"Life's a Beach"

Family Fun on Isla Mujeres

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:04:00 GMT

For quite awhile now, the Kinnon family has considered Isla Mujeres the perfect family getaway. We often joke that we are Isla's "bridge and tunnel" people! If you lived in Manhattan and took the Jitney to the Hamptons every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day you will know exactly what I mean. Generally, it's a family affair. Me and Rob and the kiddos, often accompanied by Jill and, most recently, our pal and photographer Kat. Last weekend, there was a rush on the island. One of our customers and half a dozen Playa friends, knowing we spend so much time there, rang us up to see if they could join us at our favorite hotel Casa Ixchel and spend a weekend exploring the island. As we would essentially be taking over the whole place, this promised to be big fun!

Friends JJ and Kim and son Kaj met us at the hotel accompanied by Ashlie and Gerry and birthday girl Judy. Damon followed later that afternoon. Everyone settled in quickly, acquired golf carts and set about sightseeing. Unfortunately, Rob picked up a nasty stomach virus, the one that seems to be circulating through Playa, so we stayed behind to keep him company and floated in the pool with a few "boat drinks".

Daddy and the Bird

Casa Ixchel Boat Drinks!

A few hours later and a quick run around the island, they returned to find us still pool side, cocktails in hand! We enjoyed a few appetizers on the deck watching the sunset, then moved upstairs where Miguel and the boys had set up a long table for us under the palapa, over-looking the ocean. We settled in for a delicious dinner and more cocktails. The perfect ending to a lovely relaxing day.

The crew poolside

Calamari with Asian dipping sauce

Kim chillin'

Sun setting

The Casa Ixchel pool at dusk

The next day would bring sad news to the Kinnon family and Rob returned to the mainland, leaving us to our own defenses. Not in the mood for much of anything, we hung by the pool while our friends enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at Mango Cafe and toured the island a bit. JJ and Kim had some friends to meet on the island so, late in the afternoon, we all met up for cocktails at another island favorite, Jax. Owners Michael and Jackie were both on hand to greet us as well as Mel and Sally from The Soggy Peso. We chatted about island life, real estate and live music and enjoyed the beautiful views over Playa Norte. No Kinnon trip to the island would be complete without stopping in for breakfast or lunch at Jax and it was nice to finally chat with Jackie in a more social setting.

Dinner was a less than intimate affair at Olivia, one of our very favorite restaurants on the island, where we were joined by another Playaense Joe Colada and a friend. We all tucked into the delicious Mediterranean fare and enjoyed the atmosphere under the palapa in the garden. Later, we carted over to the zocalo where The "Abuela" was being crowned. It seems that every resident on the island was in attendance to root for their favorite Grandma or Auntie! The kids amused themselves on the rickety wheeled vehicles set out for rent while we strolled about and took in the scene. As we had a big morning planned the next day, we returned to Casa Ixchel and (some of us) turned in early.

Damon at the helm

Cart races!! (Just kidding Wayne)

Restaurant Olivia

Delicious Mediterranean food

Greek tapas

Las Abuelas Bonitas

This being the migration season, we had all planned to swim with the Whale Sharks this weekend and take in the festivities of the annual Whale Shark festival in Centro. Ceviche Tours was running with very competitive discounts for all of us FM2-3 holders and we were looking forward to a fun day on and in the water. Rob and I have wanted to do this for several years but really wanted to be sure the kids could handle the snorkeling comfortably. After our recent trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, we knew they were totally up for it! Unfortunately, the seas were very rough, with swells of 10-12 feet and the Whale Sharks in the area, were diving low to avoid the turbulence. On a recommendation from our operator, we decided to postpone our tour for a week or two. As we live so close by and can come back any time, there was really no reason to brave the vomit inducing waves with little or no chance of actually seeing these magnificent creatures.

After a few more hours of much needed sleep and a good breakfast, we headed out to explore the island a bit. Damon and I played tour guides and led our merry crew to the Tortugranja (Turtle Nursery) over on Sac Bajo. This is a favorite stop for our kids and I knew that Kaj would go nuts for all the baby turtles. If you haven't been here before, I highly recommend it, with or without kids.

Kaj discovers tortugas

Cole spies some Seahorses

Relocated turtle nests

Birdie incoming!

One of the outdoor holding tanks

Handsome fellow

Next, the obligatory photo op stops at Garrafon and Punta Sur and a place to buy some pretty shells for the kids. This guy is set up just in front of the "squatters' village" and is super nice. His shells are also about a 1/4 of the price of those at Punta Sur.

Birdie in charge

The birthday girl

Zip lines at Garrafon

Yeah, I know.

Family photo

Ixchel

The sculpture garden at Punta Sur

New locales for the vendors

The residents of Punta Sur

The famous Shell House

The not-so-famous Shell Guy

After our whistle stop island tour, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick swim, a nap for some and a few more adult beverages. The clouds were really starting to roll in, the wind kicking up and we were glad to not be out on a boat. Mel and Sally had invited us over to their place for Sunday BBQ, so we piled back into our wet carts and headed across the island to The Soggy Peso.

Cole

Incoming!

Birdie and Damon

Geronimo!!

JJ and Cole

As the rain came down in buckets, soggy was certainly the theme of the afternoon but we managed to put together a large table under cover of the palapa to enjoy some beers, a few shots in honor of Judy's birthday and a fabulous BBQ complete with slow cooked ribs, chicken and sausage. Despite the B&B and bar being strictly "adults only", they welcomed our kids for the afternoon letting them play in the yard in the rain while we all relaxed and stuffed ourselves silly.

Indeed!

The Soggy Peso

A BBQ essential

Kaj and Cole

JJ and Mel - Gringos in paradise

Words to live by!

Freddie preps Judy

Birthday shots!

Looks like Birdie will be driving home....

Well, that pretty much sums it up.

The ferry back home...

It was another lovely weekend on Isla Mujeres and it was nice to share our little slice of paradise with friends. We were disappointed that Rob was sick and that we were unable to see the Whale Sharks but plan to return in a few weeks to try it all again. Who wants to join us this time?

Luxury Beachfront Condos for Sale in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Exclusive Beachfront Complex

• 1,500 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bedroom Beachfront Condominiums - $785,000 USD - A Beachfront Tropical Retreat

Beachfront, Playa del Carmen - Located in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen is the new El Taj Oceanfront Condominiums. Ideally located between the Caribbean Ocean and 5th Ave., you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves with the convenience of the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping, all within easy walking distance.

El Taj Oceanfront, designed by one of Mexico's premier architects and completed in March 2010, is located directly on the newly restored beaches of Playa del Carmen. This exclusive complex has 41 oceanfront condominiums, each with spectacular views. Included is a beach club with a 5 star restaurant, Indigo Beach, right on the premises.

El Taj Condominiums provide you with full ownership and individual title. It's an investment that you can enjoy while earning a great income. If you decide to rent your condo, a property management service is provided that is comparable to a four star hotel. A sophisticated electronic reservation system allows you to monitor the status of your unit from the privacy of your home, while knowing that your guests are receiving the benefits of daily maid service, a concierge and friendly staff.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are available for sale. Contact Rob@BuyPlaya.com for a full list of prices, specifications and upgrade options.

Pictures shown are those of a fully furnished 2 bedroom condominium. Layouts and finishes may vary.

Click Here for Pictures and Detailed Property Information

Make a Difference While Enjoying the Charm of Old Puerto Vallarta

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:45:00 GMT

Ever wonder what the old Puerto Vallarta of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was like? Destination:PEACE is teaming-up with Puerto Vallarta’s Villa Leonarda, former gathering place of Old-Hollywood, for its Volunteer Vacations. Travelers can experience the old-Mexico charm of days gone by in an unforgettable vacation experience.

The intimate setting of Villa Leonarda in Puerto Vallarta’s historic center will be the starting point of a Destination: PEACE vacation focused on the betterment of the community. Travelers will enjoy a luxurious vacation, enjoy cultural enrichment, the rejuvenation of yoga and engage with the local community- helping with local beach cleanups or spay and neuter clinics for local animals. At the same time, guests will have ample free time to explore the narrow flowered-lined lanes just outside the door of Villa Leonarda or venture further to explore the rich history and hospitality of the Banderas Bay region.

