Edition 131

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

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Spring Regattas Connecting USA and Mexico >P. 9

>> ANIMAL WELFARE

P h o t o s : P i x a b a y. c o m C o u n s e l l i n g

Children Supporting Animal Welfare >P. 17

BEACH LIFE UP WITH PEOPLE COMES TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

ART & CULTURE PEOPLE OF PLAYA: MERCEDES BAUTISTA

More than 100 young students visited Playa del Carmen on an international trip to learn about Mexico and contribute to the local community

Photo:Crystal Mitchell

>P. 6

Meet Mercedes Bautista, a local poet and art teacher who is committed to developing the inborn creativity of her young students

Photo: Mercedes Bautista

>P. 8

April 18 - May 1

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.

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

3

Editorial

DIRECTORY Rebecca Page

The (Inner) Children of Playa del Carmen

General Manager edition@meridianmedia.mx

Siobhán Gallagher

The Riviera Maya is an area with enough wonders to keep our childish curiosity and playfulness alive in an era when children risk missing out on the full joys of childhood

Editor theplayatimeseditor@gmail.com

Ian MacKenzie

Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

By Siobhán Gallagher

I

Efrén Velázquez

n today’s technological world, everything happens faster. What was once thought difficult is now so easy.

What was once thought impossible is now commonplace. The effort has been taken out of so many actions. A letter once had to be handwritten, sealed in a stamped envelope, and delivered to the postbox. Depending on the destination the whole process could take weeks, and imply the input of several people.

Now, we just send an email, for free, and it arrives instantly.

While I am amazed at how far we’ve come in my short(-ish) lifetime, I often get nostalgic for things from my childhood in the 80s that will soon fade permanently into the past. I’m truly grateful that I was born in an era when every-

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

Omar Coral

Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

thing wasn’t quite so easy, fast and impressive. I’m grateful I learned to read paper books and write letters by hand, before electronic readers and tablets arrived. I’m grateful I learned to wait patiently for my favorite songs to be played on the radio so I could record them onto a cassette, before they became instantly available on YouTube. I’m grateful I learned to entertain myself for hours creating imaginary scenarios to act out in Wendy houses and forts made with sticks and blankets, before Wii arrived.

The facilities, information and opportunities available to children of this generation are greater than ever before.

Yet, I sometimes wonder about what, despite all this progress and fortune at their fingertips, they are missing out on. With instant results, you miss the process.

With instant success, you miss the les-

son. With instant gratification, you miss that greater buzz of achievement due to hard work and effort. With today’s youth it seems like that curious, playful, creative inner child that we adults strive so hard to keep alive in later years, may not even get a chance to go outside and skip a rope or bounce a ball.

In this edition, we celebrate Children’s Day on 30 April and we’ve featured activities and alternatives for children in Playa del Carmen that allow them to be children: art classes, child-friendly restaurants, time in nature, wellness activities.

We live in a natural wonderland with a climate, enough beautiful sights and simple experiences to keep us all young, curious and in my case, most definitely grateful. Happy Children’s Day 2018 - I hope your inner child gets to celebrate too

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

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

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

Ask Allan:

Peeling Paint Problems

By Allan Lockhart Hi, Allan The paint on my exterior walls keep peeling. How can I fix this permanently?

Thanks, Doug

Prepare for rain / Photo: Unsplash – Corey Hearne

Hurricane Season Is Coming; Is Your Home Prepared?

How to keep your home dry and protected during periods of heavy rain and extreme weather conditions

By Thomas Lloyd, Founder of Top Mexico

E

very year people living in Playa del Carmen must prepare for hurricane season, which spans from the June 1 until November 30. Luckily, Playa del Carmen hasn’t experienced a hurricane since Wilma, back in 2005.

Most of the years, the hurricane months pass by with nothing to fear but afternoon showers and some humidity. However, it is important to act and prepare our homes before the rainy season starts. The key for any of these preventive actions is that they must be done on dry surfaces.

Keeping your home in top condition is a good way to avoid water damage.

Follow our recommendations and enjoy a dry hurricane season!

Prevention is key to keeping your home dry and maintaining the value of your property, so here are some of the most effective ways to keep water out of your home!

• Walls: Applying a fresh coat of paint is a great way to keep water out. As an extra precaution, you can apply a sealant in parts of your house that tend to get wet during rainy season: corners, low areas of the wall, walls near pipes, etc.

• Roof: The sealant used in Mexico looks like paint. Some builders skip this step, so if your roof looks grey, most probably you need to apply a new coat of waterproof sealant.

• Windows and doors: Checking windows and doors for broken seals, dry silicone and broken glass is a sure way to keep the water outside. Remove any debris from the rails to avoid clogging.

• Pipes and exterior drain: Make sure the pipes that take the water down from the roof are free of leaves. Also, patio drains need to be checked to make sure the water will not accumulate and damage your home.

• Trees: Heavy rains and winds might damage trees. Make sure to trim your trees and get rid of any rotten branches. Concrete houses withstand fallen trees quite well, but these branches might damage electric wires, cars or even a pedestrian!

Keeping your home in top condition is a good way to avoid water damage.

Follow our recommendations and enjoy a dry hurricane season!

