more sunshine, sea and Playa magic.

Just before the end of 2017, The Playa Times entered its fifth year of activity; a happy occasion for us over here at the headquarters. The paper has grown up a lot over those years, as has the region.

For better or for worse, the area is developing at an astounding rate. As we learned last edition, tourist numbers are increasing with every season, and resident figures have multiplied too. With buildings popping up on every street, it seems that everyone wants a bit of the Riviera Maya. We are looking forward to

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

the next five years of delivering community news to the growing English-speaking population of the Riviera Maya, and we are taking advantage of the new year to initiate a few changes ourselves - starting with a new-look logo. Check it out on the front page.

This edition marks the launch of a new feature called People of Playa. You may remember our Mexican Independence Day edition (116) this year where we interviewed Mexicans in the area to get to know and celebrate the people living here. We’ve decided to expand the concept into a regular feature and in each edition this year, we’ll interview a resident of the area who has an interesting story to tell about their life here.

Our first interview is with Michael Mau-

rus, a German photographer now living the simple life in the jungle, and you are invited to contribute suggestions for future interviews. Whose story can we share to demonstrate the great diversity of backgrounds, experiences and personalities here among us?

We’re also excited to introduce some new writers to you, helping us to develop your favorite sections, so look out for some new names as our family grows.

Whether you enter into the year by making resolutions, intention setting or even getting a new look for yourself, new beginnings have a certain energy that is full of hope and positivity. We hope that you enjoy this first edition of the year and we’re positive that 2018 is going to be a good one. Let’s get it started!

Sales

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

Omar Coral

Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @ThePlayaTimes playatimes theplayatimes Photo: Shutterstock

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.

T P T 1 0 DAY W E AT H E R WED 3

THU 4

FRI 5

80 ° / 74 ° F

84 ° / 75 ° F

78 ° / 76 ° F

SAT 6

79 ° / 75 ° F

SUN 7

MON 8

TUE 9

WED 10

THU 11

FRI 12

78 ° / 76 ° F

77 ° / 76 ° F

76 ° / 75 ° F

76 ° / 76 ° F

76 ° / 76 ° F

76 ° / 75 ° F

4

BEACH LIFE

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Predial Discounts 2018 Get an early bird discount on your property taxes and save!

By Thomas Lloyd, Founder of Top Mexico Real Estate

T

he high season is one of the best times for residents. There are plenty of tourists and snowbirds spending money, so financially it is a good moment for everyone. However, it is easy to go crazy with expenses during the holidays, and be broke for the beginning of the next year. So, it is important to keep your expenses low and try to use this money wisely, and what better way to use the extra cash than paying your property tax?

The property tax in Mexico (predial), is a tax paid to the county’s government, for the right to own real estate property. This payment is made once a year and it is based on the value of your property. The payment must be made during the first two months of the year. It is important to pay on time to avoid late fees; although some municipalities offer discounts on fines a few times a year.

Solidaridad is one of the municipalities that offers special early bird discounts for the landowners that pay the predial in advance. In addition to this benefit, the government has a lower rate for retirees, pensioners and people over 60 years of age.

Paying your property is easier than you think, in general you only need to present the payment receipt of the previous year, or know your property registry number. If you are not sure where to find this information, normally it is placed with your property deed.

The property tax can be paid as of December 1, 2017; the discounts that apply are the following: • December 20% • January 15% • February 10% The discounts do not apply to the payment of taxes of previous years, and discounts will not be made on surcharges for late payment. Paying your property taxes on time is a good way to use your money, so do not wait any longer and take advantage of these great discounts!

To learn about the Capital Gains Tax, download our free guide about this subject here: https://topmre.com/cgainstax.

Don’t risk a fine / Photo: Pixabay.com/nattanan23

Photo: shutterstock

Ask Allan:

Occupation of Rental Properties

By Allan Lockhart

Allan & Moli / Photo: Allan Lockhart

Hi Allan For my rental property in Playa, how many weeks a year can I expect it to be occupied?

David Hi David Thanks for your question. This is certainly a popular topic and one we have been asked a lot over our 10 years managing properties in Playa. On average, places rent 20 weeks a year as strict vacation rentals.

For newer places - or during your first year or two, expect that to be below average. A lot also depends on decoration and amenities. If you skimp on decor and put the bare

minimum, that’s what you’ll get for rentals - the bare minimum. The more you put in, the more you get back.

Other factors are important as well. The closer you are to the beach and to the center of Playa, the better it will book. Pricing is also key. An overpriced home on the water does not necessarily rent any better than a lower priced bare minimum unit five blocks from the beach. But a well-decorated unit, well priced, rents year round. Ocean views are a big plus as is outdoor space. People come here for the beach and to be outside.

The most we have seen from a weekly rental unit is 35 weeks a year - and that’s a well-priced home in Phase 1. You can increase occupancy by mixing weekly and vacation rentals and have upwards of 4050 weeks a year. You should also consider whether or not your unit is better suited as a long-term rental unit or a weekly one. Some places just don’t rent well on a weekly basis and do quite well long-term. So you have to ask yourself what is more important - maximizing your profit by diversifying or having less occupancy? Some prefer the latter. But as a business owner, my focus is client service - both to our property owners and to our renters - and if we can maximize profit to the owners while providing a diversity of rental options to our clients, I feel we are doing our jobs well.

Allan Allan Lockhart Co-owner, North American Standards

6

BEACH LIFE

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

10 ways to get

the new year off to a good start

A list of practices that will encourage a positive year

By Melissa Méndez Orantes

D

on’t plan on just surviving 2018, make it one of the best years of your life!

Start by following this list that I promise will bring you unexpected benefits.

Do something nice for a stranger Be kind and polite to whoever needs it. It could be very simple, just give a smile or a compliment to someone you don’t know. Do it every day and you’ll create a habit.

