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International Playa del Carmen
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Cancun Turns 48!
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BEACH LIFE A COSMOPOLITAN AND KIND CITY
PEOPLE OF PLAYA EARTH LANDE, BIRTH DOLA
Playa del Carmen is an example to the world of a rapidly growing city where locals, residents from other Mexican states and foreigners live in peace
Photo: The Playa Times
>P. 6
Meet Birth Doula Earth Lande, the Playa del Carmen resident from the U.S. helping women transition through pregnancy to motherhood
Photo: Earth Lande
>P. 12
May 2 - 15
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.
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
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Editorial
DIRECTORY Rebecca Page
Living Local, Feeling Global
General Manager edition@meridianmedia.mx
Siobhán Gallagher
Playa del Carmen has become a truly international destination
Editor theplayatimeseditor@gmail.com
By Siobhán Gallagher
Ian MacKenzie
M
Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx
ay is a very celebratory month in Mexico! We’ve just enjoyed a public holiday for labor day on May 1, and next up is Cinco de Mayo, although it’s a day which seems to be celebrated more in the U.S. than in these parts of Mexico. I was surprised when I first arrived here that it wasn’t as big a deal as I expected. Read about it on page 4 if you’re curious to find out more. After that we have Mexican Mother’s Day on 10 May (a Thursday this year). So if you have a Mexican mama, motherin-law, or even just a woman you appreciate, that’s the day to treat her. In addition to all these events, we’re
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Art & Design efrenmmedia@gmail.com
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celebrating something else in this edition. We’re paying tribute the internationality of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In the few years that I’ve been here, Playa’s population has exploded and it really has developed into a true cosmopolitan destination. Transplants, snowbirds, expats, tourists, travelers, backpackers, drifters, passers-through - there’s a whole vocabulary to describe the diversity of international feet that land on these shores. What does such variety of nationality bring to one place? Well, let’s start with the most important thing - food, of course! Every week another eatery opens introducing us to a new foreign cuisine. Catherine brings us on a tour of a few on page
14, and a walk in any direction downtown these days will satisfy even the most obscure of cravings and curiosities. The other new experiences that such diversity brings us are cultural. The French Film Festival, language lessons, tango and oriental dance, spiritual practices, and most significantly, the opportunity to meet up and learn from people from other cultures are all advantages to living in an international location. Let’s not forget that all of this is possible because of the warm welcome and open arms that Mexico and its people offer us, allowing us to enjoy the company of each other in paradise. Celebrate May with us in Mexico surrounded by international friends.
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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
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Ask Allan: Rising Floor Tiles By Allan Lockhart Hi, Allan Why do the floor tiles keep lifting in my home? Alex
Photo: Unsplash – Travis Yewell
Everything
You Wanted to Know About Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican celebration often recognized more in the US than Mexico; what is it and why?
Hi, Alex Thanks for the question. Well, this is certainly a pervasive problem in Playa. It’s not just happening to you. It happens in many properties. Tiles absorb water, especially during installation, from the adhesive. During the hot summer months and in areas of high humidity, like Playa del Carmen, the tiles expand, especially those with higher water content. The tiles then push against each other causing them to rise. We have found that if you leave a border around the outside of the tile work (i.e. on the edges of the floor - even a few centimeters), it leaves space for the tiles to grow so they don’t necessarily have to pop up. Also, improper installation, the lack of grouting joints and expansion joints, inferior adhesive and poor quality tiles are all contributing factors. Unfortunately the construction labor force in Playa tends to be undertrained and poorly supervised. Hire a good property manager who knows what they are doing when it comes to reinstalling your floor. Best, Allan Allan Lockhart Co-owner, North American Standards Allan and Moli / Photo: Allan Lockhart
By Thomas Lloyd, Founder of Top Mexico Real Estate
W
hat is Cinco de Mayo? May 5th or 5 de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French soldiers, during the Second French Intervention of Mexico. This battle was fought on the outskirts of the Mexican city of Puebla, on May 5th, 1862. It meant a big boost in morale for the much weaker Mexican Army. Why is it celebrated in the US, while in Mexico it is not a big festivity? Even though the Mexican victory over the invading army is celebrated yearly on the 5th of May, the day is not as popular here as it is in the United States. There are many theories about how the 5th of May started being celebrated in the U.S., but nothing definitive. Its importance seems to have more connection with celebrating Mexican heritage, among the growing latino population living in the United States. Also, there are theories that Mexico fighting France prevented this country from helping the southern states during the Civil War. What do I need to have at a Cinco de Mayo fiesta? Cinco de Mayo has a whole new meaning for expats, as they can celebrate the Mexican culture, their Mexican home and life. It is a great opportunity to celebrate with friends from all over the world, and have the opportunity to share food, drinks and good times.
Having a Cinco de Mayo celebration can be as simple as sharing some local beer and chips and salsa, or as elaborate as your time and budget allow.