If you want to learn about Ownership in Mexico, download our free guide about this topic here: https:// topmre.com/mexicoownership

Hi, Doug Thanks for your question. Peeling paint is usually the result of moisture penetration, improper paint application, improper wall preparation, paint application in adverse conditions or poor paint products.

First, you need to determine the cause of the problem. If it’s humidity coming from inside the wall, the problem might reoccur. Fix any interior leaks first. Then when ready, do not paint over the existing paint as it’s going to peel again. Strip the paint using a scraper and a wire brush. Then use fine sandpaper. Fill all the holes in cracks with a high-quality filler. Then clean the wall with a pre-painting cleaner. only paint on a dry surface and in the shade. It’s not good to paint when it’s wet or very sunny.

First apply a good primer and paint. We like to use Comex paint - they have one that is water resistant. If you do not do the work yourself, hire someone good or have your property manager do it. Most workers should be supervised as they may cut corners or use inferior products. Of course, if you have a good property manager you should not have to worry.

Allan Allan Lockhart Co-owner, North American Standards

Photo: Pixabay.com/Reyher

Allan and Moli / Photo: Allan Lockhart

6

BEACH LIFE

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

Up with People Comes to Playa del Carmen More than 100 young students visited Playa del Carmen on an international trip to learn about Mexico and contribute to the local community through the arts and service

By Crystal Mitchell

A

n amazing project landed in Playa on April 2 that impacted the community in a wonderful way. Up with People or Viva La Gente is a program that brings together college-aged students from all over the world through service and the arts.

More than 100 young artists from over 20 different countries arrived in Playa, welcomed by host families, to learn more about Mexico and leave a healthy footprint behind.

Their purpose is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;bring the world together through service and music as we travel with a purpose, perform for thousands and impact communities through global tours with a unique, experience-based curriculum.â&#x20AC;? Their first step is to find host families and then they connect with local organizations to work with for community projects. Together, with the local XuuxnĂŤ music program, they went out to the community of Nuevo Durango to work on the new community center. As a thank you for their grand welcome, Up with People invited the children from the village to come to their April 7 concert that was held at the Teatro de la Ciudad here in Playa del Carmen.

Viva La Gente / Photo: Crystal Mitchell

This was an amazing opportunity for the young village community to meet people from all over the world and take a trip to the city to see a big performance. The goal is to inspire children to seek out music, dance, and travel. The show consisted of two hours of multilingual singing and dancing that got the full theater out of their seats to join the fun. More than 100 students with Up with People stayed with host families and took advantage of their visit enjoying our Mexican paradise with activities throughout their weeklong stay.

Their program is a great way to

take a cultural gap year between high school and college to travel, perform, and take part in community projects.

The mission is to break down barriers and to connect people all over the world through the arts and charity projects. The more the participants learn about other cultures, the more they learn about the world.

If you are a college-aged student or have a college-aged child and want to learn more about the Up with People program and see their schedule, check out their website at www.upwithpeople.org or their Facebook page at Facebook/UpwithPeople.

8

ART & CULTURE

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

People of Playa: Artist and Poet Mercedes Bautista Meet Mercedes Bautista, a local art teacher who is committed to nurturing and developing the inborn creativity of her young students

By Alejandra Campo

R

esident in Playa del Carmen, Mercedes Bautista is Spanish and studied art in Madrid. Here she divides her time between her own art projects and the classes that she teaches. This artist is a part of “Crecer Verde” (Grow Green), a very interesting educational project here in Playa del Carmen.

It brings together as a group a few days each week the families of children who are educated at home.

Art is a fundamental part of the workshops given by Mercedes. Beyond the technical aspects of painting, she believes in freedom of expression and the mediums at her disposal are used for creating artistic works.

This is what she tries to pass on to the children and teenagers in local schools where she gives classes, as well as workshops she delivers in family homes. The children are free to create with the techniques and materials at their disposal. She encourages creative freedom and a love for the poetic.

“I feel that all children are born as artists,” she told me. “We are all born with a capacity for creativity, but our education system works to take it away from you. Art needs to be a fundamental part of education. We can develop more interesting people through art studies, educating through creativity and discovery creates a sense of self worth.”

Mercedes perfectly recognizes what is the social function of art. She is committed to working with isolated communities that have no means for learning art, because the schools

My intention is to bring out what each child has within them, their way of expressing themselves.

Mercedes Bautista

Photo: Mercedes Bautistaí

don’t have the curriculum. She and her students from Playa also provide workshops in elementary schools.

“I am more of a guide rather than a teacher of techniques,” she told me. “My intention is to bring out what each child has within them, their way of

expressing themselves. Everything is real and authentic because they express themselves based on who they are, without fear. I see that many teenagers have lost this, that much of their creativity has been lost.” She adds that “maintaining creativity is the job of a good art teacher.”

Mercedes presented her show “Where the Heart is Born” on Friday April 13 at Galeria 18 in Evass Restaurante.

Find out more about Mercedes, her work and classes at https://www.facebook.com/ merchebautista.

Art, Culture and Creative Children

By Alejandra Campo

Photo: Pixabay.com/Aymanjed

Rights and Obligations of Property Owners - Part 2

By Vela-Esperon Abogados Do you own a property on the Mayan Riviera, but you don’t know what your rights and obligations are?