Nothing’s healthier than asking for forgiveness from someone with whom you had a problem throughout the year. Invite that person to dinner or coffee and talk!

A new beginning / Photo: Pixabay.com/rawpixel

Strengthen your spirituality Take a moment alone to connect with yourself and thank life (or the god you believe in) for the year that has passed and for all the lessons, challenges and opportunities you had. Choose a special place where you can relax and be in peace to do it.

Buy something special for yourself Take a moment to choose something beautiful for you, just because you love yourself very much! How about a plant or a diary?

Or some clothes, jewelry or lots of candy, ice-cream and chocolate? (Just kidding, don’t eat too much sugar, please).

Photo: Freeimageslive.co.uk/creator

Set new goals Write on a piece of paper five new goals that you are determined to accomplish in 2018 and keep that paper in a special place that you can see every day.

loved you in 2017. Don’t send mails or do it through social media; find a nice piece of paper and write!

Learn something new Sign up for a new activity: singing lessons, cooking or painting classes.

Apologize Nothing’s healthier than asking for forgiveness from someone with whom you had a problem throughout the year. Invite that person to dinner or coffee and talk!

Clean your house Clean all your spaces! But clean with special care your bedroom and you closet and take out everything that no longer serves you and occupies an unnecessary place in your life! (If it’s in good condition, donate it).

Give a thank you letter to someone Write something sincere from the heart to that special person that helped you and

Do something good for your body Dance, do exercise, eat healthily, and make love! Vibrate and move with the universe.

Love yourself above all You are your best creation. Work on yourself, be patient, thoughtful and love yourself every day. Remember: to love others, you must first love yourself; to give good advice, you must first put it into practice; to listen to others, you will first have to listen to yourself; to respect others, you must first respect yourself. And although it sounds trite, being positive will always give you an advantage in your day-to-day life.

8

BEACH LIFE

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Tuk Tulum

Tuk Tulum Art Walk comes to revolutionize the hotel and residential industry, while at the same time creating hundreds of jobs for Tulum’s community.

An exciting new development comes to the popular Riviera Maya town

By GMB

F

or those of us who frequent Tulum, a particular place has captured our attention in the last weeks. Located next to Chedraui, a very peculiar office stands out for the paintings that decorate its exterior, while its interior shows us an incredibly realistic model of the project that it is presenting.

Tuk Tulum Art Walk is a development that implements renewable energies in combination with the highest technology, seeking to preserve the environment and the natural beauty that characterizes Tulum.

It will be comprised of four independent towers of 42 apartments each, as well as a luxury hotel and a wide variety of first level amenities such as gym, paddle court, spa and amphitheater, among others. Additionally, the residences are delivered fully furnished and will have 5-star

Photos: GMB

hotel management by professionals in the area.

Although Tulum has large hotel chains in the surroundings, today within the town, there is no project of such magnitude as Tuk Tulum Art Walk itself, that complements its hotel rooms and

residences with a Full Market throughout the ground floor, in what will be the first commercial area of its kind combining diverse services in one place.

Its Art Walk offers an audiovisual experience where art is the protagonist, bringing together local

and international talents, a space designed for both tourists and locals to enjoy magical Tulum in its maximum splendor.

Tuk Tulum Art Walk comes to revolutionize the hotel and residential industry, while at the same time creating hundreds of jobs for Tulum’s community.

World Summit Meeting in Playa del Carmen

By Ian MacKenzie On the evening of December 11, The Playa Times was invited to a meeting of the World Summit Café, an organization with a chapter here in the city. The purpose of the evening was to hear from the founder

Photo: Ian MacKenzie

Tonny Kregel, who was to explain its purpose and provide information about their upcoming summit.

The meeting was held on the rooftop patio of a downtown condo, in keeping with their desire to create a network of World Summit Cafés hosted in homes around the world.

Coffee, tea, soft drinks and some delicious appetizers had been laid out in the kitchen for attending guests.

As I arrived, the first performance of the evening was underway from

a local group of musicians led by Vanessa Hylande, playing an eclectic mix of music.

Once the sun went down it was time to get down to business and Tonny informed us of what the upcoming summit was all about. He asked the guests: if a burning house has people trapped inside, do you wait around and discuss? Or do the 100 people outside with buckets and available water begin to put out the fire immediately?

It was a good analogy to emphasize the urgency that we face in resolving the world’s serious problems. In their words the mission of the World Summit is “uniting and gathering people, groups and organizations beyond our different goals and the political and economic systems that divide us.”

The network of World Summit Cafés is hosted in homes around the world, urging people to get involved in their local communities, and par-

ticipate in a community of sharing and through the implementation of a gift economy. They hope that transition to this kind of system will contribute to a unified humanity.

The World Summit will take place on January 11 and host organizations from across the planet here in Playa del Carmen. For more information regarding venues and schedules, you can follow them on their Facebook/wscafeplayadelcarmen/or visit their website: http://www.worldsummit.global/

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Our reef is damaged / Photo: Pixabay.com/joakan

Human-Assisted New Beginnings in Nature Restoration projects by environmental research centres give struggling local eco-systems a new chance of survival and recovery

By Florencia Cerutti

H

ere we are, in that great time of the year when we are all supposed to assess our rights and wrongs of the year that has passed, and plan new projects and new stuff to accomplish for the year that comes. If we were to pay close attention to nature – say, if we just were not so lost in our urbanized lives - we would notice that nature, wildlife, ecosystems don’t really wait for January. Nature is mostly guided by moon phases and temperature (seasons), so there are always new beginnings going on there throughout the year!

However, when we humans break nature into pieces, as we often do in the name of ‘progress’, we can get to the tipping point of losing species and entire ecosystems.

The Caribbean has been known for decades for its beautiful beaches, but during the last decade, it has also been known for having a very damaged coral reef system, which impacts the entire Caribbean region. To give nature the opportunity of a new beginning, despite the damage, a few restoration projects are happening around the area.