"We are thrilled to offer this beautiful and historical Villa to our volun-tourists who come to experience the culture and history of Mexico while joining real hands-on projects with local kids, animals and the environment,"says Katherine Fisher, founder of Destination:PEACE.

Destination:PEACE has the inside track, as seen in Vanity Fair, in keeping with current publicity. Still a fascination after all these years, one of the top publications in the world is featuring a story this month on one of the most famous romances in history, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Destination:PEACE is promoting a volunteer vacation at the villa they used to visit in Puerto Vallarta, Villa Leonarda.

Recently renovated with a sophisticated yet traditional hacienda style, Villa Leonarda has all the comforts one could ask for including gourmet cook and maid service daily, refreshing heated pool, tranquil open courtyard, lush gardens and chic decor in a relaxed atmosphere. The Villa is located in the quiet neighborhood known as Gringo Gulch, tucked into the hillside of one of Vallarta’s most famous residential areas, situated on the peaceful River Cuale. The original owner was a famous clothing designer and close friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton which quickly turned the Villa into a celebrity hangout during the 1960s and the mystique lives on; it is still a gathering place for artists, writers, movie stars and intellectuals.

“The best thing about traveling is getting to know places like Villa Leonarda: full of light, happiness and friendliness. With the doors always open and the heart in plain view; with generosity blooming in each leaf and every flower of the garden…” said Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate.

“Villa Leonarda is Mexico…the Villa itself brought so much joy: the laughter from the pool, wonderful meals cooked for us and served in the elegant dining room, the peaceful courtyard where we often gathered, fireworks from the roof top, and the feeling that we did not even need to venture outside the doors. It is said that walls talk and Villa Leonarda has much to say about the culture and history of Puerto Vallarta…” said Carol and Grenfell Adams of Newfoundland, Canada, recent visitors.

Destination:PEACE was born out of an idea to couple volunteer opportunities with the amazing landscape that Mexico offers as a vacation destination. During a Destination:PEACE Volunteer Vacation, guests will experience another culture while making a difference in the lives of others: children, women, families, animals and the environment. A volunteer will help raise awareness and contribute to the overall love, community and hope to the people and animals affiliated with the local community. Destination:PEACE gives back a portion of their proceeds to the non-profit involved in order to further their mission.

Volunteer vacations range in cost from $1699 to $1999. Destination: PEACE also offers private, customized vacations.

For more information on Destination:PEACE Volunteer Vacations visit www.DestinationPeaceMexico.com.

For more information on PEACE Mexico visit www.PeaceMexico.org

3 Bedroom Beachfront Condo for Sale

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Fabulous Beachfront Location

• 2,031 sq. ft., 3 baths, 3 bedrooms - $1,220,000 USD - Last 3 Bedroom Available!

Beachfront, Playa del Carmen - Located in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen is the new El Taj Oceanfront Condominiums. Ideally located between the Caribbean Ocean and 5th Ave., you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves with the convenience of the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping, all within easy walking distance.

El Taj Oceanfront, designed by one of Mexico's premier architects and completed in March 2010, is located directly on the newly restored beaches of Playa del Carmen. This exclusive complex has 41 oceanfront condominiums, each with spectacular views. Included is a beach club with a 5 star restaurant, Indigo Beach, right on the premises.

El Taj Condominiums provide you with full ownership and individual title. It's an investment that you can enjoy while earning a great income. If you decide to rent your condo, a property management and concierge service is provided that is comparable to that of a four star hotel. A sophisticated electronic reservation system allows you to monitor the status of your unit from the privacy of your home, while knowing that your guests are receiving the benefits of daily maid service, a concierge and friendly staff.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are available for sale. Contact Rob@BuyPlaya.com today for a full list of prices specifications and upgrade options.

Pictures shown are those of a fully furnished 3 bedroom condominium. Layouts and finishes may vary.

Detailed Property Information

Top 5 Hamburgers on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:59:00 GMT

OK, I know. "When in Rome, blah, blah, blah...." However, sometimes, even surrounded by all this glorious ceviche and barbacoa and pollo pibil, you just want a burger; a good old American style hamburger. After all, is there anything quite as lovely a thick juicy burger topped with all your favorite fixin's? I think not. Until just a few years ago, burger aficionados (like my husband) were limited to the thin, overcooked slabs of gray "I don't know what kind of meat" slapped into a stale Bimbo bun and slathered with lime flavored mayonesa. Then, along came Fusion, serving up a proper hamburger, cooked to your temperature of choice and topped with cheese and fresh veggies. This one menu item alone kept us coming in for lunch time and time again and we were satisfied in the knowledge that a fine burger could be had in Playa del Carmen.

Skip ahead a few more years to 2010. There are now half a dozen restaurants offering up their spin on the traditional burger, each one more delicious than the next. Each establishment is buying good ground sirloin or Angus, some are even grinding their own special blends for a "signature" burger experience. I can safely say that Rob has personally sampled his way through every burger offered from Tulum to Cancun, so I consider him the expert on this particular culinary quest. I have deferred to his judgment in compiling our list of the Top 5 Hamburgers on the Riviera Maya.

Wicky's Wicked Burger - These guys are doing it right! 8 oz. of top grade sirloin on a toasted bun topped with fresh avocado, apple wood smoked bacon, pepperjack cheese and chipotle mayo. At 90 pesos, this big burger is a real treat in the "beach eats" department and you sure can't beat the view. Kick it up a notch by adding an order of Wicky's famous fries with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. Heaven!

John Gray's Place, tucked away in Calle Corazon, serves up a hamburger at lunchtime that is exactly the kind of burger you would expect from a world class chef. Angus beef, grilled to perfection and topped with caramelized onions and Gouda cheese, this burger is two handfuls of hand-ground happiness. 120 pesos and well worth it!

The Lol-Ha Burger is becoming famous not only in Akumal but worldwide. Akumal is one of our favorite weekend destinations and inevitably, Rob goes for the Lol-Ha burger every time. And who can blame him? Double sirloin patties, envelop slices of poblano pepper and cheese and are topped with bacon and avocado. The first bite releases a flood of gooey Manchego and mild chili spice that you will never forget. 145 pesos

Indigo Beach Club at El Taj Beachfront has been touted as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen since its inauguration just a few months ago. We have had the pleasure of dining there and sampling quite a few of the diverse and delicious menu offerings. We were happy to discover another great burger option. 8 oz of top sirloin, smothered with cheese and topped with crispy onion rings and bacon, this burger is a home run. Served with crispy fries at 130 pesos.

Richard's Steakhouse and Quarterdeck, located on the marina in Puerto Aventuras has been serving up steak and seafood dinners to throngs of tourists for years. We discovered this place 5 years ago when we started building our condos just around the corner. Since then, Richard's has been a favorite lunch stop for us and their Pizza Burger is one to rave about. Thick and flavorful and always cooked to order, this big boy is topped with marinara sauce and Mozzerella cheese. For an extra kick, ask them to throw on some sauteed mushrooms!

Photo courtesy of Luna Blue Hotel

This is our list of Top 5 burgers on the Riviera Maya. Share with us some of your favorites!

NEW - Luxury Condos for Sale in Playacar

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

• 1,614 sq.ft - 2 and 3 bedroom Luxury Condominiums - $250,000 USD

Playacar Phase 2, Playacar - Located in Playa del Carmen in the beautiful Rivera Maya, VAIVÉN is one of the most stunning new developments in the Riviera Maya.

Just sixty kilometers (37 miles) from Cancun´s international airport, in the exclusive “Playacar” area, VAIVÉN is an elite residential complex that offers a lifestyle based on respect for and integration with the natural environment. VAIVÉN's residential complex incorporates a high percentage of local materials - various kinds of wood, stone, sand which give is a unique & special character.

This new 'Vaiven' condo complex in Playacar has extensive swimming pools, walking paths and recreational areas for the whole family. Right across from Playacar golf course and walking distance to attractions of the famous 5th avenue.

Chose from a selection of beautiful and fully-equipped 2 & 3-bedroom furnished condominiums and penthouses are available at VAIVÉN to suit your needs.

