Life's a Beach | Daily Life and Real Estate in Playa del Carmen

Wah Wah Beach Bar to Open in Playa del Carmen

2012-02-02T04:53:00Z

Today is the day! After months of planning, construction and much anticipation Wah Wah Beach Bar in Playa del Carmen will welcome friends both near and far under its giant palapa on the beach, just south of calle 2 on the site of the old Cabanas Las Ruinas.

Wah Wah was conceived and created by Kim and J.J. Johnston and will be the new home to Playa del Carmen's beloved Nasty Bastards Band and the Jam Session Combo, two bands that have risen to the top of the Riviera Maya music scene, entertaining locals and visitors from across the globe. This exciting new venue will have live music Thursday through Sunday on the 70 sqmt stage and will welcome guest bands and performers from the United States and Canada.

The opening festivities will kick off today at 4pm with The Nasty Bastards Band taking the stage from 6-10pm.

On Sunday, February 5th, Wah Wah will host the biggest Superbowl Party in Playa del Carmen with music from the irreverent Chris Bolister and Blues musician Brent Parkin starting at noon. The game will be telecast LIVE on several screens including Wah Wah's 20' x 25' high definition projection TV screen, reported to be the largest on the Riviera Maya. The kitchen will be open and feature Smokin' John's signature smoked meats and BBQ. We are looking forward to the house made gourmet pizzas that will come out of the new handcrafted pizza oven.

If you like to hang out in the sun, drink cold beer, eat good food and listen to good music in a family friendly atmosphere, Wah Wah is going to be the place for you! We will be there tonight to christen the new bar. Stay tuned for an update with pictures!

Wah Wah!!!!

Introducing "Mariposas en la Panza" - A Tropical Waldorf Shop

2012-01-30T20:27:00Z

Last Friday, students, parents, teachers and friends of Ak Lu'um International School gathered at the school's jungle campus to inaugurate the newly finished Mariposas en la Panza - A Tropical Waldorf Gift Shop. Designed and built by Rodrigo Larios and Adolfo Rios, this other-worldly orb-like structure will be the permanent home for the school gift shop offering an interesting array of products including all-natural health care products and herbal remedies, knitting wool and supplies, Waldorf dolls and felted wool animals, eco-friendly bicycles and toys and all cotton Ak Lu'um t-shirts among other fun and educational items.

Several of the students, my daughter included, prepared a small concert in the dome to help celebrate the opening of the shop. The ribbon cutting ceremony followed, the shop was officially opened for business and everyone enjoyed a fun family potluck and BBQ! It was a wonderful time to not only celebrate another milestone in the development of the school but also to relax and catch up with fellow parents and friends.

Special thanks to everyone who supported the design and construction of the new jungle store. Here are a few photos from the event. I hope you can feel from the pictures what a truly magical place Ak Lu'um really is.

Exotic Caye Beach Resort Helps Support Local Island Community

2012-01-23T22:27:00Z

Exotic Caye Beach Resort, on the island of Ambergis Caye, Belize is pleased to announce that the resort will contribute 50% of the resorts room rate bookings from January 22 thru February 21, 2012 to support two hands-on environmental education programs. Funds raised will go to Canadian NGO Direct Abundance and U.S. based Charity Caribbean S.E.A. (Student Environmental Alliance) to empower and improve the community of San Mateo. Direct Abundance and Caribbean S.E.A. are partnering together to offer educational programs about coral reef and mangrove conservation, safe water and sewage discharge solutions. The need for these programs is essential for the San Mateo area as their homes are located in a swamp highly contaminated by human waste.

“It is over-whelming to watch this hard-working community growing as it begins to reach its full potential.” says Heather Zwicker, the Co-founder of Direct Abundance. Exotic Caye Beach Resort has seen first hand the help this community needs and would like to generously give back. Travelers wishing to experience some Belize adventures need to look no further then the front desk. The knowledgeable staff at Exotic Caye Beach Resort will be able to assist you with a multitude of activities including coral reef diving, exploring Maya ruins, or simply relaxing on the beaches. It's a fabulous destination for couples searching for that perfect getaway or the family wanting memories to cherish.