Following up on our previous article, and according to the specialists at Vela Esperon, the obligations of a condo administrator are mainly established by three different sources. The first one is the Condo Bylaw (it may vary according to each condo regulation), the second one is the 36th article of the Law of property in condominium of the State of Quintana Roo. Follow the link to the article here: http://documentos.congresoqroo.gob. mx/leyes/L1220110322448.pdf Finally, the third source of obligations is those granted in a general condo assembly, duly protocolized with a notary, as well

as recorded at the public registry.

As to the faculties and powers that a condo administrator has, these are: In the case of newly created condos (during its first year), those awarded in the condo constituent public deed in which the first administrator is appointed. For condos which are older than one year, the ones granted to the administrator at a general assembly of condo owners, duly formalized with a notary and recorded at the public registry.

For further information, contact the experts,Vela Esperon Abogados.

Lic. Mario Durango Vela Quintero, Director Vela-Esperon Abogados, S.C. www.velaesperon.com mdvq@velaeperon.com administracion@velaeperon.com (984)8030396 - (984)8030397

In my experience, art is not only about aesthetics and beauty. Art allows children to explore materials and forms, discover colours, the movement of the body, and experiment with musical instruments. Art is about having fun and surprising yourself.

I am convinced that art contributes to a person’s development and discipline, it teaches how to be consistent, to finish what one begins. It also gives children many ways to create depending on their likes and abilities.

They learn to respect the manner in which others express themselves and not to discriminate. Pink and blue are only colours, without category or relation to gender.

There is also culture, whether it is a physical journey to another place, or via books, magazines, the internet, or different foods. Children learn to recognize the “other.” It is important to speak with them about different religions, languages, customs, their own family, their country and the world.

Understanding these things helps them know that they are not the only ones, that they can be more sensitive to the diversity of people and cultures. In most Mexican cities, there is a government funded house of culture offering workshops at very acces-

Photo: Pixabay.com/Samueles

sible prices. More than simply having kids draw on paper, read, act out a story or sing, it is about spending time with them and letting them be.

It is also important not to discourage children when it is time to choose a career. They can be a talented artist who can make a living from their art and develop their abilities. Art has great benefits when introduced at a young age. As adults we often forget to let ourselves go a little bit and do what we enjoy.

It’s not that art and culture are some kind of magic wand, but they surely make children happy. When they become adults they will have many resources available to them for solving problems in whatever situation in life or career they find themselves.

Through culture they will be freer, conscientious and tolerant.

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

DISCOVER MEXICO

9

Fun, Games and a Better Future for Cancun’s Children How children are taking the lead in Cancun, and where to have fun for all the family

Salud Primal moms / Photo: Facebook Salud Primal

Strengthening the Bond Between Mother and Baby

By Florencia Cerutti Although giving birth is one of the most natural processes of humanity, our technology-obsessed society has slowly forgotten its relevance and the importance of the link between parents – mother – and the newborn. In our need to improve medicine and health – which is crucial indeed – we have forgotten the old knowledge and traditions women hold for the time of pregnancy, birth and post-birth. And not only the traditions but also the key link that is formed between the mom and the baby during pregnancy and birth.

It is not news that many organizations have worked for the last few decades on bringing back the natural-birth traditions and wisdom without forgetting the medical

and ‘western’ side of it.

In Playa del Carmen, there are a few groups that address this situation and work on building the lost relationship between mom and baby. These groups (e.g. Salud Primal) have various programs that help support moms (or both parents) from pregnancy to years after giving birth.

This work is based in the Attachment Theory of John Bowlby which considers the importance of the close relationship of a child with the mother from birth for the child’s emotional, cognitive and social development.

Their support is through knowledge, and discussion groups, activities and events. Workshops are created to accompany parents through the first months of motherhood in order to have

Spring Regattas

Connecting Two Countries

By Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III The United States and Mexico are brother nations. Beyond the obvious differences between our countries, we have so much in common that we should celebrate.

And what better way to declare our brotherhood than a regatta connecting the two nations? I grew up in Cozumel, so I’ve been in love with these regattas for a long time. I have participated in a couple, but not the ones I’m about to review: Regata del Sol al Sol and Regata al Sol. First of all, what’s a regatta?

It is a boat race using the power of wind, currents and the skills of the crew. Two historic regattas are taking place soon and both begin in Florida and end at Isla Mujeres. These events have been held since 1964. Both started as a way to promote the Mexican Caribbean wonders after the Cuban Revolution. The importance of their promotion to the development of the destination is greater than most people think - they are older than Cancun’s foundation.

Regata del Sol al Sol begins on April 26 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and will continue with different

activities in their sister city Isla Mujeres until May 5. This regatta is 100 miles shorter than Regata al Sol and it focuses more on the fun of racing, so it’s a great opportunity for cruising boats and aficionados to be part of the event.

After the welcoming celebrations, a tour around the island will be done in what is called Regata Amigos, a favorite among locals for decades.

Regata al Sol departs from Pen-

more conscious moms: with a stronger link to their babies for the health of both.

Importantly, these groups also focus on the emotional advantages of breastfeeding, as well as building habits that are a little friendlier to the environment, like using cloth nappies or dropping the use of formula and processed baby foods, or spending time in nature and understanding the natural hormonal processes behind the moms’ and babies’ behaviors.