Contact Rob@BuyPlaya.com for more information and to arrange a showing of this beautiful complex.

Click Here for a Full List of Amenities and Detailed Property Information

3 Story Townhouse For Sale in Downtown Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:32:00 GMT

Townhome with Rental Unit

REDUCED to $260,000 usd -180 sq.m., 3 bath, 3 bedroom townhouse "3 Levels"

Centro, Playa del Carmen - The sale of this three story townhouse includes two units: a two story town home with two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms as well as an independent, one bedroom, one bath apartment on the third level with full kitchen and separate entrance. Located in one of the most popular downtown “neighborhoods”, close to good schools, the sports complex, produce market and supermarkets, Villa Los Almendros is perfect for a young family or a professional couple relocating to Playa del Carmen.

With a large, beautifully landscaped common pool, roof top terrace, eagle's nest '5th Floor' observation deck and attention to every detail, this house is a great choice for anyone who wants to live here in Playa, and perhaps needs a home office or desires a steady rental income. Recently remodeled by the current owners, the facade and side walls were moved outwards and some interior walls removed, creating the most spacious living area possible. Every step of the way, the owners paid close attention to details and the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. From the terracotta floor tiles to the talavera countertops, the handcrafted hardwood cabinets and the carefully planned built-ins, no expense has been spared in the design of this contemporary family home. Both the town house and the upstairs apartment are fully furnished and equipped, and ready to occupy immediately.

The independent third level apartment has one large bedroom with king size bed, ample closets, AC, ceiling fans, full bathroom with shower, a fully equipped kitchen with hand painted talavera tiles, fridge/freezer, stove, microwave oven and water cooler. The living and dining areas are fully furnished and there is a balcony overlooking the central pool and gardens. Roof top terrace features a Zapote wood pergola roof for shade, a large storage 'bodega' and an eagle's nest deck with one of the highest observation points in Playa with ocean views.

Contact Rob@BuyPlaya .com for more information and to schedule a showing.

Click Here for Detailed Property Information

Caribbean Cuisine - Mango Cafe on Isla Mujeres

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

"This time, we really should try that place." I remarked to Rob as we puttered by in our rented golf cart "It looks super cute." I've lost count of how many times, I've made that same comment in the almost two years since Mango Cafe opened its doors mid-island on the Caribbean side of Isla Mujeres. The restaurant is just down the road from our favorite hotel, Casa IxChel, yet somehow we have never managed a visit. Breakfast on the island, in the opinion of our children, must be at either Jax, where they can entertain themselves with "the ring game", or Manana, where they like to peruse the selection of used books for sale. In strict compliance with their wishes, thus far, we have never varied from this routine. On this latest trip, however, we were blissfully unfettered by the demands of our children and free to dine where we pleased, so we decided to stop in for a late breakfast.

Mango Cafe is in a pretty building occupying a corner in the colonia Meteorologico, just across from the Iglesia Guadalupe. The area is well out of the tourist zone in el Centro, but visitors to the island routinely pass through on their way back and forth from picturesque Punta Sur. Cheerfully landscaped and decorated with colorful Mexican tiles, the exterior is tidy and welcoming. A decorative plywood cactus appliqued to the outside of the building, doubles as a bulletin board, posting the many positive reviews and accolades collected by the restaurant, its cuisine and its charming owners. The interior is warm and inviting with sturdy handcrafted wooden furniture painted in varying shades of pastels and decorated with traditional paper flowers and "pica papel", cowboy boots and hand lettered chalkboard menus detailing the daily offerings. In a corner by the kitchen, a small area acts as a gift shop featuring books by local authors and a selection of unique items made on the island.

Co-owner Polo was on hand to greet us this morning and quickly point us in the direction of the serve-yourself coffee station. Bottomless cups of fresh brewed coffee were just the way to get us going and ready to dig in to breakfast. The restaurant is currently open from 8:30am to 2pm, offering a creative selection of menu items, perfect for breakfast, brunch or an early lunch. I would categorize the cuisine as a fusion of Mexican, Jamaican and Caribbean. Each dish has been crafted to show the diverse culinary influences and interests of Chef Owner Lori Drumm. A native of the United States, most recently Madison Wisconsin, Lori and her husband Polo moved to Isla Mujeres and opened the restaurant in January 2009. Since then, they have achieved a rabid following of tourists and island residents alike, all coming back time and time again to enjoy the fresh seasonal ingredients and the unique combination of flavors in the signature dishes.

On our first visit, Rob and I and our friend/photographer Kat Carroll sampled a variety of items from the menu. First up, a plate of blue corm pancakes served with candied almonds, tamarind maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. We devoured this in no time, sopping up every last drip of the delicious tangy syrup. Next up, Kat ordered the enormous panko crusted poblano chile stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, chaya and cheese, served with a drizzle of fresh crema and a side of sweet and sour chipotle salsa and a healthy helping of skillet potatoes. Rob, after much debate, finally settled on the house made chicken chipotle empanadas, light and flaky and filled with sweet corn, potato, poblano pepper, red onion and pepper jack cheese with chipotle crema. These were also served with chipotle salsa and potatoes, which Rob embellished with Lori's now famous curried hollandaise sauce. Delish! While the Eggs Benedict with the aforementioned curried hollandaise was really calling my name, I went for the West Indies Chicken tacos with sweet Jamaican slaw and a coconut peanut dipping sauce. All of the seasonings were so carefully balanced, always playing sweet off of spicy. It was obvious that great care and love had been put into each and every component of each dish. The only disappointment...not one of us had a camera on hand to take pictures of these culinary works of art. Fortunately, we noted a sandwich board outside announcing a special 4th of July BBQ, so we made plans to return the following day.

The next day, Rob and I returned to take in the special holiday BBQ. On the menu for the day: BBQ chicken with homemade mango glaze served up with three chile potato salad, Caribbean coleslaw and tamarind baked beans. The bottomless coffee mug, replaced with a never ending supply of sweet tea, the perfect accompaniment to our meal. While neither Rob nor I are a fan of white meat, these chicken breasts were cooked to perfection, juicy and tender and not at all dry. The mango sauce was tangy and sweet and a clever alternative to traditional barbeque. All of the side dishes were tasty, giving us a reminder of July 4th cookouts back in the northeast with a clever island twist. We finished up our feast by splitting an order of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with caramel and candied almond slivers, so good we fought over the last bite!

It was such a pleasure to finally meet Lori and Polo and finally try the food we have been hearing so much about. The success of Mango Cafe has allowed them to expand their offerings with a location across the street, The Blue Iguana, serving homemade baked goods and deli sandwiches during the high season. By popular demand, they will also be extending their hours to offer dinner and we are looking forward to seeing how the menu develops. They will also be adding a full compliment of tasty cocktails to their repertoire. Rumor has it we can look forward to Watermelon Mojitos, Kiwi Margaritas and more!! Kids big and small can still enjoy their thirst quenching "aguas de casa".

Food like this can only come from people with real passion and respect for the ingredients. Not only are Lori and Polo putting out world class cuisine on this tiny island, they are also the consummate hosts, greeting each guest, with a big smile and a genuine excitement that is rare in an industry that so often breeds big egos. We found that the only things that are "big" at Mango Cafe are the flavors and the hearts of its owners. Bravo!

Rainy Day Recipes - White Chicken Chili

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:49:00 GMT

With the rain coming down in buckets all around us, it feels more like a spring day in New England than a summer day in Mexico! In our house, days like this call for something warm and comforting and a family favorite of ours is White Chicken Chili. This is another recipe that came out of our kitchen back in Mystic Connecticut. It is one of my childrens' very favorite foods, one that they request time and time again. Truth be told, it came off of the back of a McCormick's can and I adapted it over the course of a summer to suit our tastes. Now, before you scroll down and think "No way, that's way to many ingredients and way too much work!" take a breath and remember - If I can do it with Rob hovering over my shoulder, the dogs begging underfoot and two children getting into who knows what, then so can you. The key to making this chili easily is "mis en place". You must have all of your ingredients prepared, measured and ready to go before you turn on the burner.