Its importance seems to have more connection with celebrating Mexican heritage, among the growing latino population living in the United States. Some of the things you need to have are: • Decor: sarapes, Mexican flags, colorful papel picado, etc. • Food: chips, salsa, guacamole, tacos, tamales, etc. • Drink: beer, cocktails with tequila, mezcal, pulque or pox. • Ambience: recorded or live Mexican music will take your party to the next level. We hope you have a great Cinco de Mayo celebration, and Viva Mexico! If you want to learn more about all the benefits of living in Mexico, download our free guide about this subject: https://topmre.com/kitlivinginmexico
Photo: Pixabay.com/rkit
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BEACH LIFE
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Playa del Carmen, A Cosmopolitan and Kind City! Playa del Carmen is an example to the world of a rapidly growing city where locals, residents from other Mexican states and foreigners live in peace By Melissa Méndez Orantes
O
ne of the special things that Playa del Carmen and the whole state of Quintana Roo have is multiculturalism. But have you ever wondered how many foreigners live here and where are they from? Quintana Roo presents a negative Migration Intensity Index, which means that it receives more population than it expels. This is largely because it offers a standard of living above many states of the country and great advantages for people from other countries. For this reason, year after year, an average of 20,000 interstate migrants and 5,000 foreigners are added to the 26,000 average births registered per year, resulting in an annual growth of 4.6%. According to the latest inter-census survey of INEGI (National Institute of Statistic and Geography), there are 228,186 inhabitants of Playa del Carmen registered. According to the Municipal Council of Solidaridad, 15% of the population is foreign, with Argentines, Americans, Spaniards, Canadians, Venezuelans, Russians, Cubans, French and Asians predominating. Municipal capitals, the urban centers that attract internal and external migrants and that concentrate a greater infrastructure of services, employment opportunities and welfare indices, must be strengthened. This includes communications and employment support programs, security systems, education, medical services and access to housing. The localities in question are Cancun,
Photo: The Playa Times
Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, where urban development programs and land use planning are currently under pressure by demand for access to housing. Another very interesting fact that COESPO provides (State Council of Population http://www.qroo.gob.mx/segob/coespo) through its annual surveys is that incidents of discrimination in Quintana Roo are very low. The majority of the foreign population residing in Quintana Roo have never been a victim of discrimination and they have never felt discriminated against by anyone! Let us be proud that Playa del Carmen can be an example to the world. It is a cosmopolitan city that exists with tolerance and respect; let’s not allow it to change. Let’s continue being kind amongst all of us who live here.
Photo: Ian MacKenzie
Chateau Montelena Wine Tasting at Thompson By Ian MacKenzie Thompson Beach House’s oceanside C-Grill restaurant was the site of a unique wine tasting experience on April 12. Sponsored by Napa Valley winery Chateau Montelena, it was based on the success of the 1976 ‘Judgement of Paris.’ Montelena’s Chardonnay defeated French wines in a blind taste-test competition, and it was such a noteworthy outcome that it was even featured in a 2008 film called Bottle Shock. Participants at the Thompson event, including Chateau Montelena’s owner Bo Barrett and his team, were blindfolded and given three different wines to sample - a sauvignon blanc, a chardonnay and cabernet. After each wine was sampled it would be followed by a food item which they had to guess. Answers were jotted down on paper, to be collected afterwards to determine a winner. Director of Marketing Brian Baker was clearly having a good time and admitted that they “had never done this before.” Bo Barrett gave thanks to all who had come out and brief-
ly spoke about the company. “Our intent is to make wine to go with food” he explained, before adding that “wine should age”. Chateau Montelena’s winery is located on a 200-acre vineyard, originally purchased by entrepreneur Alfred L. Tubbs, who turned it into the seventh largest winery in the Napa Valley by the end of the 19th century. Barrett’s father James came in as a partner in 1968 when the property was resold a second time. When the wine tasting was over, it was time to head to the bar to try some more wine, along with some tequila tasting and the announcement of the evening’s winner. Catherine Lopez had jotted the right answers and the happy winner was presented with a bottle of sauvignon blanc and a bottle of tequila for her efforts. So what were the mysterious food items that everyone had to guess? 1. pink great fruit, 2. mango and 3. plum. Special thanks to General Manager Henar Gil and Antonio Meden who hosted and presented this event. For more information about events at the Thompson Hotel visit them at: www.thompsonhotel.com and on Facebook: ThompsonPlayaDelCarmen/
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ART & CULTURE
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Eco Cultural Festival of the Riviera Maya Earth Day was marked by the second edition of this event to raise awareness of the environment
Photo: Alejandra Campo
By Alejandra Campo
O
n Saturday April 21, to mark the celebration of International Earth Day, the Eco Cultural Festival of the Riviera Maya was held for the second consecutive year. The event was organized by visual artist Leonard Escamilla, Edén Galindo, Itzel Cardoso, communicators and cultural promoters.
At dawn, we began with a ritual, offering thanks to the Earth, the water, nature and all that binds us to this planet. The ceremony was directed by teacher Carmen de la Torre, an activist and guardian of ancestral wisdom. Later, we did a cleaning of the beach at Punta Esmerelda, with the help of volunteers and sponsors. Thanks to the care and cleaning work of our public servants, we collected less
Thanks to the care and cleaning work of our public servants, we collected less garbage that the previous year.
garbage than the previous year. It was still 50 kg that had no business being there at all. We all should regard it our duty to pick up trash anywhere we go. In the afternoon at Quinta Algeria, we held an art workshop for children who, under the guidance of Chetumal artist Yhazael Villegas, created masks made from recycled material. Visual artist Iván Rosales donated one of his works to help raise funds, as this festival is a citizen-based initiative. The painting was raffled among the assistants and on social media. Music was provided by Lety Rioja, Erick González and Manuel Santonián. Contemporary dance was performed by CEART Equinoccio. The aerial dance delighted the public that was present, along with tourists that halted their journey down Fifth avenue to gaze at the spectacle of Aerofobia. Biologist Aurora Beltrán from Puerto Morelos’ botanic garden held an interesting conference full of data and propositions for a sustainable society. We finished with a screening of a documentary about the effects of massive tourism in Quintana Roo, and the social and economic inequality that it provokes in the local population. Finally, there was an announcement in favour of Xcacel, to prohibit the destruction by the hotels of this sanctuary for marine turtles. We would like to thank all of the assistants, artists, volunteers, sponsors, media and The Playa Times. We hope to continue doing more to help our planet!