In these times when we are constantly bombarded with technology from a very young age, these groups bring back an old but key tradition that has the potential to balance up our rather unbalanced societies by strengthening the most delicate link between a mother and her newborn human.

sacola, Florida on May 9 and will end in Isla Mujeres the following day. This is the longest (555 nautical miles) and most difficult of the two. It has to go through rougher looping currents to reach the island. This competition is for more experienced sailors, so most of the boats are racing ones. Most of the participants will reach the finish line the day after.

To know every single detail about them, visit the official websites, you can even see the satellite tracking of both races and the full list of events and participants: regataalsol.org regatadelsolalsol.org

Photo:Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

By: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

I

n January 2016, the natural area known as Malecon Tajamar, a favorite spot for local families, was destroyed. This occurred in order to start the construction of a series of apartment complexes, despite the multiple protests against it. It was carried out with the unilateral support of local authorities, Thousands of animals died in this mangrove connected to the Nichupté Lagoon. It has since been two long years of legal fights to protect the semi-devastated zone after news of the ecocide went viral. A group of ecologists have been occupying the entrance with success ever since. Nevertheless, the green light to start building these apartments was imminent by the end of 2017.

Who’s suing the National Tourism Fund (FONATUR)?

113 local children fighting for their right to a safe environment as it is stipulated in the Mexican Constitution.

Last month the case took an unexpected turn when a lawsuit filed on August 2015 was reopened,

Photo: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

stopping any construction.

Who’s suing the National Tourism Fund (FONATUR)? 113 local children fighting for their right to a safe environment, as it is stipulated in the Mexican Constitution.

Originally dismissed by local authorities, it was finally authorized

by Mexico’s Supreme Court, giving Tajamar new hope. The case will continue for a while, but this is an important landmark in the defense of Children’s Rights in our state.

After this great news preamble, let me recommend to you two places in Cancun designed for children, but fun for everyone: Sky Zone Cancun: Located at the interior of Plaza Las Américas, this indoor trampoline park is the perfect place to have fun while burning some calories. They have many activities for all the family, jumping dodgeball, basketball and my favorite: The Foam Pit. Available for private parties, hours and day passes, Sky Zone is a must for the young, and the young at heart.

Pirates Mini Golf: The classic mini golf we all know with a neon paint and blacklight twist, giving it a very peculiar and cool vibe (and a bit of extra difficulty). Just a few blocks away from Las Americas mall (25 Xpuhil Ave.), Pirates mini golf has a game area with arcades, pool tables, a children’s buffet restaurant (with a contiguous sports bar for the grown ups and a sushi bar: Tori Dori) to enjoy after finishing the fun course.

Also available for parties and private events. @cancunskyzone @toridorisuchicancun

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Photo: Espiraluz

Espiraluz - Art for Children in Playa An art therapy group for children is offering lessons in art techniques and personal ^qik^llbhg mh IeZrZ ]^e <Zkf^g l rhng` Zkmblml

By Melissa Méndez Orantes

W

hy is art important in the development of children?

Art is a form of self-expression. It is a language for children to free themselves from tensions and express wellbeing. When we are little we need various modes of expression, because we have limited language. Art is also a tool for learning, concentration and solving problems, and creativity is fundamental for thinking skills.

For the children of Playa del Carmen there is an excellent option to approach art called Espiraluz.

The project aims to introduce art to children with creative, fun, free and healing activities in a space with the necessary conditions for that objective.

They have an air-conditioned lounge, garden, and a consulting room. Espiraluz offers “drawing, painting, creative projects and art therapy workshops” in which children are introduced to different visual art techniques and materials, such as graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, engraving and experimental techniques. Each child will develop their own creative process, according to their age, interests and needs.

Each month Espiraluz develops art therapy dynamics in which children have the opportunity to identify, release and rearrange their emotions.

This activity gives them guidelines to their creative process. They also develop creative individual or school projects, such as layouts, mockups, posters, stories, comics, puppets, etc. It is worth mentioning that they listen to classical music during classes.

Something that is very valuable is that children are not only taught the basics like color and form, but they are taught to delve into the meaning of their process of artistic creation. This is something that can positively mark their lives, since they will know that art is a useful and beautiful tool that they can access at the moment they need it.

For more information, contact the creator of Espiraluz: Luz Elena Martínez, a visual artist with more than 20 years of experience working with children. Call her at 984 8770110 or contact her through the Espiraluz Facebook. She will give you a 10% discount on the workshop if you like her Facebook fan page and send a message mentioning that you saw this article in The Playa Times.

14

TPT FOODIES

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

Alacena: A Playa Foodie’s Paradise This recent addition to the Playa del Carmen food scene offers a unique combination of bakery, shop and private chef service

By Jen Phillips April

S

een from the street, Alacena promises an oasis of delicious foods beyond the clear glass door. Once inside it does not disappoint. Well-stocked shelves hold artisanal teas, olive oils, wine, house-made pasta sauces, and other delights. Their pastry case displays delectable desserts and next to that are fresh loaves of ciabatta and baguettes.

Chef Luis Casteneda and Creative Director Manrique Solis Boliver bring their passion and food to their new gourmet shop and private chef service in Playa del Carmen. With their shared backgrounds in the hospitality industry, the two friends decided to go into business together last year. As Casteneda says “We’d been working together for seven or eight years and decided we shared a similar vision. We want to surprise people with a beautiful experience and we love food.”