2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 stick unsalted butter
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1.5 tbsp. chili powder
2.5 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
pinch of ground clove
6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
32 oz chicken broth, heated
3 lbs. boneless chicken b.reast, cubed
4 cans white beans, drained , rinsed
2 cans chopped green chilies
2 cups plain yogurt (no sweetener added)
2 tsp. kosher salt

Over medium high heat cook onion and butter in a large stockpot until onion is soft. Add garlic, cook an additional 2 minutes. Lower heat, Add chili powder, cayenne, cumin, clove and flour. Cook, stirring for 5 min. Turn heat up and slowly add warm chicken broth, stirring. Bring to a boil and simmer 3 min. Add raw chicken cubes and cook thoroughly, about 7 min. Lower heat, Add green chilies, salt, beans and yogurt. Simmer 5 min. Remove from heat, cover, allow to rest 15 min. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up!!! Yummy.

Luxury Villa For Sale in Club Real - Playa del Carmen Real Estate

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:50:00 GMT

Beautiful Golf Course Villa

• 3,949 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - $850,000 USD - Reduced!

Club Real, Playacar Phase 2 - This beautiful 4 bedroom house is now available for sale in the residencial resort community of Playacar Phase 2. With marble floors throughout, this large, exquisitely decorated property is a must see. Set in private gardens containing a courtyard with a beautiful relaxing fountain, this house also has a large terrace to the rear with an outside grill area, perfect for entertaining. Upstairs the large ensuite bedroom has direct access to a roof top patio area. Downstairs is bright, the large living and dining areas have colonial red brick ceilings and offer spectacular views of the gardens. Two more ensuite bedrooms contain separate dressing areas and plenty of storage space.
Located in a very safe area this property is ideal for a family. Close to the golf course and tennis courts this house is an oasis of calm. Internet and satellite/cable are easily available.

Property information

4th of July at Wicky's Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:22:00 GMT

Wicky's was the place to be this year to celebrate the 4th of July! While many Playa del Carmen businesses closed their doors in compliance with election day "ley seca", Wicky's came out in full force with a traditional cookout on the beach. The buffet was complete with burgers, hot dogs and chicken hot off the grill with favorite side dishes such as potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob and even deviled eggs! Los Gringos Perdidos and the Wandering Mexican entertained the beach crowd throughout the afternoon, giving up the stage to J.J. and The Nasty Bastards Band to take us through dinner and the brief fireworks display.

As usual, the Chefs and staff at Wicky's kept everyone happy and well attended. Thanks to General Manager, Damon, and his whole team for a lovely family event!

NEW! Tickets Available Online for Taste of Playa 2010

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:23:00 GMT

Limited release all-inclusive VIP Passes and discounted sampling tickets are now available for Taste of Playa 2010 through advance purchase online at http://www.tasteofplaya.com. The highly anticipated culinary event will take place November 21 in Playa del Carmen.

More than 50 area restaurants, bars and specialty food retailers will participate in the daylong festival, which celebrates the cultural diversity and culinary traditions that have helped make the Riviera Maya one of the top travel destinations in the world. Last year’s premiere event was so successful that organizers anticipate attendance to more than double this year, and VIP Passes are expected to sell out quickly. The passes, which cost $35 US, give holders early entrance to the event where they can mingle with the chefs and be the first to sample the signature dishes. VIP Pass holders will also have access to the exclusive VIP lounge, a comfortable seating area reserved especially for them.

“VIP Passes were available only locally last year and sold out so fast that many of our international guests were unable to purchase them when they arrived in Playa,” said Executive Committee member Monica Hartlief, “This year, we want to make sure everyone who wants a pass has a chance to purchase it … but don’t wait too long, because there are only 120 VIP Passes for sale.”

Individual sampling tickets will be readily available up to and at the event, but those who purchase them online before October 31 will receive a discount. To purchase sampling tickets and VIP Passes, or for more information about the festival and its participants, visit http://www.tasteofplaya.com.

Taste of Playa 2010 Announced for November 21st !

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:47:00 GMT

If you are planning to be on the Mayan Riviera in the Fall of 2010, don't miss Taste of Playa 2010!! Taste of Playa is an annual culinary event in Playa del Carmen that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs, highlights new event venues and coordinates the efforts of local businesses and municipal governments.

This year's event is scheduled for November 21, 2010 in the Parque Fundadores from 3 pm to 9 pm. Admission to Taste of Playa is free to the public with "Taste of Playa Pesos" available for sale which are used to purchase the signature dishes offered. Samples will have a value of 1 or 2 Taste of Playa Pesos (10 to 20 pesos in value). All-inclusive VIP Passes and Taste of Playa Pesos may be purchased at the event, ordered in advance or purchased online beginning July 1, 2010.

Each year, Taste of Playa will donate proceeds from the event to a local non-profit food or clean water program. The beneficiary for Taste of Playa 2010 is the Rotary Club, Playa del Carmen district. This organization brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the cities and areas where we live. This year’s donation will go to a new food education program implemented by the Rotarians of Playa del Carmen, in an effort to educate local children and families about the importance of nutrition, nutritional balance and the use of local produce and resources to maintain a healthy diet.

www.tasteofplaya.com

www.tasteofplayadelcarmen.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/tasteofplaya

www.twitter.com/tasteofplaya

3 Bedroom Playa del Carmen Penthouse - Price REDUCED!

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:31:00 GMT

Reduced to $220,000 usd this sleek, modern 3 bedroom/3 bath Penthouse in downtown Playa del Carmen.

Located in a popular, upscale north end neighborhood, this sleek penthouse has been cleverly converted from a two bedroom into a three bedroom without sacrificing any interior space. A third bedroom had been added utilizing a potion of the large rooftop solarium, overlooking the pool and lounging areas below. This condo has been set up for fun and is being sold with all furnishings and extras! It has a small pool table, dart board, boxing bag and gloves, golf clubs, and tennis rackets. There is even a large jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace, everything you could possible want to enjoy a fabulous family vacation! The third bedroom is suitable for 1 person and 1 child to sleep, while each of the other 2 bedrooms has a queen bed. Centrally located, the beach is just a 7 minute walk, and 5th Avenue is even closer with hundreds of shops and restaurants. Enjoy walking, running, basketball or tennis as the public stadium, track, and park is located just a block away.

Completed in 2007, this secure complex has become very popular with vacation renters and you can expect to bring in up to $1500/week during the high season. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of your own home while you are in Playa and rent it out while you are away!

Click here for more pictures and information!

Changing Times at John Gray's Downtown - A Food Revolution in Cancun

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:28:00 GMT

It began with an impassioned invitation on Facebook a few weeks ago, a call to action from local celebrity Chef John Gray for all of us to wake up! Wake up and start really thinking about the food we put into our mouths. Where the vegetables and fruits are grown. How and by whom the animals are raised that become our steaks, hamburgers, bacon... Unless you have been living under a rock, you have seen the global trend toward eating local, making well informed responsible choices about what food we buy and prepare for our families. Organic, free range, hormone free, these are the marketing tags we now look for as we make our way through the aisles of our local supermarkets. But one wonders: When you go out to enjoy a meal in a restaurant, do you expect the same care has been given to the selection of ingredients that make their way to your well appointed, candle lit table? John Gray thinks we should demand it.

Rob and I made our way to Cancun for the unveiling of the menu and had a chance to talk with John about the direction he is taking this restaurant and the reasons behind the shift. When designing the new menu concept for John Gray's Downtown in Cancun, he made sure to maintain as much control over each element in each of the menu choices, offering more and more items created "in house" by Executive Chef Karl Mayrhofler and his team of budding culinary stars. Putting his customers' needs in front of ego, Chef Gray has re-conceived his menu to be more friendly to the working men and women in the city, creating a menu that can be enjoyed day ofter day for a reasonable price. While some were initially concerned that a lower price point would mean lower quality, those who have heard the call and stopped in over the past week to try out the new offerings have been pleasantly surprised with the resulting menu.