Photo: Alejandra Campo
Art Exhibition for Mercedes Bautista By Alejandra Campo Artist Mercedes Bautista will present her latest work through a new art exhibit here in Playa. The Spanish artist with the soul of a Mexican took an interest in our culture after arriving here many years ago for a research project about textiles. This latest show is a product of inspiration and interest in the artistic and symbolic elements of the original towns of Mexico. “It is like awakening the light of conscience,” Bautista told us. “I am very interested in roots, the essence of things, and looking at other cultures that can teach us something.” Although her passion is painting, Mercedes lives her art by using every medium and material that she can. In her search to find ways to express herself, she has combined her talents in sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and
visual poetry, as she calls it. Mercedes considers herself a feminist, searching for equilibrium, opportunities and the freedom to be human, as a woman in this world. Her work has been exhibited in different locations worldwide, in Spain, Portugal, France, the United States, and of course Mexico. This art exhibit, entitled “Donde Habita el Corazón del Cielo”(Where the Sky’s Heart Resides), has been shown in other spaces in Mexico and Playa. This time she will be hosted by Galería 18, which is located inside the well-known Playa del Carmen restaurant, Evass. Mercedes is already recognized for her work as a poet. Her art goes beyond mere aesthetic beauty, it is a commitment to herself, a personal diary and another voice that speaks about what it means to be a woman, both as a scientist and an artist.
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Cancun Turns 48! By Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III Cancun was officially founded on August 10, 1971, but last week we celebrated its 48th anniversary, how’s that possible? Let’s focus on Cancun’s modern history, which started in the late 60s when Mexico’s government was developing a new tourist destination after the success of the Acapulco project. Cancun was selected over other (more populated) places, such as Los Cabos, Ixtapa and Puerto Escondido, to become the first planned city and tourist destination of Mexico. Until then, Cancun was a fishing village and coconut plantation with around 100 people only. After contacting all the owners and buying the entire place, the first government settlements for prospection date from 1969. The heavy machinery came to start building the first street (now called Náder Avenue to honor Carlos Náder, the lawyer responsible of the project who died in a plane crash in Bacalar during the process) in the early months of 1970, now considered as the symbolic “first stone” installation. It took more than a year for the federal funds to be released to start the construc-
CANCUN
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tion of the Hotel Zone in Isla Cancun (the coastal side of Cancun), which brought all the authorities and was considered the official city’s foundation. Nevertheless, most of the people who came in the first settlements considered April 20 as Cancun’s anniversary. Associations like Pioneros Quintana Roo and Fundadores A.C. agree with this version; they are the biggest authorities when it comes to Cancun and Quintana Roo history, they saw it happen! Pioneros celebrated with a parade consisting of Cancunenses of all ages, some of them true pioneers of the city. Fundadores organized their annual celebration known as “The Biggest Picnic in Cancun” with live music and multiple exhibitions. Celebrations will continue this weekend (May 5) with a massive art exhibition (10 hours and over 50 artists presenting their work) in the party center of Cancun (right in the club area of the Zona Hotelera), created by the Collective Artem Relicta. Follow them on Facebook to know more about the events and the history of this beautiful land that brought us all together. @Revista.Pioneros @FundadoresDeCancunAc @ArtemRelictaMX
International visitor / Photo: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III
International
Consulates in Cancun:
A Short Guide
How many countries of the world are represented in Cancun by residents, visitors, consulates or cuisine? By Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III
C
ancun is a very cosmopolitan city. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) 2016 census, approximately 14% of Cancun’s population is foreign. That’s a little more than 104,000 people from all over the world living in our city. Only last year 2,026 permanent residency cards were given in our state, most of them to Cancun neighbors. USA, Cuba and more recently Venezuela, lead the origin countries of these new Cancunenses. All without counting the over 4 million tourists that visit the state every year, flying most likely to Cancun.