The Caribbean has been known for decades for its beautiful beaches, but during the last decade, it has also been known for having a very damaged coral reef system.

Restoration projects aim to cultivate damaged organisms in order to get seedlings that can be replanted. It is common to find dune restoration projects or restoration of over-harvested forests and degraded lands. But now we can also do this with coral reefs. Corals in captivity or semi-captivity are used to produce seedlings that would help restore damaged coral reefs.

Marine protected areas and fish refuges have been a useful tool in the area of Quintana Roo to try to keep reefs less impacted, but scientists from the research center ECOSUR and Oceanus, have been doing this in Quintana Roo and the Mesoamerican reef to restore them. Hopefully these efforts will help give a very much needed new beginning to our precious reefs for the following years.

DISCOVER MEXICO

9

10

DISCOVER MEXICO

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Los Cabos Three Times Is The Charm Wondering whether to visit this west coast destination? Let Catherine convince you

By Catherine Pawelek

I

had been to Los Cabos twice before, but it seems that the magic of the area and my good fortune manifested during last month’s trip. Visiting the Baja California peninsula is about experiencing all it has to offer - especially the glorious food! Move over New England lobster roll, I think you may have met your match!

Writing about the food brings my thoughts to an unbelievable chocolate lava-like cake I had there surrounded by a sugar-spun blue globe, lit from underneath, and a table laden with tapas including an artichoke dip with tiny, airy, doughy puffs. Cocina de autor is how a lot of restaurants describe their innovative and sometimes molecular menu these days, but I call it amazing.

Whether you visit San Jose del Cabo with the classic, authentic feel of old Mexico or the hipper, South Beach-esque Cabo San Lucas, scuba aficionados should also make a side trip to Cabo Pulmo. I still get goosebumps, not from the chilly waters, but from the variety of underwater

Listening to the sommelier’s descriptions, I thought life couldn’t get any better than this, until I received a scalp rub and another glass of wine.

Photos: Erika Serra

species. Where is an underwater camera when you need it?

For the die-hard fishermen and women amongst you, a trip to La Paz should be on your bucket list before it gets overrun. I had the good fortune to visit a number of resorts,

The Ejido, A Mexican Concept Misunderstood

by Foreigners

By MEXLAW Plots of land located near the beach are most likely part of an Ejido. Foreigners frequently ask, “What is the significance of an Ejido property and why am I prohibited from buying land there?”

An Ejido or propiedad comunal is an area of communal land mainly used for agriculture, on which community members farm designated plots and collectively maintain communal holdings. While this was the original intention and was once an accurate description of Ejido activity, today many Ejido properties are abandoned, with no farming activity taking place.

Why can’t foreigners buy an Ejido property?

An Ejido property is not private property, it may only be sold to Mexicans. A Mexican citizen wishing to purchase Ejido land must have the agreement of the whole community that “owns” the land. If an Ejido property is sold without the consent of all owners, the buyer can risk a legal battle after the fact, which, in the worst-case scenario means the land will be returned to

Photo: shutterstock

both contemporary, like the newly opened LeBlanc Resort, and the classy Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos. The latter is partially surrounded by a 36-hole golf course. It was here that I encountered the most body and soul-moving experience.

the original owner.

The owner has rights of possession over the communal land, but does not have a Deed, and if he wants to sell it, he needs the approval of the assembly of the commissary. The commissary will never approve selling to a foreigner because it would be against the law.

The only way to acquire Ejido land is to go through a privatization process that transfers the property to a Mexican citizen through a Title or Deed. Transferring Ejido property into private ownership is a time-consuming process, and there are no guarantees. Since the land is located in the restricted zone which is any property within 50 kilometers of the coast and 100 kilometers from the border, a foreigner may only purchase this type of land through a trust. A trustee bank may not hold property in trust without a private Deed.

Be cautious, as many foreign nationals have purchased property in this manner, without the appropriate Title; they are making agreements and doing a private assignment of rights, which means that they are at risk as the communal commissary or the government may reclaim the land at any time.

Before purchasing real estate in Mexico consult an attorney at Contact@mexlaw.ca.

A trip to their beach, as the sun set, revealed a dozen lounge chairs, a fire pit, 18 massage therapists and individual grape-crushing vats – á la I Love Lucy. We squished grapes then received a foot massage, whilst tasting three Mexican wines

matched with little bites. Listening to the sommelier’s descriptions, I thought life couldn’t get any better than this, until I received a scalp rub and another glass of wine. This aptly named Barefoot Elegance shall be repeated by me the next time I visit.

Although there are hundreds of local tour companies, I highly recommend Transcabo for their punctuality, cleanliness, friendly staff and the most breathtaking, sunset-capturing view of El Arco.

I loved the unexpected, fun camel ride on the beach with an informative nature talk and walk along a mini Grand Canyon. A shout-out also to Luxury Cabo for their private whale watching cruise with delicious homemade guacamole, fresh fruit and champagne.