The idea for the private chef service and gourmet shop was born in the wee hours of the night, after working a busy New Year’s Eve shift at Hotel Fusion. It remained a concept until last year when the wheels began turning to bring it to fruition.

There are three components: the shop where you can purchase specialty food products and sandwiches piled with European cheeses; the private chef service which arranges memorable dinners; and the bakery which supplies fresh bread to area hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Besides food, the pair share a passion for

Alacena and A la cena mean “pantry” and “go to dinner” respectively, in Spanish, so the play on words makes a perfect fit for those with a passion for food. high quality ingredients, service, and experience. Chef Casteneda has poured his heart into three menus from which you can choose. The

Photos: Rick Toone

private chef service offers a seven-course meal with your choice of the following themes: Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian menus. The food is prepped in their off-site kitchen and then transported for finishing and plating. No attention to detail is spared including glassware, ta-

ble settings, and china.

Alacena and A la cena mean “pantry” and “go to dinner” respectively, in Spanish, so the play on words makes a perfect fit for those with a passion for food. Alacena is located on Avenida Constituyentes at Plaza Palmares #8.

Basic Facts About Gun Control in Mexico

By MexLaw All arms must be registered with the Secretariat of National Defense https://www.gob. mx/sedena in accordance with the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives.

The Dirección de Comercialización de Armamento y Municiones - DCAM, located in Mexico City, is the only legally authorized firearms store in the country.

The Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), is responsible for issuing licenses and operating the General Directorate for the Federal Firearms Registry and Explosives Control.

Lost or stolen firearms must be reported to the Secretariat of Defense.

Firearms must be kept in the home; in order to carry one, you need a license, which is typically reserved for police, army, navy officials, and specialized sporting participants.

Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without a permit could face up to five years in prison.

Carry firearms licenses are issued to individuals who, among other qualifications, are mentally capable, do not have a criminal record, or history of illegal drug use, and can demonstrate a need to carry arms.

Officials hold their license for as long as

Gun laws / Photo: Pixabay.com/MidTnOutdoors

they are in the position that requires a firearms license, whereas individuals must renew their license every two years.

Licenses may be granted to private individuals for target shooting or hunting, if the applicant is a member of a registered club or association and meets the requirements.

Transport of firearms: gun owners who belong to hunting or shooting clubs and keep registered firearms must maintain a valid permit.

The private sale of firearms must be authorized by the Secretariat of National Defense.

Mexico’s legal gun stores sold 52,147 firearms between 2009 and 2014. According to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 73,684 of the 104,850 guns which were confiscated in Mexico from 20092014 originated from the U.S. and were illegally smuggled into Mexico.

Read the full article https://mexlaw.ca/somebasic-facts-about-gun-control-in-mexico-2/

TPT FOODIES

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

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Dine and draw / Photo: Pixabay.com/ponce_photography

Dining with Children in Playa Where in Playa del Carmen can both adults and children eat well, have fun and go home happy?

By Catherine Pawelek

L

a Panaderia isn’t your grandmother’s bakery. Although the menu is full of local Mexican dishes, one of my favorites reminds me of a hybrid between a French Croque Madame, English Toad in a Hole, and Dutch “Uitsmijter” = bouncer.

Here bread is topped with ham (and spinach) a fried egg and a creamy béchamel type sauce (with diced chorizo). Picture perfect and fun for the little ones at this Calle 14/10th Avenue restaurant with a children’s club in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Here they can create their own dessert and be looked after, while they color and draw to their heart’s content. Count me in.

Imagine sitting in a cute little Mexican restaurant, enjoying a margarita and mouthwatering fresh seafood, while your

little ones splash around in a private, not too deep pool. At Chiltepin Marisquillos, this is reality and the kids love it. A favorite taco or burger and a swim … maybe not in that order. Find this venue at Calle 30/20th Ave. Our friends from Veracruz feel that they experience a taste from home in a family-like environment when they visit La Parroquia de Veracruz, especially because kids seem to be the central focus. Although it is not in Playa del Carmen’s center, but on the road to Tulum, it is worth the short drive. This is the only restaurant we know of that has a jungle gym, keeping the little ones busy, as well as a children’s menu, games, and coloring books. Where was all this when I was younger? The adults are not left out as you have to try their special coffee drinks, ritually poured into your glass.

Instagram-worthy!

Photo: Erika Serra

A Day Out at Woodward Gymnastics Centre and Skate Park

By Erika Serra In this edition dedicated to children I share with you my recent experience at Woodward. I had a lot of fun there, thanks to Shelby Lynn and her helpful staff.

Woodward is the first gymnastics centre and skate park in Latin America, and the only one outside the United States. It is located at the Hard Rock hotel in the Riviera Maya.

Access is open to everyone and not just tourists, guests of the hotel and locals.

Check out their Facebook page as they regularly have new promotions. You can book for birthday parties, private classes, etc.

Prices start at $69 for locals, who receive a 50% discount with their ID or IFE. Some packages include food and beverages.

Children aged seven and over may enter with a letter of consent from their parents.

They also offer micro sessions for children aged 4-7, exclusively from 10.00 am to 12.00pm.

Before any activity you must first take part in a 30-minute introductory session with the staff. Afterwards you can take part in your activity of choice, always accompanied by a staff member.

Here are some of the activities available: indoor skateboarding and BMX biking, dryland snowboarding and skiing, scooter, parkour, trampoline and tumbling, cheer, GoPro lab.