Approximately
14%
of Cancun’s population is foreign There are many Consular Agencies in town you might want to know about in case of an emergency or simply for travelling or migratory status aid. Last summer
a girlfriend from London lost her passport in Playa a few days before her flight. With her budget almost at zero, buying another ticket wasn’t an option. Good thing was we knew there was a Consular Agency of the UK in the Zona Hotelera (we went for a swim after that). They were really efficient and nice. We called, got all the documents and photos they asked for, and she got a temporary passport in two days that got her safely back home. These are all the countries with a Consular Agency in Cancun: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Listing all the numbers and addresses of all the consulates (some are honorary) would be too long; the complete info can be found on Cancun’s official website*. And even though they have no consulate here, I would like to close this article with Peru. For a taste of South America, visit Lima 12°05’ in Cancun. They have great food (next-level ceviche) and a fantastic view of Nichupte Lagoon; it’s my new favorite in our international city! *cancun.gob.mx/visitants/consulados lima1205.com.mx
Photo: Pixabay.com/LuisCarranza
Sharks and Rays Cool Facts: Migration
Photo: Pixabay.com/kevskoot
By Florencia Cerutti In the marine environment, there are a lot of animals that are highly migratory and use large areas as their home. Scientists have always been curious about how these animals find their way across ocean basins and manage to come back every year to the same locations. The most known of these animals are whales, birds and sea turtles, but also some large sharks and rays undertake long-distance migrations for various reasons. Now, how do sharks and rays find their way around the ocean? Sharks and rays have sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini that are capable of detecting the electromagnetic fields of the earth. It is also thought that a shark or ray can actively track features of relief like ridges and valleys like a helicopter following a road. Compass orientation using marks, currents or the light of the moon seem to also play a role in some of their migrations. The reasons are different depending of the species though. For example, whale sharks are known to gather
near seamounts or where currents collide forming a rich patch of plankton which it feeds on. The ‘corner’ of the Peninsula of Yucatan around Isla Mujeres has currents colliding forming this phenomenon that is so attractive to many whale sharks. Bull sharks seem to hang out in Playa del Carmen in winter and there seems to be many pregnant females, so scientists think that shallow and protected embayments with mangroves on the coasts of Quintana Roo may serve as nurseries for this species when giving birth. Spotted eagle rays seem to move with the currents and are often seen foraging in the waters of the Riviera Maya. Although scientists are not sure yet, the cooler temperatures of winter and the availability of prey items may be the reasons this species comes back every year. This topic is particularly important for species that are highly vulnerable and have long-distance migrations, like sharks and rays, as these animals have very slow growth and have few pups making them extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation (they are a major target for commercial fisheries throughout the world). Besides this being a very cool topic, scientists want to understand movement patterns and migration pathways because if a species is protected in a particular country or within a marine protected area, but they undertake long-distance migrations into other countries and non-protected areas, then the protection is only partially successful at best, as it does not cover the full range of the species’ habitat. So, with migratory animals we have to work in conservation programs across many countries and with many people to achieve any impact on these animals.
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People of Playa: Earth Lande, Birth Doula Meet the Playa del Carmen resident helping women transition to motherhood By Crystal Mitchell
T
o celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10, I wanted to celebrate this woman, Earth Lande. She is a certified doula and trainer who helps women transition to motherhood. She has a zest for life that relates directly to her helping bring life into the world. Who better to help a woman throughout her pregnancy and birth? The Playa Times: Where are you originally from and how did you find yourself in Playa? How long have you been here? Earth: I was born in New York and moved to California in 1977. In 2008 I moved from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen with two very young daughters and their dad. What is your gift and how did you find this passion? A gift I hold dear is that I connect well with people of diverse backgrounds, especially women. I am passionate about empowering women to achieve their highest calling in pregnancy, sexuality, birth, mama-life and relationships. I found my passion by following what excites me and after 17 years of empowering women, this work stills thrills me. As you are so tied to this gift of motherhood, how would you like Mother’s Day to be celebrated? With good humor I will say one day a year is not nearly enough time to celebrate the beauty and power of motherhood. It would be better if every full moon all mothers were free of children and family duties. It is day to meditate on the meaning of mother, including Mother Nature. Mothering is good and significant work done by women deserves to be recognized as such. To celebrate our international issue, how would you say your work or passion helps the diversity of this area? I love how Playa del Carmen has evolved into hosting a diverse population, with a full spectrum of lifestyle choices. For women, this includes where to give birth. I attract mama-clients from all over the world who want a water birth at home with a midwife and doula. I love being a birth doula and bringing my unique spark to birth choices, if pregnant in Playa. What are your hopes for the future for mothers-to-be here in the Riviera Maya? As a birth doula and home-birth mother, I want women to trust in the wisdom of their bodies to tap into the power of pregnancy and birth, to consider a natural birth at home with a
Earth Lande / Photo: Earth Lande
midwife and doula. Have confidence and trust your body. Surrender to the undeniable reality that birth works, your baby knows what to do and YOU are ready! How will you celebrate Mother’s Day? Celebrating Women! Teaching “GOOD BIRTH KEEPER, the best sex and birth workshop like, ever!” We consider all things birth, sexuality, pregnancy, love, power, and becoming a certified birth-doula, May 10-13 in Playa For more info visit www.myearthpower.com or pregnantinplaya@gmail.com
14
TPT FOODIES
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
International Restaurants of Playa del Carmen Photo: Pixabay.com/lukasbieri
By Catherine Pawelek
Rivera Kitchen Tulum / Photo: Pixabay.com/coyot
Beef Steak in Dried Chile Sauce Mkr Eber l k^\bi^ _hk mabl mkZ]bmbhgZe F^qb\Zg ]bla pbma Z >nkhi^Zg bgÜn^g\^ By Lily Espinosa
H