Sea turtles are peaceful animals / Photos: Xcaret

1

1

kþÏå Ş±Ïå üŅų ±Ĭå Ņų åĹƋ× åĹƋų±ĬĬƼěĬŅϱƋåÚØ ĵŅÚåųĹØ ŅŞåĹ āŅŅų ŞĬ±Ĺ ŅþÏå ŸŞ±Ïå üŅų Ÿ±Ĭå Ņų ųåĹƋ Ĭ域 ƋʱŠ± ĵĜĹƚƋå üųŅĵ ƋĘå ĵ±ĜĹ ĘĜčĘƵ±Ƽ ±ĹÚ Ƶ±ĬĩĜĹč ÚĜŸƋ±ĹÏå ƋŅ 8ĜüƋĘ eƴåĹƚå ±ĹÚ ƋĘå ŅDŽƚĵåĬ üåųųƼţ XŅϱƋåÚ ģƚŸƋ ŅƚƋŸĜÚå Ņü {Ĭ±Ƽ±Ï±ų ĜĹ {±ŸåŅ ŅÆ±Ø ƋĘå ÆƚĜĬÚĜĹč ʱŸ č±ų±čå Ş±ųĩĜĹč ±ƴ±ĜĬ±ÆĬå üŅų åĵŞĬŅƼååŸ ±ĹÚ čƚåŸƋŸţ 8Ņų ĵŅųå ĜĹüŅųĵ±ƋĜŅĹ ƴĜŸĜƋ×

ƵƵƵţųĜƴĜåų±ĵ±Ƽ±ŅþÏåŸţÏŅĵ

1

1

Attract butterflies to your garden / Photo: Unsplash.com/Vishal Kashyap

Fill Your Garden with Butterflies and Hummingbirds Make your garden a magnet for these beautiful creatures with their favorite plants

By Greenway Landscaping

O

ne of the beautiful things about living in Mexico is the existence of butterflies and hummingbirds. While in other areas of Mexico, they are more prevalent due to a larger selection of colorful plants and flowers, we still do have a great selection here on the Mayan Riviera. What should be noted is that we do have seasons here too; many of the birds head north for spring and summer, a few types of butterflies do migrate. Even the flowers bloom more here at certain times (not always subject to season only).

The biggest necessity for the colorful flowering plants is sunlight and water. Regular pruning will help to speed up the growth and abundance of flowers, thus attracting more butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plants that attract hummingbirds • Bird of Paradise • Tulipan (shown in photo) • Lirio del Mar • Lavender • Bougainvillea • Mandeville • Coco Palms (hair of the nut to build nests) • Heliconias • Hibiscus • Plumbago • Copa de Oro Plants that attract butterflies • Parsley • Basil • Passion Fruit • Lirio del Mar • Lavender • Jasmine • Bougainvillea • Mandeville • Hibiscus • Plumbago • Ixora (shown in photo) Advice and quotes are free.

Greenwaylandscaping@email.com Facebook.com/GreenwayLandscapingMexico / 984 183-2762

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

CANCUN

What’s New for Cancun, 2018?

Holidays and Sunsets at

By Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III Hope you are enjoying the first Playa Times edition of 2018. This year’s first months come with many new services and attractions for us living in the north of Quintana Roo. As I mentioned a couple of editions ago, there will be new national and international flights coming straight to Cancun starting in a couple of months when the new terminal will be fully operational. Also, two long-awaited new boat companies will start to operate soon with Cancun-Isla Mujeres routes every day in the first trimester of 2018.

One is already confirmed and it’s called Marinsa. It is based in Campeche and will be competing against Ultramar which was working as a monopoly when it came to the transportation of people in and out of the island. The prices aren’t confirmed yet but they assure us they will be cheaper than the current rates: 146 pesos (for locals with

ID) and 300 pesos (for regular travelers) on a round trip basis.

Another project that will finally see the light in February, after five years of planning and several difficulties with the licenses and permissions, is Parque Maya de Cancún. This Maya theme park, the only one of its kind in Cancun, will be located in front of the museum of the same name, right before Playa Delfines (Museo Maya de Cancún, inaugurated along with the minor archaeological site El Miguelito in 2012; both places are worth checking out too).

Parque Maya will be an extension of the museum on the Nichupte Lagoon side, dedicated to teaching visitors about the ancient culture that founded this city, as well as offering fun activities like zipping across the lagoon, suspension bridges and canoe paddling tours in the lagoon’s mangroves. The cost of the tickets is yet to be confirmed, but the whole concept seems very interesting.

New services are coming to Cancun / Photos: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

Jardín del Arte Street markets, romantic walks and amazing views - this Cancun spot deserves a visit soon

By Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

W

inter’s low temperatures finally allowed us to rock all those sweaters, hoodies, jackets and ponchos that we confined to closets and silica gel bags during the rest of the year. We hardly get to wear those clothes in Cancun. I’m talking outdoors, of course, because all the office ACs are always really cold.

One of the best spots in Cancun to enjoy a chilly evening walk (or a romantic date) is Jardín del Arte, a walking corridor located at the beginning of the Kukulcan Boulevard that runs along the Nichupté Lagoon. Jardín starts at the emblematic Calinda Bridge, built over the sea and the lagoon connection, and ends right before the Sunset Marina Resort. There are lots of things to see, the view from the bridge is amazing and the biggest Mexican flag in the state waves right in front of it. There is also a sculpture area and many kiosks where locals eat. They hang their hammocks on sunny days after going to Playa Langosta, which happens to be right across the street!

Jardín del Arte usually hosts a little street market on weekends organized by Manos Mágicas, offering local products, food and handcrafts. They also coordinate with Sunset World, one of my favorite events of the year: The Sunset Boat Parade. This colorful parade took place a couple of weeks ago and it had a great reception from both locals and tourists.

After three previous editions, the festival has already gained some popularity. This year they added live jazz music to the combo and the fireworks were simply amazing. The decorated boat parade as usual didn’t disappoint. I was glad to see more members joined the yacht club this time.

Jardín del Arte has more events prepared to start 2018 and The Playa Times will continue to let you know all about them.

Happy New Year!

The Boat Parade at Jardin del Arte / Photo: Sunset World

15

TPT FOODIES

16

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Book & Feel A new website is making it easy for tourists and food lovers to make reservations at their favorite restaurants, as well as discover events dedicated to gastronomy A superfood / Photo: Pixabay.com/MIH83

Chia Seeds

By Sara Jones What Are They?

This popular little superfood can be found in all our fruterias and grocery stores around Playa. Local to Mexico and South America, the Aztec, Maya and Inca ate chia seeds as a source of energy for runners and warriors. Chia means strength in the Mayan language. The seeds are easy to digest and a versatile addition to many recipes.