Open from 10:00 am to 8:00pm 365 days a year, visit their social media and experience Woodward! http://www.campwoodward.com/ https://www.instagram.com/woodwardrivieramaya/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/wwrivieramaya/

Teaching

and the Mayas

The Mayas had a strict and structured education system organized according to hierarchy and including the practice personal discipline

By Kantunchi Ecopark The Maya civilization was the one that had the greatest splendor and power of the cultures of Mesoamerica. Maya education had the objective of strengthening ethical and moral values, and the links between the human being and nature, and the human being with the superior being.

In ancient times Maya education was very strict and mainly in schools and seminars. The Maya’s discipline was practiced for his entire life, by performing fasts and absti-

nence on special occasions or before festive events. A group of men would be interned in a house for a period of approximately 60 days, blood was drawn with the purpose of offering it as a sacrifice. From a young age the Mayas learn to obey their elders, and master their emotions and appear calm.

The education that was granted in the educational centers depended on the hierarchical position; for example, the nobles were taught liturgy, astrology, writing, calculation and genealogy. The middle class was destined to the teaching of military practice.

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ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

A Local Lesbian

Wedding

Ready Player One

Aline Àlvarez and Rosy Hoil embraced their chance of happiness with each other with a recent wedding in Paamul

By Michael Renouf

By Ginger M.

T

his is a love story between Aline Àlvarez and Rosy Hoil, two Mexican lesbians living on the beautiful Riviera Maya. They got married in Paamul recently with a LGBT theme. Did you know that same sex marriage was legalized on December 27, 2014?

Aline is a DJ and MC and her wife Rosy is a butler. You might know Aline as DJ Warrior since she has played for LesMex. These two lovebirds met at a hotel they both worked at. Rosy noticed Aline right away, but it was not until they both volunteered for a children’s day at work that they started talking.

They never had a real first date since their first encounter outside work was a friendly meeting. Aline invited Rosy to watch movies and go out for sushi.

Six months after officially dating, Aline proposed to Rosy on August 27 2016 at Frida Kahlo’s restaurant. She had it all planned - the rings in the dessert plate and the waiter filming the proposal! She got down on her knees and asked her to be her wife. Rosy cried, accepted and then gave her the wrong hand! Aline didn’t know you could be loved and love so much and what she has with Rosy, she wants

Happy couple / Photo: Mactwo Fotografia

for life. Rosy loves how her wife fights for everything she wants, she doesn’t let anyone bring her down, thus her name, DJ Warrior.

On their wedding day, last February 23, they had the gay flag as a theme. The sign on the street, the LGBT cake topped with unicorns and the maids wearing each one of the colors of the flag, it was lively!

Flora Capistran designed all the dresses according to the spouses’ taste. They had a wonderful wedding with everyone they love. Their families are pretty accepting and supportive, especially Rosy’s Maya family. Her mother always told her to do what makes her happy, and she does.

They are now happily married. Both of them wish for you readers to follow your dreams and love yourself. It shouldn’t matter what other people think, follow your heart no matter what.

Ready Player One is the latest offering from much-lauded director Steven Spielberg. Set in Columbus, Ohio in 2045, it tells the story of the OASIS, a virtual reality world created by Halliday (Mark Rylance) and Morrow (Simon Pegg). Unfortunately, they have a falling out and Morrow leaves the company. Once Halliday dies there will be no one left to take over the company.

So he comes up with a challenge: find the three keys he has hidden within the game and get rewarded with his Easter egg and full control of the OASIS, bringing unbelievable wealth.

Obviously, many people want to get their sticky paws on the prize - some good, some bad. This leads to one of my criticisms of the film: the bad guys are so bad I expected them to be kicking a puppy while robbing their grandmother’s purse.

Many clues can be found by studying the virtual OASIS library where we see Halliday and Morrow interact. I feel these scenes could have been developed far more.

By failing to do so, Spielberg criminally under-uses these two talented British actors.

Whilst in the game, the good guys’ avatars are likeable, but apart from Samantha (Olivia Cooke), I found their real life versions quite insipid. The film is visually impressive and is pretty well-paced. How-

Photo: Agency

ever the star of the show is the soundtrack, featuring songs from Prince, The Bee Gees, The Temptations and Blondie to name but a few.

If you are a teenager or if you spend a lot of time playing computer games I am sure you will enjoy this film. But if you are like me and prefer to play outside you will wish you were doing just that - playing outside. I admire the director for moving with the times in terms of subject matter. Alas, this movie is not fit to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the Oscar winner’s previous films, such as Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List and the Indiana Jones series. Ready Player One, but not for Player Two. The real reality for this film is it only deserves 6 out of 10.

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

ANIMAL WELFARE

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Children Supporting Animal Welfare

By Gail Collins

Mother cat with kittens / Photo: pexels.com

Children of the Riviera Maya’s

Animal Kingdom

Young people are finding their voice when it concerns the future of our planet and the impact we are having on it. I spoke to 12-year-old Maria Calva and her 10-year-old sister Isabel Calva about their thoughts on animals and the environment. Maria and Isabel were born in Guanajuato but have lived in Playa for the last nine years.