ola, my dear readers! Mexico’s traditional food, as we know it now, is a fusion of Mesoamerican ingredients and culinary techniques, with Spain as the most important outside influence. Other countries such as France and Italy also have had an influence and impact on our national gastronomy. Today I share with you a very traditional main dish: beef steak in a dried chile
sauce and veggies. We see the European influence in the use of beef and the Mexican roots in the dried chile sauce. Let’s do this! Ingredients: ½ kilo very thin steaks, 1 large garlic clove, ¼ small onion, 4 medium juicy tomatoes, 2 pasilla chiles, 1 ancho chile, 1 cascabel chile, 1 chipotle chile, 6 black peppercorns (ground), 3 cloves (ground), 1 medium cilantro bunch, pork lard and sea salt to taste
Preparation: Open the dried chiles and remove all seeds, simmer them for five minutes, blend them with the tomatoes, onion and garlic and reserve. In a deep pan, with pork lard, seal the steaks and once sealed, add the blended mix. Once it starts boiling, add the veggies, ground cloves and peppers and salt. Let it all softly simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cilantro, check the seasoning and it’s ready! If you have freshly made tortillas, you are in heaven! If you have any question, please send me an email to riverakitchentulum@gmail.com and I will gladly answer your questions. Write you soon, queridas! Lily Espinosa Rivera Kitchen Tulum Mexican Cooking Classes and Culinary Tours
Carbon Monoxide: A Tragic Reminder By MexLaw We spoke to Guardian Insurance Riviera Maya area director, Michael Keller, about the incident in which a family of four lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning and the responsibilities of vacation rental property owners. What can other property owners learn from this tragic incident? Install carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly. Include a liability waiver in their rental contract or rental agreement, and take out an insurance policy. Also, perform proper maintenance on the hot water tank and all the appliances in the unit. What insurance should a property owner purchase before renting their unit? The owner of the rental unit needs to verify that the policy has been issued with the property listed as commercial, NOT private/ personal. When we issue a policy at Guardian Insurance, we recommend including a minimum of $100,000 USD in liability coverage on all our property policies. Is there an insurance policy that would cover the owner for this type of accident? Yes, as long as the property is listed as commercial property on the policy, and they have liability coverage included, they are covered against accidents of this type, up to the contracted sum insured amount for that section. What is the price for this type of insurance? Many homeowners are surprised to learn that liability insurance for rental properties is relatively inexpensive, at about $30 USD in premium for every $100,000 USD in lia-
Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Santeri Viinamäki
bility coverage. Tips to Protect Your Family and Your Guests from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: • Install battery-operated or battery back-up Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home, making sure one is installed in the bedroom. • Have your gas appliances and hot water tank professionally installed and serviced each year by a certified technician. • If you have a wood fireplace, have the chimney cleaned every year. • Do not cook on a portable gas camp stove or a charcoal BBQ indoors. • Generators should be kept outside; never have a generator inside your home or camper. • Never leave a vehicle running inside the garage. If you have any questions about liability as a private or commercial property owner contact info@guardianinsurancemx.com Read the full article https://guardianinsurancemx.com/carbon-monoxide-tragic-reminder/
With 80 restaurants having opened during 2017, Playa’s palates are as pleased as ever. Will it be German, Spanish or Italian tonight, or perhaps Greek or Asian? Give me the space of an encyclopedia and I will wax on about the 1000+ restaurants in Playa alone. But today’s focus is on some those that have stood the test of time. We have our favorites for Mexican, but where to go for: • GREEK – Estia was the first authentic Greek restaurant in Playa and just passed its 15 year mark with a deliciously tasty, creamy, classic moussaka. They do take-out and delivery so order souvlaki and a gooey piece of baklava to-go at Ave Aviacion, Playacar II. • GERMAN – Manne’s Biergarten’s menu at Calle 4/between 10 Ave and 15 Ave reminds me of my Mamke’s roulade, bratwurst and schweinebraten. Check out their Prime Rib Sunday Special. Gemütlichkeit at its best, served up by Manne and Susie. • ITALIAN – So many choices, so lit-
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tle time. Go to Papa Charly’s for lasagna, Casa Sofia to satisfy a yearning for homemade pasta, Romeo’s for a tasty pizza, Don Chendo for scampi, Cheesters for huge pasta portions. CANADIAN – Los Tabernacos is the go-to for both local Canadians and visitors. Get your fill of sports (hockey, curling and more) playing in the background and half a dozen kinds of poutine to fill your belly. THAI – Choose between 10th Avenue’s Po Thai or Hola Bangkok on 5th Ave/Calle 34-36 SPANISH – Patanegra has become a favorite at both their Playa and Puerto Aventuras locations. Try grilled pork loin on a hot stone with potatoes, eggplant goat cheese stack drizzled with balsamic vinegar, or the jamon Iberico. For after-dinner medicinal purposes, have a sip of Patxaran. INDIAN – Om Curry’s patio on the south end of 10th Ave is perfect for some serious people-watching. It serves a great vindaloo or biryani with a side of raita, pickled mango and fluffy naan. Also try the edgy, new It Guilty at 44 Calle/1A Ave.
TPT FOODIES
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Copal: An Interview with Antonio Jiménez Raya
Copal / Photos: Ian MacKenzie
Meet the builder behind a new urban development in Tulum which seeks to integrate the natural surroundings with its spaces and amenities. By Ian MacKenzie
C
opal is the name of a sacred tree that grows in the region of Tulum, surrounded by turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, and covered by the vegetation of the jungle canopy. It is also the name of the newest development in the community of Aldea Zamá, one of the most exclusive urban developments in Tulum. Copal will have 56 residences designed to be integrated and harmonized with the natural environment. Copal recently held a special event on the site of the in-progress development, with brokers from the Riviera Maya and members of the media given a tour of the premises. Atacama Riviera, a division of Atacama Inmocapital, is the investment and construction company of Copal Tulum and they have hired Onix Holdings to jointly develop project management and vacation rentals. After the tour I spoke with Antonio Jiménez Raya, Director of Atacama Riviera, about the history of their company, the future vision for the project, and their reasons for choosing the local paradise of Tulum. The Playa Times: Tell me about the team behind Atacama. Antonio: Our history goes back generations. We are a family of builders; it’s been a tradition to be in the world of building. The company is well established in Madrid, Spain. After the economic crisis of 2007, it looked for alternatives for investment abroad. Several options were reviewed for countries in Europe and after careful analysis it was decided to expand the company to Panama.