Featuring a much wider variety of dishes, everything from steak to salad and everything in between, the new menu caters to a lunch crowd short on time but keen on culinary creativity. The meat for the signature hamburgers and meatballs is all carefully selected then blended and ground in house. The hand cut bacon, sausages and hot dog....yes, that's right....hot dogs...are all made by hand in the kitchen and smoked out back in the restaurant's new stainless steel smokers. As it always has been, the meat, poultry and seafood are carefully scrutinized before they make their way into John Gray's kitchen and ultimately onto the plates of his discerning guests. Greens, fresh herbs and vegetables are selected daily to insure the very best quality and flavor. The Chef has now started making his own homemade breads, like a savory foccacia to accompany his new sandwich items, another step toward complete control of his ingredients.

John Gray's Downtown

The new chalkboard menu

Many busy hands in the kitchen

Lined up and waiting

And the meatballs are how big?

Getting ready for lunch service

The shiny new smokers, both hot and cold

Rob talks shop with Chef Gray

Mussels baked with blue cheese, white wine and herbs

For our lunch, Rob and I both selected new menu items. To start, we shared the crostini with pureed garbanzo beans, chorizo and spinach. This was followed by an almost traditional meatball sub with home made marinara and creamy garlic aoli and the mussels baked with blue cheese white wine and fresh herbs. Robs enormous sandwich was served with creamy coleslaw and potato salad, both offering up a little reminder of summer picnics back home in the northeast. Everything was delicious and the servers worked in good coordination with the kitchen staff, no small feat when launching a new menu.

Of course, the old familiar standbys from John Gray's previous menu are still available for those of you who can't make it through the week without "the Duck" and the restaurant has added a delightful series of breakfast items that will be offered throughout the day. Rumor has it, the granola mixed and toasted in house is sure to be a new favorite! Me, I think I'll opt for whatever has the most crisp smokey bacon on it!

John Gray's Downtown is located at #24 Avenida Xpuhil in Cancun. The restaurant hours are Monday - Friday 7am - 12 am Saturday and Sunday 9am to 8pm. Reservations are accepted and recommended for large groups 998-883-9800.

Papalote Students Visit the Aquarium at Xcaret

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:44:00 GMT

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of accompanying Cole's class from El Papalote School on a field trip to the aquarium at Xcaret. Admittedly, we have not spent a great deal of time exploring all that this local cultural park has to offer, but I was surprised to hear that they had an aquarium at all. I'm not sure if it is new or just something we have managed to overlook. As a family, we make a point of visiting zoos and aquariums in every area we travel to. Big or small, we enjoy them all as long as they are well thought out and the animals are carefully attended to. This aquarium, by our standards, was small but just right for these curious youngsters. Each student was charged with identifying ten sea creatures in the display and then recording the names in both English and Spanish. For the most part, our students were the only visitors on this morning so they pretty much had the run of the place. It was great to see them darting from tank to tank, calling out the names of the various fish and taking in all the aquarium had to offer. Here is a collection of pictures from our excursion. Enjoy!

Guacamayas and Flamingos greet us on the way in.

Another friendly face?

Beautiful Jellyfish!

I like their Spanish name better..."Medusas" !!!

A budding oceanographer?

They all took their assignment very seriously!

A tidal pool with underwater magnifying glasses.

Medusas of the manglar!

Feeding time in the big tank!

A captive audience!

Pez Globo!

An Angel Fish comes over to say hello.

Gabriel finds the spiny lobster

A chance to get up close and personal with some Sea Urchins. Love the Spanish name "Cabeza del Viejo"!

Inside the turtles nest!

Tortuga!

Cole and Gabriel, two tortugitas!

"Not now! I have a headache!!"

Quails hatching 24-7. I shudder to think where they end up after this display. Lunch anyone?

The Papalote Pre-1st Crew!

There is and always has been debate about keeping animals in captivity, especially for the purposes of financial gain. Is it cruel to keep these wild creatures in tanks and cages? Is the research of the wildlife in these zoos essential to the preservation of endangered species? I certainly don't have the answer. However, there is no denying that this generation of children will grow up to be the next generation's brilliant scientists, environmentalists and marine biologists. Will they pursue these fields of study without having enjoyed these encounters with wildlife in captivity? Could the same passions be piqued by watching Wild Kingdom and the Animal Channel? I wonder. What are your thoughts?

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Playa del Carmen This Year!

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:46:00 GMT

We adore living in Playa del Carmen! When we first visited the Riviera Maya in 2004, we immediately fell in love with not just the spectacular surroundings but the community as well. Over the past 6 years, we have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people who, like us, love Playa del Carmen and have either chosen this area as a home or come here time and time again. What is it that makes this beachfront city so very special? Here is a short list of our Top 10 reasons to visit Playa del Carmen.

Beautiful Beaches - Playa del Carmen is blessed with some of the whitest, finest sand in the world, but even on the hottest sunniest day, the sand is cool to the touch. No dashing from your lounge chair to the water like walking across hot coals. Children of all ages will find hours of enjoyment making sandcastles and digging pools on the wide, clean beaches of Playa del Carmen. Top tip: The beaches north of town are practically deserted. Pack a cooler and claim your own piece of paradise for a day.

Family Friendly Fun - Whether you chose to stay in one of the many all-inclusive resorts offering a plethora of family focused activities or rent a private vacation home, families visiting Playa del Carmen will not be disappointed. There are theme parks and excursions for travelers of all ages. Xcaret, Xel Ha and Xplor will keep you and your kids busy with lots to see and do both in and out of the water. The beaches of Playa del Carmen are safe and clean and the water is generally quite calm, the perfect playground for young explorers and budding swimmers. No matter where you go, children are welcomed and catered to. Top tip: Take in an afternoon at Cenote Azul for an experience your children will never forget!

Great Food - Foodies from across the globe will find amazing culinary creations in Playa del Carmen. Looking for a traditional Mexican restaurant? Steakhouse? Thai food? Spanish tapas? Sushi joint? Old world Italian? New American cuisine? You can find it all here in this multi-cultural melting pot. Top tip: Spend a day learning about Mexican food and cooking at The Little Mexican Cooking School in Puerto Morelos. It's well worth the trip!

Flora and Fauna - Playa del Carmen has certainly grown over the years but it is still surrounded by thousands of hectares of unspoiled jungle. Wildlife lovers will be amazed at the variety of indigenous animals and birds that can be found comfortable coexisting with the millions of visitors who visit the Riviera Maya each year. Want to get up close and personal with your favorite furry and feathered friends? Schedule a trip to the aviary in Playacar or Crococun in Puerto Morelos. Top tip: Plan to spend a morning at the Jungle Place in Chemuyil interacting with spider monkeys in this well run sanctuary.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - With the MesoAmerican reef system, the world's second largest, just off shore, scuba divers are certain to enjoy a world class diving experience here in Playa del Carmen. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish and 60 varieties of coral! With dozens of certified dive centers to choose from, everyone from beginning divers to dive masters will find an exciting underwater adventure. Cave divers will find miles and miles of underground systems to explore carved into the limestone shelf that is the Yucatan peninsula. Top tip: June - September is Whale shark season near Holbox. If you are planning a summer trip to the Riviera Maya, don't miss this remarkable migration.

Fabulous Nightlife - Whether you are a twenty-something looking for a hot club scene or a baby-boomer in search of Margaritaville, Playa del Carmen's vibrant nightlife has something for everyone. Venture into the club zone for dance parties at Santanera and Dubai, enjoy the laid back lounge scene at Diablito Cha Cha Cha and Om, take in a show at the spectacular Coco Bongo or dig your toes in the sand and enjoy some cool reggae on the beach. No matter what your style is, Playa del Carmen is sure to please. Top tip: Don't miss the fire dancers on the beach at Fusion Hotel!

Beautiful People - With chic European style beach clubs like Mamitas, Kool and the new Canibal Royal dotting the beaches all up and down the coast, there is no shortage of beautiful people to look at. Look past the gorgeous exterior and you will find that the people here are not just beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. Playa del Carmen seems to attract some of the nicest, most open-minded visitors from around the globe. Locals will greet you with a smile and newcomers become old friends fast in this diverse community. Top tip: try to learn and speak a little Spanish. Even if you can only manage a few words and short phrases, your efforts will be noticed and greatly appreciated.