They both attend Manuel Acosta School where the curriculum covers natural sciences and includes annual days out to learn about local wildlife and their environment. It was the first school to take up the offer of free class visits to El Acuario de Playa, a new aquarium facility in Playa. Here they learned more about ways of saving our oceans and how to protect marine life.

Once a year the school also has a Día de Mascotas (Pets Day) when children are invited to bring their pets to school. The day before, a veterinary guest speaker comes to talk to the children about pet care and encourages adoption rather than buying a pet. The school has some permanent guests – seven agoutis, related to the guinea pig family, but with larger bodies and longer legs, which the children learn to care for and feed.

Maria and Isobel have had pets all their

lives, including turtles, fish, and cats. Recently 2-year-old Meche, who was the runt of a litter, was brought home by their father as a puppy. Isabel was delighted to receive two hamsters for her last birthday, she had wanted them for a long time. But first she had to show that she was responsible by spending a year helping with Meche and doing chores in the house. Ciao and Aloha, the two hamsters, were her reward!

I see people throwing plastic bottles into the sea and I feel sad.

Isabel Calva I asked each of the girls what they wanted to do to help in the future. Maria replied “Every time I go to the beach I want to take away any rubbish I find. I see people throwing plastic bottles into the sea and I feel sad.”

Isabel told me “I want to try and stop people hunting animals for fun and doing stupid things. If they continue, more animals will become extinct.” Strong but true words from a 10-year old and a 12-year old and a sign of hope for the future.

What does childhood look like for our pets and local wildlife?

By Gail Collins

A

pril 30 is Children’s Day in Mexico, so this is a good time to look at the children of the animals around us; from pets in our home to the wildlife that resides in the jungles and beaches of the area.

Puppies should always stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks after birth. If they are taken away sooner they can become problematic as they grow, often resulting in fearful behavior towards other dogs. Additionally, a puppy will be far healthier if it can wean naturally from its mother’s milk around the seventh-eighth week.

Baby jaguars are born with their eyes sealed shut and only see the world for the first time at around two weeks.

Kittens take a bit longer and are normally weaned off their mother’s milk by the time they are 8 – 10 weeks old and ideally should go to their new home at

around 12 – 13 weeks. For puppies and kittens, spending time with their mother gives them maximum nutrients for future good health and teaches them essential socialization skills. If the mother is sadly unable to look after her young or is not around, talk to a vet to find the best milk replacement and handling of the young animal.

Baby jaguars are born with their eyes sealed shut and only see the world for the first time at around two weeks. They are very vulnerable to predators until they start to grow. At around six months the mother teaches them to hunt and they will stay with her for around two years before going off to find their own hunting territory.

All these mothers are pretty hands on, but for the green turtles found in Akumal and along the Riviera Maya, it is a different story. After mating, the female comes onto the sandy beaches, quite often at night, using her front flippers to dig out a hole. She then uses her back flippers to dig an egg cavity in which she then deposits around 100 eggs which will take up to 55 days to hatch. That’s the mother’s job done and then it is every baby for itself!

So kids, the next time you get cross with your family because they tell you to do your homework or make your bed – remember how many years they devote to feeding and caring for you, compared to our animal friends!

Maria and Isabel with Meche / Photo: Gail Collins

SOS El Arca S.O.S el Arca is a non-profit, no-kill dog shelter in Playa del Carmen. We are privately funded, with no financial support from the government. We have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over 2000 injured, abused and abandoned dogs from the streets and the local dog pound, and we have about 200 dogs in our care at all times. The dogs stay with us until we find them a forever home.

S.O.S is fundraising and working towards building an in-house veterinary clinic, enabling us to save on medical care and offer free sterilization to those in need to help control the overpopulation and neglect of street dogs in Playa. If you love dogs, volunteer at the shelter providing socialization for the dogs. If you wish to volunteer, adopt or donate food, cleaning supplies or funds, please email info@soselarca.org or WhatsApp: 984-132-0583.

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HEALTH

APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2018

Hospiten: Janice’s Story : ;kbmbla lmkhd^ iZmb^gm pZl ma^ Ûklm i^klhg mh k^\^bo^ Z [ehh] mabggbg` mk^Zmf^gm Z_m^k ^qi^kb^g\bg` Z lmkhd^ bg <Zg\ng

By Ian MacKenzie

W

hen you are on vacation, the last thing you expect to happen is becoming seriously ill or undergoing a medical emergency. This is what happened to a visitor to the Riviera Maya from the UK, and as a result she was the first person to receive a blood thinning treatment after experiencing a stroke in Cancun. This is the story of Janice McDonald, and thanks to the action of the medical staff at Hospiten in Cancun, she is alive today and enjoying life.

In July 2005, Janice was on holiday in Cancun with her husband and son. An active 46 year old, she had been in good health, although in the previous days she had complained about severe pain in her leg. On the fifth day of their two-week holiday, Janice was on the beach having her photograph taken by her husband.

Her husband looked up from the photographs he had just taken to find his wife lying on the sand. An American doctor who was also there on holiday attended to her and made a shocking diagnosis: Janice was likely having a stroke and needed to be attended to immediately by emergency services.

The doctor on the beach took charge of calling for an ambulance and spoke with the paramedics in Spanish. Janice was taken to Hospiten in Cancun where an independent doctor made an assessment that she was receiving the best stroke care available and that she should stay there for treatment. Janice’s daughter Carly explained to me what happened next.