How did you end up working on the Riviera Maya? We have arrived here thanks to our relationship with Onix Holdings. Our company has consolidated itself as a multinational with projects in Spain, Panama and Mexico, dedi-
cated to the promotion, construction and sale of properties. What plans do you have to incorporate the natural surroundings? Copal was created with the intention of being a space that is integrated with nature, with diverse amenities. The conservation of this natural paradise is one of the keys to our philosophy and our project. With it we are looking to strengthen the identity of this place and preserve its charm. Development is a process of community and not of excessive urbanization. What is the vision behind Copal in Tulum? People that come here connect with the history and culture of this tiny paradise in the Riviera Maya. We want to transform the spirit of those who come here and give them a feeling of peace, a desire to relax their soul and disconnect from the fastpaced rhythms of the major cities. What kind of rental program do you have for Copal? We have an efficient system for management of vacation rentals, with proven
experience in the Riviera Maya. This allows for high percentages of return on investment. Our rental program takes care of the quality, therefore the emphasis on design, furniture, spaces and service. The administration of Copal will be equivalent to a five-star hotel, optimizing costs and delivering the best to owners and investors. What do you like most about Tulum? Escaping the chaos of large urban environments, feeling rested and relaxed; it’s a place of equilibrium and reflection. For me, Tulum is a special place; the Maya civilization understood this, that the area provokes a
strong connection to nature. During the tour you said that you live here now. Yes. My brother and I visited Tulum several years ago as travelers. We were enchanted by it and we developed a bond with the place. We didn’t have to think twice about doing what we enjoy here. I am now another one of the many residents of the Riviera Maya. For more information about Copal visit their website: copaltulum.com, email them at info@copaltulum.com or contact them on Facebook: @CopalTulum and Instagram: copal_tulum
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ENTERTAINMENT
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Mother’s Day in the LGBT Community By Ginger M. Marcela de la Rocha is the 31-year-old mother of 13-year-old Jorge Alfonso. For Mother’s Day, I’m presenting a mother, an active member of the LGBT community, and a successful business woman in the food industry. She owns two Asadero El Pollos in Cancun and her uncle owns one in Playa del Carmen. She is also part of Issac Janix’s team, the Cancun independent candidate for the presidency of the Benito Juarez municipality. Marcela was in a heterosexual relationship when she got pregnant with her son, even though she knew she couldn’t spend the rest of her life with a man. It is actually the father who decided to end things and moved to Boston. Mrs. De la Rocha is originally from Sinaloa, which is a city that is not as accepting as our region. “Here in Quintana Roo, people are more open-minded, have their own criteria, education and they respect the part of being gay or not”, she says. “Here, I feel better than in other places. Although, it is still up to ourselves to make other people respect us with our actions and intentions”, she continues. Marcela feels comfortable being a lesbian mother and her son couldn’t be prouder of her. She personally doesn’t flag it and doesn’t like using the term ‘lesbian mother’ as she feels being a mother means way more and it has nothing to do with your sexual preference. She says being a mother is more difficult than being a lesbian! Fortunately, her son is a sincere child; he always says what he thinks and tells his mother, “If you love your partner, I am happy for you.”
7 Days in Entebbe By Michael Renouf
7 Photo: Marcela de la Rocha.
Marcela is in her second lesbian relationship since Jorge Alfonso was born. “The truth is that life is so short, so beautiful and sometimes so ugly that, regardless of how it is, you have to enjoy it every minute, every moment”, she says. “What gives me the most satisfaction is seeing my child well, having a person I love and realizing that I have a beautiful family with Alfonso, Julia and I. Everything is a balance and you have to take care of the peace and serenity of who you love, and the best of all is that you are always loved”, she finishes. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
Days in Entebbe (Rescate en Entebbe) is the true story of the June 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight from Paris to Tel Aviv, Israel. At a scheduled stop in Athens, Greece, four hijackers - two Germans and two Palestinians - take control of the aircraft shortly after take-off. The plane eventually lands at Entebbe Airport in Uganda as the terrorists know that the country’s ruler, dictator Idi Amin (Nonso Anozie) will be sympathetic towards their cause. The movie cuts back and forth between the events of the hostages and the Israeli government planning how to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, Brazilian director Jose Padilha takes what should have been an extremely tense and nerve-wracking film and tells it in a mediocre style. The film’s two main stars are Rosamund Pike as Brigitte Kuhlmann and Daniel Brühl as Wilfried Böse, the two German hostage takers at odds with their Palestinian colleagues. But Padilha does not coax out of either of them a performance anywhere near their best. Eddie Marsan plays de-
Photo: Robin Bagels
Robin Bagels By Erika Serra Today I share with you the story of this 100% original Playense business: Robin Bagels. Julie R. Córdova is a Canadian from Quebec who arrived in Playa del Carmen over 10 years ago. She studied tourism and worked for a travel agency which brought her here seasonally, until she met her future husband and decided to stay in Playa. Everything began when her mother came down to visit her and taught her how to make her own bagels for personal consumption. A friend commented that she should experiment with more flavors. With the support from her husband Héctor, they decided to buy an oven and began making bagels at home for orders from friends and acquaintances. It’s now been almost two years since
they opened their shop where you can find 12 types of salted and sweet bagels, which can be combined with various dressings that are 100% made by them. They make smoked salmon and chicken breast bagels, along with many other delicious combinations of sandwiches, some of which are made for a limited time only. You can find them in the marketplace at Coco Beach. They provide service for events all over the Riviera Maya, wedding groups, brunches, and sales to some restaurants and hotels You can find them on Avenida 115 and Calle Misión del Oro (almost in front of the Plaza Punto 115 by Los Olives). They open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. from Tuesday to Saturday. Tel: (984)136.28.35 Facebook: @Robin Bagels Instagram: robinbagels_pdc
Photos: Agency
fence minister Shimon Peres but seems totally miscast with a performance that led me to believe that the British actor had been told to portray the future Prime Minister of Israel as a third-rate pantomime villain. Also, we are never given a chance to connect with any of the hostages who must have all feared for their very existence. One of the Israeli Special Forces members tasked with rescuing the hostages has a girlfriend who is a professional dancer. Padilha uses this to try and build the tension by shoehorning in her dance routines, but miserably fails, and in fact, for me he achieved exactly the opposite by taking me out of the film. Of the lead actors Brühl is the most convincing, but this week’s star of the show, despite his relatively short screen time, is Nonso Anozie as Idi Amin. A decent level of Spanish is required as the characters often speak in their various native languages with only Spanish subtitles to help the viewer. This story has been told on celluloid many times before and this film adds nothing new in terms of viewing pleasure. At times during the 107 minutes runtime, I felt like I was being held hostage. 5.5 out of 10.