History - Yes, it is true. Playa del Carmen is a very young city. Thirty years ago there were just a handful of families calling this coastal village home. However, travel just an hour or two in any direction and visitors can immerse themselves in history and culture. Using Playa del Carmen as a base of operations, one can easily take in the ruins of Tulum and Coba and even Chichen Itza, a spectacular site recently named one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The colonial town of Valladolid is just an hour and a half away and offers a fascinating glimpse back in time. Hot tip: The ruins of Muyil are practically hidden and often overlooked. Find a tour that brings you in via canoe through the wetland of the Sian Kaan biosphere.

Amazing Events and Festivals - No matter what season you chose to travel in, there is certain to be an exciting event to attend in Playa del Carmen. Carnaval, Day of the Dead, Travesia Sagrada, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and Taste of Playa to name just a few, should be on your "must do" list, when traveling to the Riviera Maya. Top tip: The festival of Carnaval on Cozumel is one of the oldest in all of Mexico. Take the ferry across to experience the pageantry firsthand.

Reasonable Accommodations - Not everyone has the budget for a private beachfront villa. While Playa del Carmen has pretty much outgrown its reputation as a haven for backpackers, the city still offers dozens of reasonably priced hotels and hostels to chose from. Looking for more space? The construction boom over the past decade has created a real renters market. Well priced condominiums abound within a few minutes walk to the beach that can easily accommodate a family or group traveling together on a budget. Top tip: Travel during the off season for the best deals on vacation home rentals.

Whatever your reason for visiting, Playa del Carmen is sure to delight even the most seasoned travelers. These are our Top 10 and really just a few of the reasons we have chosen this city as out home. Tell us what you love about Playa del Carmen!

A Tropical Oasis - Oceanfront Condo for Sale in Playacar Phase 1

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:31:00 GMT

Offered for $599,000 usd

NEW!! Located in the prestigious gated oceanfront community of Playacar Phase 1, Xaman Ha Condominiums sits directly on the beautiful white beaches of the Caribbean Sea. This spacious three bedroom condominium is situated at the very front of the complex and enjoys unobstructed views of the Caribbean and the lovely pool and gardens.

This unit is offered for sale completely furnished and equipped and ready to move in. This unit has two master bedrooms, one with a king bed & futon, the over-sized second bedroom with a king bed & full bed, while the third bedroom has a full bed & twin pull-out trundle. This condominium is very popular with vacation renters and fetches up to $2000 usd per week in high season. Owners and guests of this condominium enjoy access to the enormous pool and entertainment palapa and reserved parking. The complex is located just a short 5 minute walk from all the excitement of Playa del Carmen's 5th Ave. with its boutiques and international restaurants.

Investors interested in Playa del Carmen Real Estate should not overlook this property.

Please click here for more pictures of this tropical oasis!

The Third Annual Latin American Bloggers’ Conference Cometh

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Mark your calendars! The Third Annual Latin American Bloggers’ Conference will be held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico from Friday Nov. 12 – Sunday Nov. 14, 2010.

The event is open to all Bloggers but in order for us to get ready, it will be necessary for you to pre-register. Stay tuned… in the next few weeks, we’ll create a form and post it. This year our venue will be a downtown college campus (http://www.tttac.com) that comes with wireless Internet, garden space, and lecture hall. The activities will start on Friday evening, November 12th with a Cocktail-Social to Meet & Greet your fellow Bloggers. On Saturday, November 13th we will have a full day of conferences/talks/workshops… lunch, more topics, and more opportunities to eat.

Some of the ideas we have are:

• Identifying and keeping your blog’s Focus • Adding Photos – Uploading, effectiveness and continuity

• Using you Blog to market your product / service / whatever

• A Beginner’s blogging class

• Advanced HTML techniques

Do these topics interest you? Do you have other suggestions? Would you like to do a presentation for your fellow bloggers? Do let us know because we want this conference to be as good as it can be.

Saturday will also provide an evening opportunity to see some of Merida’s clubs and bistros… There are a number to choose from. We'll say goodbye with a Sunday morning breakfast, unless you decide to stay and enjoy Merida for a few extra days. Please email and let us know if you want to come and join us.

Please invite other bloggers you know and by all means, post this information on your blog. We hope to have as many Latin American Bloggers attend the conference as possible. The more the merrier!

In a few weeks, we will be compiling a short list of hotels, restaurants and other places of interest located close to the conference site.

For further info contact…

Theresa at: http:// www.theresainmerida.blogspot.com

Joanna at: http://joannavandergrachtderosado.wordpress.com

Debi at: http://www.debiinmerida.blogspot.com

For Sale - Stunning 3 Bedroom Condo in Playacar Phase 1

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:32:00 GMT

Offered for Sale $550,000 usd

NEW!! Located in the prestigious gated oceanfront community of Playacar Phase 1, Xaman Ha Condominiums sits directly on the beautiful white beaches of the Caribbean Sea. This spacious three bedroom condominium has just recently been completely renovated with brand new floors, hardwood doors, a remodeled kitchen with handmade hardwood cabinetry and granite countertops. The living room opens up to a large covered patio complete with seating and hammocks and overlooking the lush tropical gardens, the pool area and the beach.

For more information and pictures visit the detailed listing page on www.BuyPlaya.com.

Road Trip 2010 - Day 8 - Na Bolom Museum in San Cristobal Chiapas

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:06:00 GMT

It was a beautiful day today and we wanted to make the most of it. We stopped in for a quick breakfast at BioMaya and then set off to visit the Mayan Museum, Na Bolom. I had heard this was a must see but really had no idea what to expect. Located a good distance from our hotel, we chose to cab it, arriving before noon just as the city was starting to warm up.

Cole tries the fresh beet juice. Not a hit.

Na Bolom was founded by Danish archeologist Franz Blom and his wife, Gertrude. Gertrude was an avid painter and photographer and an environmental activist. In 1951, Franz and Gertrude purchased and rebuilt an abandoned seminary in San Cristobal, converting it into their private residence and a research library dedicated to Mayan studies. Here they invited other like minded explorers and scientists to come and stay to study and document the Mayan civilization, past and present. Franz and Gertrude had a particular interest in the Lacandon Maya, a small group located in the south west quadrant of Chiapas. They railed against the deforestation taking place in that region that threatened the traditional lifestyle and the very existence of this culture. To this day, Na Bolom remains one of the best sources for information about the Lacandon Maya. Gertrude's photography is so remarkable...I can only describe it as haunting. You simply cannot fathom that the Mayan people in her pictures were photographed, right here in Chiapas, just 50 years ago. I took no pictures of her work, so you are just going to have to see it for yourself.

Rob and the kids at the entrance of Na Bolom

A flower an herb garden maintained by Na Bolom. It was so strange to see all of our favorites from back home...geraniums, lilies, allium.

The sunny courtyard inside Na Bolom

The formal music room where a young man entertained the visitors with classical piano pieces.

Some of Franz and Gertrude's artifacts

Hundreds of Mayan relics preserved and on display

The kids were fascinated by Franz's typewriter. Birdie kept asking where the screen was!

This is referred to as "the Library Without Walls" and is dedicated to the conservation, development and disbursement of the over 5000 books, articles, maps and other documents collected and preserved by Franz and Gertrude during their studies. The Na Bolom Trustees plan to copy all of this information for the future use of researchers and anthropologists and also to then disburse it to the Mayan communities about whom it was written. In this way, they will be able to keep the stories and the traditions alive for generations of modern Maya to enjoy.

The grand dining room. I can only imagine the tales that have been told over this table. We were told that dinner at Na Bolom was a once in a lifetime experience, an evening to spend at the table with fellow travelers and share travel stories and information. Of course, we jumped at the chance to make a reservation for the nightly seating!

Gertrude's bedroom with all of her things on display. An avid horsewoman, her beautiful tack was all oiled up and ready for one last ride. Her palettes and oils were all set out as if she had just put them down and gone out for a stroll. The jewelry in her collection was so exotic, I could not for the life of me imagine where in the world it came from. Her clothes were all perfectly preserved and hanging in her closet, riding boots and embroidered slippers laid out carefully, side by side. I must have stood in that little room for half an hour taking it all in and imagining what kind of a life, what adventures she must have had. I seriously hope that I will have such a full life.