Nutrition • High quality protein source.

• High in essential fatty acids, especially Omega-3. This is one of the richest plantbased sources.

Vitamins A, B (1, 2 & 3), E & D. • Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese.

• High antioxidant activity, even better than blueberries! This also helps them last up to two years unrefrigerated.

• High in fiber.

Photos: Book and Feel

By Erika Serra

A

few weeks ago I was invited to attend a pre-Hispanic dinner at the Skylights restaurant in the Hotel Princess. It was an incredible gastronomic experience, created by guest chefs from Cancun. The event was arranged by Book & Feel, an application designed for reservations at different restaurants in the Riviera Maya. In this interview I spoke to Dania, who is a representative of the company.

The Playa Times: What is Book & Feel Dania: It is an application for broadcasting different offers from restaurants that are located from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. It uses a reservation system to simplify the process. Our reach is mainly to concierges in hotels, butlers or people that offer a service to guests, but it is now being used by locals who want to experiment with new ideas of where to eat.

How does it work?

Concierge or personnel that send us regular reservations are called “Bookers”. We take charge of simplifying the interaction between the Bookers and restaurant owners, considering that it is of primary importance to maintain contact between the two parties so that the Booker can recommend restaurants.

Tastings, hotel visits and information gathering is all done on the webpage, so the Booker always has access to the information necessary to make the reservation on the page.

Why offer this service?

There are many restaurants and chefs with gastronomic ideas that are different and interesting, so it is important to diversify recommendations in the hotels. For some time the Riviera Maya has been offering events promoting recognized local and international chefs, product lines and Mexican beers, so we have to get to know them in order to recommend them.

It is also important that places make an effort to participate in these events to make Tulum and Playa del Carmen rich destinations for gastronomy. Book & Feel is the perfect option for food lovers. Generally it’s people aged 25 to 35 who reserve for their guests and 35 and up who have used the webpage for personal reservations, the majority of which are promotions.

We have been working in Playa del Carmen for two years; now we are setting up in Tulum, each time with more restaurants and events. Soon we will have plans laid ready for Cancun.

What restaurants do you work with?

Le Chique, Axiote, Ohlalá by George, La Chula en Tulum, Skylights at the Princess, Fuego in Hotel Mahekal, Sushiitto, among others.

Contact: dania@booknfeel.com 9841342913 Fcb: Book & Feel Ig: @booknfeel Tw: booknfeel

The Benefits • Improved digestion. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract and helps you feel full quicker. The soluble fiber can also work as a prebiotic supporting healthy probiotic growth in the gut.

• Heart health. With more Omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, chia seeds can help lower blood pressure and inflammation and decrease bad cholesterol.

• Boost energy and metabolism. Add chia seeds to water to make your own sports drink; improve performance and burn fat.

• Strengthen bones. The high calcium and mineral content of chia seeds makes them a great food for healthy bones.

Gram for gram, they have more calcium than many dairy products.

• Prevent insulin resistance. Studies have shown chia seeds help to stabilize insulin levels even in high sugar diets, potentially offering protection against type 2 diabetes and inhibiting belly fat.

How to use them • Soak chia seeds before consuming them or using them in recipes. This will reduce the phytic acid and promote easier digestion. The bland taste means chia seeds can be incorporated into many different foods, both savory and sweet, as they will absorb the flavors around them.

• Add to water, smoothies, juice, oatmeal, puddings, cereal or yoghurt. They can also be included in vegetable, grain and rice based dishes to instantly improve the nutrient content.

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

TPT FOODIES

17

Red Pozole Jalisco-Style (Pozole Rojo Estilo Jalisco)

A favorite over the holidays, this hominy stew is a well-known, popular Mexican dish

By Lily Espinosa Rivera

hot water. Reserve. Rinse the hominy and place in a saucepan with the garlic and enough water to cover, and let it simmer over low heat until is tender. Cook the meat in salted water (covering it) until it is tender too.

Remove the meat from the broth and reserve it; this is very important! Cut the meat into large chunks. Blend the chiles very well with their soaking water and strain and add to the hominy. Stir the meat and some of the broth into the hominy. Add salt, bring to the boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, until the stew is thick. Remove and discard the garlic.

Serve the pozole and add the accompaniments as you wish. Instead of tortillas, we have tostadas when we enjoy this dish.

Any questions, please send me an email to riverakitchentulum@ gmail.com, I will be glad to answer!

Buen provecho, hermosos!

A

traditional dish to prepare over the holidays in Mexico is pozole (hominy stew), originally from the state of Jalisco. It is now one of the most representative dishes of Mexico in the world, and eaten all year round.

Here’s the recipe.

Ingredients • 700g dried hominy • 1 head of garlic • 1 kilo loin of pork • ½ kilo leg of pork • 1 onion • 100g chile ancho • 100g chile guajillo • Salt Accompaniments • 1 shredded lettuce • Dried oregano • Radishes, thinly sliced • Chopped onions • Lime • Tostadas • Chile piquín Method Start by removing all seeds and veins from the chiles and soaking them in

Rivera´s Kitchen Tulum Mexican Cooking Classes & Culinary Tours “The passion of Mexico in your kitchen...”

Don’t forget the accompaniments / Photo: Pixabay.com/alphacreativa

Photos: Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla & La Esmeralda Open a New Convention Center

By Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla & La Esmeralda Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 8 December, 2017 - Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla & La Esmeralda opens its new Convention Center, increasing the space designated for events and congresses. With this expansion, the hotel continues to be one of the top luxury resorts in the Mexican

Caribbean with the best offerings for the convention market.