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Cenote / Photo: Pixabay.com/jhovani_serralta
Saving the Cenotes The cenotes, jungles, mangroves and coral reefs are all inextricably intertwined and each depends on the other for survival. By Gail Collins
C
enotes are natural sinkholes that have developed over millions of years. No-one knows exactly how many cenotes there are in this area, but I have heard it is probably over 9,000. The name cenote originates from the Maya word “ts’onot” which means a location of accessible groundwater. For the Maya, they were their primary source of water and seen as a portal to Chac, the Rain God and
Xibalba, God of the Underworld. Cenotes are home to species of fish only found in Mexico such as the Mexican Blind Brotula, an albino, sightless fish that inhabits the freshwater layer of cenotes, and mollies, a popular aquarium enthusiasts’ fish. You can also find catfish, so called for the prominent barbels growing near their mouth that resemble whiskers, and members of the angel fish family. During a recent visit to the Jardin del Eden cenote, located between Playa del Carmen and
Tulum, I was treated to a free foot spa by the cenote’s nibbling fish! In 2017, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), started a clean-up project in the cenotes. They are Mexico’s federal government agency responsible for protection, restoration and conservation of this beautiful country’s fragile ecosystem and natural resources. With the collaboration of the local municipalities, divers and volunteers, hazardous waste, garbage, plastic and other pollutants were removed. In 2018 this important work continues alongside an educational program to teach awareness to local communities of the importance of cenotes and how the impact of damaging one can cause a much greater knock-on effect. Since the 1970s there has been an explosion of tourism in the area. It has put a strain on the cenote ecosystem as the porous limestone rock of the area allows whatever we’re using on the surface to seep through. Sadly, what we use to solve one problem, such as insecticides, will often cause another problem. The cenotes, jungles, mangroves and coral reefs are all inextricably intertwined and each depends on the other for survival. Cenotes are incredible places to visit, so go and enjoy them, but be respectful of their environment so that generations to come can do the same.
ANIMAL WELFARE
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Mexico’s Big Cat Jaguar in the jungle / Photo: Pixabay.com/PublicDomainPictures
By Gail Collins The jaguar is the third largest of all the big cats (after the lion and tiger). They are strong swimmers and solitary creatures that roam, hunt and live alone, only coming together for mating. The Maya culture has traditionally revered the jaguar as a symbol of darkness, the underworld and the force that binds man to the foundation and energy of his life. Temples were built in the jaguar’s honor and this large cat was esteemed as a sacred figure and “lord of the animals”. The spots on a jaguar’s skin were a representation of the constellations. In the 1960s, about 1500 jaguars a year were killed for their fur and by the early 2000s there were only around 500 jaguars left in Mexico. Luckily the population has grown again due to the active work of conservation programs and education. In 2007, the National Jaguar Census (CENJAGUAR) was launched. In 2016, work began on a second census with new figures due to be released around June 2018, studying five priority areas which include El Eden and Laguna Om in
Quintana Roo. The last figures show that there are now approximately 4,000 jaguars in Mexico (an estimated 11,000 worldwide) and 1,800 can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula, with 800 in Quintana Roo, 600 in Campeche and 400 in Yucatan. Jaguars are now a protected species and it is illegal to kill them. Sadly, in February of this year, an adult female jaguar was found run over and left for dead on the Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos. You can help by driving with caution as the federal highways cross areas of the jungle where jaguars and many other species are searching for food. Tragedy struck again this March when a young male jaguar was found shot to death on the main road between Tulum and Coba – a federal crime for a protected species. In some tourist areas you can be approached for photo opportunities with young jaguars – please do not endorse this. When they grow too big they are abandoned, often without the skills to survive on their own that they would have naturally acquired with their mother and siblings.