Behind the museum we found gardens and walking paths that lead to several small out buildings, some built in the traditional clay block manner with palapa roofs. The garden and tree nursery was established by Gertrude in 1973 in order to support reforestation of the lands of the Lacandon Maya and the surrounding rain forests. The Trustees of Na Bolom have continued Gertrude's efforts and hope to develop educational programs for the local children and visiting school groups. Directly behind the museum more land and building materials are being prepared to expand this project.

Birdie and a new friend.

A stunning clay piece from the nearby village of Amatenango del Valle.

When we headed back into the center of town we found the streets abuzz with activity, everyone gearing up for Easter Sunday. We were quite hungry so we stopped in for a quick bite at a lively expat type bar called "Revolucion". The place had a fun revolutionary theme, complete with the requisite pictures of Che Guevara, Pancho Villa and Emilio Zapata and filled with chain smoking backpackers. Fabulous! The food turned out to be surprisingly good and it wasn't long before we struck up a conversation with some fellow travelers.

Yup, it's a saxaphone made out of bamboo. Love it!

Long story short, several beers and tequila shots later, the kids and I left Rob with his new companions and headed back to make our reservation at Na Bolom. When we arrived, the fire was crackling in the hearth, a welcomed treat on this cold evening. I was somewhat surprised to see just four places set at this enormous table. After inquiring with one of the waiters, we learned that we would be the only guests this evening and they were delighted to have us. OK. Not what we were expecting but still quite an amazing experience. We warmed ourselves by the fire and looked at the portraits of our "hosts", both overlooking the room. We imagined all kinds of strange sounds...creaking floor boards...odd bumps and groans...and giggled when the waiter agreed that it was certainly the spirits of Franz and Gertrude coming to make sure we enjoyed our stay.

Birdie giving a very convincing "Blair Witch Project" audition.

Provecho!

Our dinner consisted of a simple braised chicken dish served with a green salad and herbed rice. Nothing fancy, but exactly what one might think the Blom's would enjoy after a long day in the jungle. If you are lucky to find yourself in San Cristobal, I highly recommend you plan a day to visit this amazing home. It is a museum and so much more. It is a testament to two lives well spent. To Gertrude and Franz Blom, we raise our glass.

Run for the Roses at Wicky's in Playa del Carmen!!

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:52:00 GMT

Wicky’s First Annual Kentucky Derby Charity Event

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Wicky’s Restaurant & Beach Club in Playa del Carmen is hosting their first Annual Kentucky Derby Race & Charity Event on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 12:00 pm to 7:00pm. Entry fee and raffle proceeds will be donated to Playa’s Peanut Pet Shelter, a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitation and re-homing of injured and abandoned dogs and cats.

Wicky’s invites teams of two persons to enter with a creative team name and compete for prizes in a human wheel barrel race at Wicky’s Beach. Practice laps begin at 3:00pm with the race gates opening on the beach at 4:00pm. The day’s events will begin at noon with live entertainment and a BBQ Buffet featuring BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, Fresh Fruit and Green Chopped Salad. The Derby’s favorite, a Frosty Mint Julep Station will also be offered.

Local favorite’s, The Nasty Bastards Band will kick off the event at noon and play until 4pm and then Mike Grabow will take over on the acoustic guitar playing from 4-7pm. The day’s events will close after the “Race for the Roses” is televised live on Wicky’s screens at 5:15pm. Team entry fee is $500 pesos per team and the event is open to the public at $180 pesos per adult and $90 pesos per child. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place race teams and lady spectators will compete for the “Best Hat Prize” to continue the Kentucky Derby tradition. A ticket raffle will be held for a two night stay at Residences El Faro donated by Cantex, a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon and a dinner for two at Wicky’s.

To register for the race, e-mail your team name, name of participants, e-mail address and phone number to reservations@wickysplayadelcarmen.com or call 984.873.3541, payment can be made via cash, check or credit card. Wicky’s Restaurant Playa del Carmen offers beach club, breakfast, lunch, dinner and special event experiences. Meetings, weddings and group events are hosted for 10-350 people. Visit www.WickysPlayaDelCarmen or contact Linda Burchett toll-free within USA at 1-877-WICKYS1 (1-877-942-5971); toll-free from Mexico 001-877-WICKYS1 (001-877-942-5971) or linda@WickysPlayaDelCarmen.com.

Road Trip 2010 - Day 7 - Sumidero Canyon and Zinacantan

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:18:00 GMT

On day seven of our adventure it was the girls turn to sleep in. Rob and Cole had breakfast at the organic coffee shop, BioMaya, right next door to our hotel and then ventured over to the zocalo to watch the vendors setting up for the day. Birdie and I woke up late and I took advantage of the internet in our room, a welcomed first, to catch up on email and do a blog entry. Internet has been hard to come by in our accommodations and I have given up trying to maintain any semblance of a schedule.

Lots of burning and clearing going on in the hills

Our plan for the day was to catch a boat tour of the Sumidero Canyon located about an hour west near the capital, Tuztla Gutierrez. In contrast to Palenque, this part of Chiapas experiences true seasons. Many of the trees were just starting to sprout leaves after a cold winter. We even saw road signs advising caution in the event of snow! In order to save time, we took the cuota road, shaving twenty minutes off of our drive time and preserving our nerves. Unfortunately, the signage for the canyon was limited and we ended up being directed toward the “miradors” at the top of the canyon rather than the loading area for the boats far down below. Disappointed as I was, I must say the views were spectacular and I can see why this is such a popular attraction. On our way out of town, we did find the boat docks, well marked and easily accessible, right off of the free road.

Sumidero Canyon

The memory of our delicious “parillada” with Edgar and his family still fresh in our minds, we stopped at a colorful, clean restaurant just below the canyon and ordered a similar platter. The food, while plentiful, was a far cry from the fabulous grilled fare we had enjoyed in Palenque. I guess you really do have to know someone to find the really good places.

We finished up and continued on along another twisting, winding mountain road to our next destination, the village of Zinacantan. Not much is written in the guidebooks about this village and it seems to often take a back seat to neighboring Chamula de San Juan in regard to cultural interest. It is known for its textiles and more recently its thriving flower industry which supports the village but seems to draw skepticism from travelers who would prefer to see the villages stay culturally authentic, no matter how poor the residents. The hills surrounding the village are covered with plastic greenhouses of various shapes and sizes, each cultivating cut flowers and plants for export. We saw everything from calla lilies to roses being cared for but, strangely, no flowers for sale in the village save the chamomile and carnations used for religious ceremonies.

Check out the trek to this hillside chapel!

Greenhouses in the Zinacantan Valley

Typical building construction and materials

The traditional “trajes” for this area are among the most beautiful we have ever seen and are worn by both women and men. The women wear heavy black skirts woven from the wool of the black sheep that dominate this mountainous region. Some are of a traditional weave and decorated with bright blue and purple floral appliqués. Others are more rustic looking, looking almost furry like the sheep themselves. The tops are brightly colored satin blouses, long and short sleeved with decorative banded embroidery or the same floral appliqués. This region being quite chilly for most of the year, both women and men wear a heavy woven shawl or tunic, again in vibrant shades of blue, purple, violet and green with long decorative tassels. This group of Maya is particularly sensitive about photos being taken as they believe that a part of their soul is taken with each photograph. I have managed to sneak a few and a woman in the weavers’ cooperative even offered to let me take a few shots of her working. We purchased several striking pieces to display back home as well as a shawl to keep Birdie warm as the afternoon air was becoming quite crisp.

Our last stop in this tiny village was the church in the center of town. Not much is written about the Iglesia de San Lorenzo which is surprising considering the cultural experience it offers visitors, most likely because photography is strictly forbidden in the church or even the church yard and is punishable by steep fines and jail time. While I took these warnings to heart, if you Google "Zinacantan" you will find quite a few images of the church and the villagers. A sign just inside the church welcomes guests, after making a small donation at the tourist booth. Another sign reminds parishioners that killing chickens is not allowed inside the church. Good to know.