The space has 436 m2 (4,700 ft2) of last generation design, with capacity for 400 attendees in the auditorium. Its modern architecture and elegant decorations are complemented with audiovisual high technology equipment, composed of three projectors for video blending and eight versatile screens. The space can be divided in eight rooms

designed for more intimate meetings.

The new Convention Center is an addition to the original one since the hotel’s inauguration in November 2011, with 2,322 m2 (25,000 ft2) and capacity for 1,500 people.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen thus becomes one of the best places to hold events in the region.

For more information, visit: www.paradisus.com.

18

ART & CULTURE

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

A Bad Moms Christmas

By Michael Renouf

Photo: Pixabay.com/darvinsantos

New Year

A Bad Moms Christmas or La Navidad De Las Madres Rebeldes as it is known here in Mexico, is the follow up to last year’s hit Bad Moms. Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) all return as our bad moms, but this time are all being visited by their flawed mothers. Amy, by her controlling and critical mom Ruth, superbly played by Christine Baranski. If you’ve seen The Big Bang Theory, you will have had a preview of this character as she plays a similar role as Leonard’s mother.

Kiki;s mom is the clingy and stalker-like Sandy (Cheryl Hines). And finally, the lady who gave birth to Carla, Isis, sassily played by Susan Sarandon, who only shows up when she needs gambling funds.

We see the conflicts of grown-up children

in the pre-Hispanic Era The Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples had their own reasons to ring in the new year, built around festivities dedicated to the birth of the sun and their god Huitzilopochtli.

Photo: Agency

By Alejandra Campo

Y

ou may have wondered if the pre-Hispanic villages celebrated the new year.

This concept and calendar are of a western European tradition.

The ancient nations celebrated the birth of the star that rules all others: the sun.

It was been well documented that the Christmas celebrations were accepted by the Mexicas and the Aztecs, as well as in the Mesoamerican villages. It was because they coincided with or were near the date of the birth of Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun.

The Mesoamerican peoples were great observers and knowledgeable of the heavens and the movement of stars. Thus, the Aztecs celebrated the winter solstice, the rebirth of the sun and the birth of Huitzilopochtli during the festivals of Panquetzaliztli, where there were dances, offerings and songs.

Although the idea of a new year celebration is modern, the indigenous peoples and nations would celebrate the beginning of a new cycle for days. Seeing the celebrations, the Spaniards took advantage of these “coincidences.”

The Catholic Christmas actually has its origin in Roman pagan festivals, which, in turn Rome had taken from the Egyptians, introducing the Catholic religion into them and evangelizing through the Christ-

mas festivals. This included the nativity play, piñatas and integrating the songs, prayers and offerings made by the Aztecs.

Although the idea of a new year celebration is modern, the indigenous peoples and nations would celebrate the beginning of a new cycle for days.

In this manner, a certain familiarity was created that replaced the pre-Hispanic gods with a single Christian divinity. It was accompanied by hundreds of saints and vocations of virgins.

Today, native peoples do not celebrate the new year. However, they celebrate every December 21st during the winter solstice, with special rituals for this date.

Here in Quintana Roo there are communities and people interested in reviving their Maya culture who perform these types of ceremonies. The are performed out in the open for anyone who wants to participate, giving them the respect they deserve.

having to deal with their parents at the most stressful time of year - the Christmas holidays. We also have the same writing/directing duo from the first film of Scott Moore and Jon Lucas who are behind The Hangover trilogy. If you liked Bad Moms, you will like this one as well. Although the first one was a little better, this jaunt has many laugh-out-loud moments and lots of crude language, which is mainly used to gain laughs rather than just to shock.

Will this film change your life? No. Will you enjoy yourself? Yes - and that’s what this sort of film is all about. Just a little bit of gossip: Moore and Lucas have a Bad Dads film in pre-production.

This week’s star of the show is Christine Baranski who steals it with her search for perfection and cutting remarks. A not-badat-all 7.5 out of 10.

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

ART & CULTURE

Getting a fire started in the mornings, before sunrise to get my first cup of coffee, can sometimes be a bit of a drag.

People of Playa: Michael Maurus <krlmZe ikhÛe^l Fb\aZ^e FZnknl% Z iahmh`kZia^k `hbg` [Z\d mh gZmnk^

By Crystal Mitchell

M

ichael Maurus has traveled the world. However, currently he is settled deep into a remote jungle home away from modern conveniences like WiFi and electricity.

I spoke to him about why he chose this life and the passions that he still pursues despite his removal from city life.

Playa Times: Where are you originally from and how did you find yourself in the Riviera Maya? How long have you been here?

Michael: I grew up on a little farm in the Bavarian Alps, near Munich, Germany. I have lived in the Riviera Maya since the early 90s and first got to know it when I was working for an advertising agency in Miami and we frequently flew in for photo shoots. After we had done a few of these shoots, I got to appreciate the area so much that I decided to put up residency here instead of Miami.

You just recently moved out to the jungle. How did you come to make that decision?

Most of my adult life I have lived and worked in big cities like Munich, New York and Miami,

but that little farm boy who grew up with nature was always and still is in me. So, a few years ago when I was introduced to and became good friends with a Maya family who own a vast area of jungle along the Ruta de los Cenotes, the inner voice of this little farm boy grew louder and louder wanting to go back home and reconnect with Mother Nature.

What do you do on a day-today basis? What was the hardest part about moving there?

In the mornings, I hike for about an hour to the outside where I rent a space in a tiny bodega along the main road between Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario, where I have my computer for editing. In the afternoon, I hike back into the jungle to work on my hut and the land.

I chose this simple life on purpose, so most things come easy which might seem hard to others. How-

ever, getting a fire started in the mornings, before sunrise, to get my first cup of coffee can sometimes be a bit of a drag.

You have a new project in the area with Photo Walks. Can you describe those and let us know what your goal is with them?

Yes, this project is dear to my heart.