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HEALTH
MAY 2 - 15, 2018
Insurance Tips for Travellers
There are many types of insurance out there; pick the most suitable one for your needs By Hospiten
W
hen you decide to go on a trip, you try to take care of each and every one of the aspects necessary to enjoy a wonderful vacation; you consider itineraries, time and budgets - within these, you must always remember the health factor, because an unforeseen event can change the course of your stay away from home. To be protected, we often resort to insurance policies. Sometimes your vacation does not go as planned and the insurance that you have purchased is your only way out. It often happens that it is acquired almost without knowing its characteristics, until the moment when it is actually required. Hospiten Group offers you some tips that are very important when purchasing this type of service:
The most important thing is to know the type of policy that has been acquired: most of the difficulties experienced by patients take place when they arrive at the hospital, believing that presenting their insurance card is all they must do, all should be solved and there is nothing else to pay for - big mistake! The reality is that insurance coverage is subject to many restrictions, so before the insurer makes a decision and reports whether it will cover a patient, some time will pass. It can even take several days, considering that not all insurance companies make direct payments to hospitals. Make sure you are well informed about when medical care is covered via reimbursement: • Being hospitalized for less than 24 hours (traveling cases).
• Not having all the required insurance documentation during medical care. • Going to hospitals outside the medical network; in case of international insurance, this means that the acquired policy does not have direct coverage abroad, or the case of not having acquired the international travel optio Identify those services that insurance usually does not cover. It is important to know that this information is also found in the detail of the acquired policy, the most frequent rejections are due to: • Pre-existing diseases: the patient had the condition before acquiring the policy. • Waiting time in medical conditions: many insurers have specific clauses where they do not au-
the best alternative over private health insurance. • Repatriation insurance unlike travel insurance, this insurance does not cover medical expenses abroad, they only work to evacuate patients back to their place of origin. It is important to mention that coordinating an evacuation may take time and the patient must be stable to be a candidate for transfer. Hospiten Riviera Maya and Hospiten Cancun offer personalized advice on this matter and invite you to consider this information when purchasing a policy, so you can feel calm and confident about having the best medical insurance coverage.
thorize certain treatments until the purchaser has had the insurance for a certain period of tim. • Abuse of alcohol, drugs or other substances: when dealing with accidents many insurers request an antidoping test to confirm if the accident was caused by the use of any of these substances. • Risky activities. Know which are the most common types of insurance Major medical health insurance is the most common insurance policy that can be purchased in the market. It only covers payment directly to the hospital when a patient is required to stay in the medical center for more than 24 hours. Any other service is through reimbursement. Before traveling it is advisable to verify if the insurance has coverage abroad and outside the network of providers • Indemnity insurance due to hospitalization is usually acquired through banks. This insurance policy reimburses the amount contracted when the patient stays more than 24 hours in a hospital, regardless of the condition. • Travel insurance - these insurances are only purchased for the period in which the person is away from their place of origin. They have different coverage according to the contracted policy and can even cover hospitals outside the country. They are highly recommended because in certain situations they are
Hospiten Group is an international healthcare network committed to providing a service of the highest quality, with almost 50 years’ experience, twenty private medical-hospital centers in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica and Panama, and more than one hundred ambulatory medical centers, both their own and associated under the brand Clinic Assist. The group, chaired by Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella attends more than 1,700,000 patients from all over the world a year, and has a workforce of more than 5,000 people. www.hospiten.com
Sprint Training By Sara Jones
Photo: Andaz Mayakoba
Naum Spa By Sara Jones
Andaz Mayakoba, by Hyatt Hotels, is situated just north of Playa del Carmen in the Mayakoba Resort complex. Offering 214 guest rooms, mangrove-lined lagoons and tropical jungle foliage provide the backdrop for dining, relaxing or engaging in wellness activities such as walking, jogging or biking the nature trails, in addition to bird watching, yoga and swimming. Embracing local culture, Andaz Mayakoba features large painted murals by Senkoe, an artist hailing from Playa del Carmen whose popular and colorful creations have gained international recognition. Beautiful tropical birds, sea creatures and jungle cats adorn the sides of the buildings, bringing life to the surroundings. The hydrotherapy facilities at Naum Spa include a sauna, steam room, experience shower and Jacuzzi, with views of the lush
jungle just outside, and an attendant always on hand to assist and guide the experience as you alternate heat and cold therapies. At Naum Spa, therapists focus on providing a tailored massage experience with a detailed consultation to customize each spa service to suit the needs of the guest. Starting each ritual with the selection of a positive message written on a card, and a spiritual energy cleansing with a copal incense stick, Naum spa therapists set the mood for the guest to relax and get the most from their journey. The refreshment platter served post treatment provides an assortment of flavors with fruit, nuts, naturally sweet treats and hydration. Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com
Whenever my workout routine starts to feel a little easy or comfortable, I like to crank things up a notch with sprint training. Whether you are experienced in running or new to the practice, you can get started with sprint training ‘at your own pace’. Sprint training is best practiced on a running track so you avoid the perils of the Playa pavements! However, if you have a regular route you know well with an even surface and not too many obstacles, that’s great. • Always start with a warm up – jog around the track a couple of times at an easy pace to warm the muscles and get your heart pumping. • Sprint as fast as you can for either a set distance or time. • Recover with a walk or easy jog in between sprints • Try sprinting the straights and walking the bends at the track. Over several sprint training sessions, try to increase the number of circuits you achieve. • Sprint at 95% - 100% of your capability – it doesn’t matter how fast you go, or how fast anyone else is, just that you push yourself! • Make sure to cool down and stretch
Photo: Pixabay.com/StockSnap
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at the end of any workout. Expect your quads (thigh muscles) to hurt the next day; sprinting is an intense workout!
Benefits of Sprint Training • Build strength • Increase endurance • Improve cardiovascular health • Relieve stress • Burn excess fat • Save time with a fast, yet intense workout As the days get hotter, it’s best to plan your sprint training early in the morning or in the evening and stay well hydrated. Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com