The tourist information booth was closed when we arrived but we entered the church quietly and stood in the back, off to one side, to observe the proceedings. This day, Good Friday, was one of great significance in the town. Everyone in the village and the surrounding areas had gathered to pay homage and respect and make offerings to both Christ and San Lorenzo and this bizarre mix of Catholic and traditional Maya religious ceremony. The church was of a conventional structure and layout, nothing out of the ordinary on the outside save the strange effigy in modern western garb, trousers, suit coat, tie and hat hanging over the entrance. This was recognizable to us after our visits to the homes and chapels housing Maximon or San Simon in the indigenous villages in Guatemala. Inside the church, the floor was strewn with pine needles and hundreds of small lit candles. In the center of the church, where the pews would normally be, two effigies were laid out, with 8 church elders, creating a perimeter and holding poles that supported large fabric banners overhead. The bodies were surrounded by piles and piles of flowers brought by the worshipers and arranged carefully by more church elders. Along the sides of the church, benches had been placed where parishioners could sit and pray. At the entrance was a steady stream of worshipers, each wearing the traditional “traje” and bearing a small bouquet of flowering chamomile and tiny red carnations. They would kneel for a few moments before entering and then take their place in the long line to view the effigies. After making their way around, leaving flowers and giving thanks, the parishioners would make stops at the more traditional Catholic figures, stopping to rub a foot or the hem of a robe and give prayers. All this time a group of church elders in their strange traditional garb, sat by and watched over the proceedings seemingly oblivious to our presence.

Before we overstayed our welcome, we took our leave of the church and Zinacantan and wound our way back up the mountain and back to San Cristobal.Night had fallen by the time we arrived in historical centro and every street and plaza was buzzing with activity. The Cathedral of San Cristobal was open to visitors and so we stopped in to see how Good Friday was recognized in a more traditional church setting. Strangely enough, two similar effigies were placed up near the front of the church and a similar, albeit less colorful, procession of worshipers was making their way through the church and up to the altar.

On our way through town, we happened upon a religious procession reminiscent of those we encountered in Antigua. It was much smaller but equally somber. The hooded figures, I must confess, were a bit off-putting. Funny how one's own cultural biases sneak in every now and then as I am quite sure they had nothing to do with white supremacy.

After the short procession had passed, we wandered up to the crafts market at the church of Santo Domingo and picked up some great Zapatista figures to add to our growing collection of culturally inappropriate dolls. The one with the masked Zapatista baby on its back is my new favorite! Too funny!

Gardening in Mexico - Flamboyant Tree

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Six years ago, when we arrived in Playa del Carmen for the first time, I was struck by the beauty of a particular tree that seemed to grow prolifically in this tropical region. The Flamboyant Tree or Royal Poinciana is ablaze with fiery red flowers when it blooms, surrounded by delicate fern-like foliage. In the spring, when the leaves and flowers die off and drop, what remains is the skeletal structure covered with hundreds of large (often as long as 24 inches) hard seed pods. The seeds inside are often collected and used inside handmade percussion instruments or strung onto thread for necklaces and bracelets.

Photo Credit: Forest Starr and Kim Starr

Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Delonix
Species: regia
Common Names: Flamboyant Tree, Flame Tree, Peacock Flower
Origin: Madagascar
Category: Tender Perennial, Tropical
Height: 20-40 feet
Hardiness: USDA 9b-11

These are some of my favorite flowering trees and as I will be doing a lot of landscaping over the next few years, I definitely wanted to incorporate these beauties into our plans. Rather than buy the saplings from a nursery, I have decided to try to germinate the seeds myself and start them at home. It seems I am not the only Flamboyant fan out there as there is no shortage of information on the internet. This is the germination process that I am going to try first. Wish me luck.

1. Remove seeds from the hard pod. Select only those that are fully formed and shaped properly.

2. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat.

3. Put the seeds into the hot water. Allow to soak for 3-5 minutes.

4. Add cold water to the pot to lower the temperature to about 110F.

5. Allow the seeds to soak, undisturbed for 24 hours. The outer skin surrounding the seeds should come off.

6. Place the seeds in moist potting soil and cover loosely with 1 inch of soil.

7. Cover the pot(s) with plastic wrap to preserve moisture

8. When the seedlings appear (5-7 days) remove the plastic wrap

Hopefully my experiment will go well and I can start on some of the other tropical trees that are starting to produce seeds now. We have so many beautiful flowering species whcih I will attempt to identify and propigate over the next year. If any of you locals or Caribbean neighbors have had gardening successes, I hope you will share your tips and techniques with me.

Road Trip 2010 - Day 6 - San Cristobal de las Casas

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

This morning in San Cristobal was cloudy and quite cool. We were all well rested and ready to go so we hustled into the bright courtyard for breakfast. Finally able to access the internet, we had a lot of email to catch up on and pictures to upload. The weather being what it was, I marked off a few points of interest on our handy tourist map to occupy our day.

Tired flower girl

The Museum of Jade was just around the corner from our new hotel, Posada Paraiso, so after checking in, we visited the museum and gift shop. The exhibit was small but quite interesting, culminating in a replica of King Pakal’s tomb complete with his mysterious Jade mask. The kids thought this was "super chido!". I honestly was not aware that photography was prohibited in the museum until I saw the sign on our way out. My bad. Enjoy the ill-gotten pictures.

A fine replica of the Jade mask of King Pakal

Replicated Tomb of Pakal

Our next stop was the Museum of Amber located in La Merced, an old convent undergoing restoration. Again, the exhibits were well laid out and explained. Some of the pieces were simply breathtaking in their intricacy. The kids focused their attention on the examples with tiny bugs and leaves that had been caught in them. Amber can be found in many areas of Chiapas. The trade of these beautiful golden treasures, both real and fake, is big business here. I bought a small piece for each of the children as amber, Mayan legend has it, will ward off the evil eye and keep them safe. I’m still looking for the right piece for myself.

The rain was really starting to come down so we made a quick stop into the Museum of Popular Culture. Inside we found lovely samples of indigenous costumes from the various Mayan communities in the state of Chiapas. This was very similar to the museum we visited in Guatemala last year, the “trajes” similar in many ways, yet still very distinct to each region and climate.

On our way back to the hotel, we stopped in a few of the wonderful stores offering regional textiles and clothing but a few blocks before reaching the car, a torrential hail storm erupted. This was a first for our kids who had never seen such a thing before and were obviously fascinated. We waiting for awhile in the shelter of the overhang of a building but as the waters quickly rose up over the sidewalks, I decided to make a run for it and get the car. A few minutes later, I picked up my soaking wet family and tossed us all into hot showers at Posada Paraiso.

The hotel, located diagonally across the plaza from the Cathedral of San Cristobal is an oasis of calm in this bustling city. It is filled with sunshine and awash with bright colors and flowering plants. The main atrium is surrounded by glass, bringing the outdoors in and looks out onto a lovely garden. The rooms are small but clean and pretty with good hot showers and warm bed linens, both much needed in this area. There are no TVs but wireless internet is available in the atrium. The staff could not be any nicer. If you are planning a trip to San Cristobal, I highly recommend this hotel.

Warm and dry, we had a delicious lunch in the hotel restaurant, El Eden, a nice cozy place serving up not only regional dishes but also Swiss specialties from the owners’ home country. Rob was the big winner at this meal with the chicken sautéed with peaches and fresh oregano. Yummy!

How is it possible that I made such a beautiful boy?

The rain had now finally stopped, and night was upon us so we headed over to the Cathedral of San Cristobal and the main plaza to check out the vendors and craftspeople who had gathered to sell their wares to the crowds in town for this holy week.The plaza was buzzing with activity,children running to and fro, couples snuggling together on park benches and the air filled with the intoxicating smells of fruit punch, churros and hot meat.

The Cathedral of San Cristobal, beautiful at night.

Dulces and donuts

More of those strange, sweet, boozie things

Rob loved the chorizo tacos!

The Municipal center

Plaza 31 de Marzo

Our senses overloaded with sights and smells, we returned to our hotel and put the kids to bed for the night. Rob and I bought a bottle of wine from the restuarant and bundled up in some blankets in the atrium. We worked on our house plans for awhile (yes, yes more on that project soon to come) incorporating bits and pieces of the architectural elements of the hotel into our drawings. (Yes, Carlos, you were right) It is impossible not be to be inspired in this vibrant city.