Over my career as a photographer

19

Michael Maurus / Photos: Michael Maurus

I learned that to take a truly good photo, you not only have to see it, but that you need to “feel” it first. After that, it is almost secondary what type of camera you use to capture that image. A felt photo, combined with some easy-to-apply composition secrets I share, can be taken with a cellphone camera, a compact or DSLR pro camera.

To get the participants of these photo walks into the mood I take them to the little town of Leona Vicario where we walk along picturesque neighborhoods and I introduce them to the super friendly locals.

These interactions not only open the eyes and hearts of the participants so that they can experience how to take a felt photo, but for many it is

also their first time in a community of big-hearted, ordinary Mexican people, away from the big tourist centers.

After lunch, we drive to the jungle where I live, and I invite them to see my hut and the nearby Maya ruins for further great photo ops.

With these photo walks, I feel that the participants will not only learn how to take better photos, but will also get a better feel for the Mexican and Maya cultures off the beaten track. And as an added benefit, I am able to share the proceeds with my Maya family and the community.

What do you want our readers to know about Mexico?

The Mexico I got to know and love is a country of proud people and if you show a genuine interest and respect, they will go to any length to make you feel welcome and at home.

See some of Michael’s work and find out more about his Photo Walk project at http://www.mmaurus.com.

20

HEALTH

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

A Natural and Cultural T r e a s u r e The Riviera Maya nature reserve is a unique, transformational experience that allows visitors to explore the beauty of one of the world’s largest cave systems.

BY JERÓNIMO AVILÉS

T

he description of the Río Secreto nature reserve could very well be a passage taken from Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” due to the fact that it can be admired as being nearly perfect.

There are caves of various shapes and immeasurable sizes that are labyrinthine and beautiful, with interior springs and rivers of the most crystalline water ever seen by a human being. Outside the vegetation is lush and the singing of birds is enchanting, while inside the caves there are harmless creatures living in the darkness, inhabiting the innermost spaces. For many thousands of years their ancestors have remained in the dark, eventually becoming blind and evolving into animals for which eyes no longer serve a purpose. In return

New Year Intention Setting

By Sara Jones I am not a fan of making new year’s resolutions, however I do believe in intention setting. This can be a daily, weekly or monthly practice, in addition to something you do at the start of each year.

In the run up to new year’s eve, think about what you would like to achieve in the year ahead. Narrow that down to one, two or three specific intentions and write these down. Write them in the present tense as though they are already a fact. For example, instead of writing, “I will practice yoga daily”, write your intention as, “I practice yoga daily”.

Once you have your intentions written and you are happy with them, find a quiet space to sit on your own and complete the following practice.

For each intention ask yourself these three questions and sit for a few minutes to think and feel the answers to each.

• What do I have to do to make this a reality?

• What do I need to let go of to achieve this?

• How will I feel once I have achieved this?

I like to attach the intentions to an aroma also. Perhaps choose your favorite essential oil or blended aroma and inhale this as you set your intentions. Whenever you think of your intentions throughout the year, use the same aroma to increase your focus, and whenever you happen to use your favorite aroma your intentions will be brought to mind.

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com

Attach intentions to an aroma / Photo: Pixabay.com/Couleur

they have developed senses that allow them to detect the most subtle of movements and sounds.

In addition to its unique flora and fauna of ancient geological origin, Río Secreto is part of the largest and most beautiful cave system in the world. Inside the reserve there are dry and semi-flooded areas which allow you to walk and sometimes float through its calm and pristine waters.

If rain could choose where to fall it would do so in Río Secreto. Here the

protected native forest is revitalized drop by drop and the sustainable tourism practices which are carried out guarantee the quality of the water that passes through the caves for the enjoyment of its visitors. This green tourism spot has earned national and international recognition as a company that is 100% Mexican.

Visitors can admire all of this beauty as they are led by the Río Secreto guides. They inform them about the beauty and natural history of this magical and mystical

tourist attraction. Everyone who arrives at the reserve leaves with a deep knowledge of the Earth, both literal and figurative, marvelling at the beauty of its natural altars and cathedrals of stalactites and stalagmites. For this reason and more, Río Secreto goes far beyond tourism.

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

HEALTH

21

Playa del Carmen: An Excellent Choice for Dental Tourism

Photo supplied by Coral Dental

By Dr. Marco Laguna

New Year Detox

By Sara Jones Each new year brings a time of hope and aspiration, reflection and review. Whatever your tradition or customs for the new year, we can all benefit from a detox of some kind.

Detox is a general term for following a diet or plan to remove toxins from the body. Detoxing comes under fire from the medical community at times who point out that the body is designed to eliminate metabolic waste and harmful chemicals (the toxins) on its own. While that’s true, in this day and age the body does sometimes need a little help and what better time than the new year, when you’re motivated and ambitious to achieve?

Meat Detox Last January I went vegetarian for a month. While I maintain a pretty healthy diet throughout the year, it was fun to set a challenge and it spurred me on to embrace an 80% plant-based diet.

This means I opt for more vegan options than before, with less meat, less dairy and more fruit and vegetables. The 80:20 rule allows me to choose when to indulge in a steak, some bacon, cake and chocolate, etc. Having no hard and fast rules can make eating healthily an easier commitment to stick to. Try reducing or eliminating meat from your diet to see the benefits.

Raw Fruit and Vegetable Detox Choose a one, three or seven-day plan and adapt this to your needs. Eat only raw fruits and vegetables but eat as much of them as you like. This means you’ll never go hungry and you will give your digestive system a break from heavy meats, dairy, grains and processed foods.

Salt Flush Colon Cleanse A salt flush only requires minimum effort and commitment. You can do this in combination with either of the other detox plans or on its own. Use high quality Himalayan salt that is rich in minerals. Fill a liter container with warm water and add a tablespoon of salt. Add some lemon juice if it helps with the taste and drink the solution within five minutes on an empty stomach in the morning. Do this on a day when you can stay home for a few hours, as the solution has a laxative effect and you will start eliminating waste within an hour.