“Dr Alvarez Tostado and a team of intensive

Global Wellness Day: Wellness for Children

By Sara Jones The Global Wellness Day organization made an announcement last October at the Global Wellness Summit, regarding their new initiative: GWD Kids, launching in 2018/19.

This new project will implement five-minute wellness circles at preschools each morning and eventually in phase two, one-hour wellness classes at elementary schools once a week.

Belgin Aksoy, founder of Global Wellness Day expressed her hope for the initiative.

“With this project, I personally hope that kids all around the world will learn about breathing exercises to improve their health and manage their stress, about mindfulness to improve their emotional and physical wellbeing, and about self-love to let go of shame, anger, blame and to feel at peace, to accept themselves and others.”

Here are some wellness activities you can start today with your children:

Photo: Pixabay.com/fancycrave1

care staff treated her immediately,” said Carly.

“She had a blood thinning treatment that apparently made her one of the first in the Yucatan peninsula to receive it. My father and brother had to sign for her to have ‘thrombolysis.’ She had a clot in one of the main arteries that was occluding blood supply to half her brain.”

It turned out to be a very serious stroke. The treatment given to Janice by the medical staff at Hospiten allowed more blood to flow back to her brain, and she was in intensive care for three weeks before she could be flown by air ambulance back home to UK. She had brain scans almost daily and Dr Alvarez Tostado and a neurologist spoke with the family every day about her condition and what her brain was looking like.

“All of the staff at Hospiten were very helpful and very kind,” Carly told me. “Without the great treatment provided by their team we believe my mum would have died or been left with a very poor quality of life. 12 years ago she would have likely died in the UK.” Janice’s daughter Carly flew to Cancun and got there three days after the stroke, despite the fact that Hurricane Emily was impacting the region. Carly says that “while we were there, the Hospiten manager allowed myself and my dad to stay in the hospital so we wouldn’t be separated from mum.”

Today, 12 years after her stroke and treatment at Hospiten, Janice is doing well. She spent seven months in hospital in the UK undergoing rehabilitation and enough of her brain was saved. She has learned to walk again, is able to drive a car, and volunteers for a stroke

Breathing Exercises If all children can learn to take a deep breath and manage stress when they feel angry or upset, they will be better equipped to deal with disagreements and conflicts at home, with friends, at school and later in life.

Mindfulness Teaching kids to focus their attention on the present moment, on one thing, and one thing only, can help them enjoy being calm. This can assist their learning abilities, happiness and reduce worry about the past and the future.

Exercise This should go without saying, however, the World Health Organization states that: “Globally, there are more than 1.6 billion overweight adults, with at least 300 million of them clinically obese.” Habits begin with children living a healthy lifestyle, so help yours to run, jump, play, swim, cycle and take part in sports as much as possible to help them lead a long, healthy life.

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

Without the great treatment provided by their team we believe my mum would have died or been left with a very poor quality of life. 12 years ago she would have likely died in the UK. Carly, daughter of stroke patient Janice McDonald charity. Despite suffering from aphasia (communication difficulty) she has improved so much.

“At first she had no words but now can speak in single words and short phrases,” explains Carly. “She has a very happy and good quality life. She likes taking on challenges, such as abseiling and indoor skydiving!

Time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke and Carly was effusive in her praise for Dr Alvarez Tostado. “We estimate that mum re-

Photos: Janice McDonald

ceived treatment about half an hour after the stroke, which is very quick,” Carly explained.

“Dr Tostado spent an hour with my dad and brother when it first happened, explaining everything and then spent time every day discussing treatment and brain scans. You could tell he cared a lot. He kept in contact by email for months after because he was interested in how mum was doing. We are very thankful to him and everyone at Hospiten.”

Cryotherapy for Wellness Photo: Pixabay.com/Asasch

By Sara Jones Having never tried cryotherapy previously, I was eager to experience this treatment at the beautiful Âme Spa at Turnberry Isle in Miami. As a huge fan of cold plunge pools (when combined with hot Jacuzzis, steam and sauna, of course), I believed I would enjoy the experience. I’m happy to report that I really did!

To prepare for the experience you wear underwear or swimwear and remove all metal jewelry from the body. After donning mitts and booties to keep hands and feet warm during the process, you step into the ‘spaceage’ looking machine as the cold mist starts to swirl.

At first, the sensation was only slightly cool and I was encouraged to slowly turn in circles so no part of the body got too cold too quickly. The practitioner accompanying me talked through the process and checked how I was doing.

As it quickly gets colder, I felt a sensation similar to pins and needles over the exposed skin and, although the intensity increased, it was not an uncomfortable feeling at all.

Where the bones are close to the surface of

the skin, like elbows and knees, it can feel a little painful though.

As I stepped out from the cryotherapy machine at the end, the blood flowed back into the skin and created a vibrant, tingling feeling all over the body. I was instructed to keep moving for a few minutes to warm up the muscles, and then enjoy 20 minutes in the infrared sauna to complete the experience. In the hours that followed I felt invigorated and energized.

Benefits of cryotherapy: • Reduces inflammation • Increases metabolism • Improves mood / relieves depression • Chronic pain reduction • Muscle healing • Collagen boosting for skin health Although we don’t yet have cryotherapy available here in Playa del Carmen, it’s definitely worth a try when travelling somewhere that does!

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