If you have any contraindications to cleanses or high blood pressure, always check with your doctor first.

Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com Photo: Pixabay.com/silviarita

In recent years the dental tourism practice has been increasing in the area, and this is due to several factors. The key to successful dental tourism is to combine high quality medical services at accessible costs in attractive tourist destinations. The more complete and diverse the offer, the more attractive and prominent it becomes. Playa del Carmen has these special characteristics that make it a privileged place. To name a few: • International tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean (heart of the Mayan Riviera).

• International airport connections to the EU, Canada, South America, Europe and Asia, with 17 million passengers per year.

• Hotel infrastructure, for various tastes and budgets.

• Attractive tourism: the area has a wide range of activities and attractions, such as white beaches, turquoise blue water, spas, international cuisine restaurants, archaeological sites, golf courses, cenotes, diving, and all this in a cosmopolitan environment.

• Quality and care: Mexicans are recognized worldwide for their kindness and warmth.

• Specialized dentistry with state-of-the-art technology: It is well known that dental

preparation in Mexico is at the level of the best in the world and nowadays the use of technological advances allows us to provide a service of the highest quality.

• The use of technological communication (internet) is a key point for the development of health tourism; nowadays several processes are involved, such as websites, contact with the patient, sending information, x-rays, photos, appointment reminders, and even registration and collection of digital data for the elaboration of crowns and dental prostheses, which allows for a reduction in treatment time.

• Finally, and perhaps the most attractive argument for patients is saving money because the cost of treatments is on average between 70% and 40% cheaper.

Coral Dental Center has developed extensive experience in the field of dental tourism.

It has been perfecting its services, learning logistics, communication, the idiosyncrasies of other countries, and making alliances with service companies in order to provide the same routine treatments in less time, without affecting the quality of one of the most recognized dental clinics of the Riviera Maya.

Coral Dental Center is located in Playa del Carmen, and has a select group of doctors specialized in various dental areas, spacious and pleasant facilities, medical equipment and cutting-edge technology, and above all, human and personalized attention.

We believe that the offer of medical and dental services in the Mexican Caribbean is an excellent option to consider when thinking about dental tourism. www.coraldentalcenter.com

22

ANIMAL WELFARE

JANUARY 3 - 16, 2018

Salute to Bats

By Nash

Princesa at home / Photo: Michael Renouf

A Street Dog Named Princesa LmkZr ]h`l bg IeZrZ aZo^ Z khn`a mbf^4 mabl ]h` l mZe^ however, has a happy ending

By Michael Renouf

O

n December 5, 2016 our lives changed forever. That is the day when we took in a street dog known locally as Princesa. During this time period we had noticed many homeless dogs around, and discussed maybe homing a dog from one of the local shelters. Fate then took a turn.

Outside of the sales office of the company that sold us our house, we noticed a sweet, amber-eyed dog hanging around.

We discovered it was a crossbreed known as a malix, found in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo area.

We got talking to the security guards and started to invite her to walk with us which she did.

We had to go to England for two weeks and made the decision if she was still there when we returned to Playa that we would try to give her a loving home.

When we returned she was still there. After about ten minutes of trying to gently coax her into our car she made the decision that she would give us a chance. Once home she gave it a quick once over and immediately made herself comfortable. She is now a minor celebrity and we rarely manage a walk without someone knowing her. Often they give us a little anecdote from her previous life. We would love to know her background, but that will always be her secret!

We had a surprise visitor one day when our neighbor turned up with her friend, a German lady

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

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

Bats feast on many pests such as the corn earworm moth that would otherwise destroy crops.

The corn earworm larvae also endanger the plants by creating infection with a destructive fungus, which produces toxic and cancer-causing byproducts, and causes serious health hazards for livestock and affects the value of the crop. Bats provide this invaluable service and help reduce the amount of pesticides farmers use - less contamination of our food and the environment.

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

They are also great fertilizers. Bat droppings, called guano, are a natural way to fertilize plants without chemicals. Bat guano also plant seeds as fruit-eating bats disperse seeds, restoring plant life to land that has been cleared, especially in the rainforest where land has been stripped of vegetation.

The vampire bat’s saliva produces an anti-coagulating enzyme which aids in taking blood from an animal. Scientists are exploring this serum as a way to treat strokes and heart attacks.

Researchers are studying the bat’s resistance to malaria, one day they may provide a better way for humans to deal with this deadly disease.

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

called Tanja. It turns out that she and three other people had been regularly feeding Princesa. She had wondered what had happened to her, even starting a Facebook page to locate the missing dog. We discovered that the dog pound was going to take Princesa away one night until a kindly security guard said that she was his dog. After this, Tanja bought her a collar to prevent anything like this happening in the future.

From our experience and from everybody else we have talked to that has rescued a dog here, they are so grateful and so loving. We would encourage anyone thinking of getting a dog to rescue one from the street or from a shelter rather than going to a pet shop.

Without bats there would be no tequila! / Photo: Pixabay.com/dustinthewind

Playa Animal Rescue Founded in 2011, Playa Animal Rescue (PAR) is a non-profit, no-kill shelter in Playa del Carmen, focused on rescuing street dogs.

The people behind the shelter, a mix of citizens from the United States, Mexico, and Canada are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs, and finding

loving homes for each of them.

Playa Animal Rescue is in constant need of monetary donations. We receive no government funding and rely only on the generosity of our supporters. You can join us every Saturday and help us get the dogs ready for their new homes by teaching them good manners

and basic commands. Saturday is also bath day for the dogs, or you may want to cuddle a dog who needs a little love! For more information on our organization, our dogs available for adoption and how to donate, please visit: info@playaanimalrescue.org Facebook/ PlayaAnimalRescue