This is a unique 30 day offer. Enter the promotional code DA2012 at www.belizeisfun.com. You will be receive a certificate that is valid from now until May 31, 2013, however 50% of your room rate goes immediately to Direct Abundance and Caribbean S.E.A.

Direct Abundance is a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in struggling developing world communities through education and poverty reduction. Caribbean S.E.A. works with local partners to empower youth to take care of their water, from the Ridge to the Reef.

For more information on the project, visit www.directabundance.com or contact:

Heather Zwicker
905-936-2251
damediabelize@gmail.com
heather@directabundance.com

"We Move Forward" - An International Women's Day Retreat on Isla Mujeres!

2012-01-18T12:58:00Z

On March 8, 9 and 10 2012, a special 3-day International Women's Day Conference, We Move Forward, is taking place on Isla Mujeres. The conference is for women interested in life-long learning, personal and professional growth at all stages of life. It is a well blended event that combines daily inspirational speakers with practical interactive workshops, movement sessions (yoga, pilates, batuka), a connection/networking session, local entertainment and a history lesson from a Mayan elder.

For a limited time, the event organizer, Retreats on Isla is currently offering reduced enrollment for WMF 2012! Women who register before January 31st will receive a $212 discount off the cost of the event. Proceeds from the event go to support local charities and sponsorship for local women who otherwise could not afford such an experience.

Being a quaint tropical island is part of Isla's charm, and with this comes limitations to the number of women it can accommodate during this busy time of year. The event offerings are generous and economically priced so if your head and heart are telling you to register we encourage you to do so quickly. Space is truly limited. For more information and to register for this unique event, visit the official website http://www.wemoveforward2012.com/

The Right Time, The Right Place

Isla Mujeres is situated in the turquoise Caribbean waters of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a 15-minute ferry ride from the city of Cancun. At one time, all of Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary dedicated to Ix Chel, Goddess of Fertility, Reason, Healing and Happiness, a goddess in whom the Maya put great trust and hope. Her temple sits on Isla’s southern-most & Mexico’s eastern-most point. It is here that Mexico is first blessed with the dawn of each new day.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:

Vision - Your experience starts the moment you register. You will receive a ‘Note To Self’ that contains the beginnings of self-discovery, your personal vision of your desired future. Begin it. Bring it. Shape it while on Isla.

Voice – Speakers will tell their inspiring stories, and facilitators will guide the sharing of all – everyone has a voice and will be heard.

Values – Goodness, learning, fun and contribution are the values guiding this event. What values guide your actions? Join us and you will see.

Vessel – Our bodies physically move us forward to our own beat. At the event, you get to choose the mind, body, movement session that is playing your tune.

Together we will share an experience like no other – we will feel the impact that personal vision, values, voice and vessel have on our ability to move us forward in a desired direction. And, we will begin to experience all of the fun there is to be had along the way. While this is primarily an English speaking event, there are Spanish speaking options offered. Come meet and be inspired by renowned women. Share your story and learn from others. Find your own beat. Connect and clasp hands with others. Move forward.

Spanish Classes for Kids in Playa del Carmen!

2012-01-14T00:37:00Z

Have you recently moved to Playa del Carmen and need to get you children's Spanish skills up to par? If you are like most parents, you will be concerned that their struggle with learning a new language will negatively impact their regular academic studies and hinder them as they try to make friends and assimilate into "joventude Playense". Unfortunately, many of the Riviera Maya schools are ill equipped to handle the needs of their students matriculating from abroad who need to learn Spanish quickly in order to catch up to their new peers. Some may offer limited after-school tutoring but most teachers and administrators will encourage new families to find a private tutor. A private tutor is an excellent option during the regular school year and can help take the pressure off of parents to who may find the translation and interpretation of their children's daily homework assignments challenging if not impossible.

A prestigious language school is now offering intensive Spanish language classes for children during the breaks in the academic school year. Classes are available at Solexico for age groups 7 - 9, 10 - 12 and 13 - 15. The courses run for 2 weeks, Monday through Friday, with lessons from 9 to 11:50 am. Each class will have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 students working at the same level.

The Solexico language programs are especially designed for kids to study Spanish in an age-appropriate, creative, interactive, interesting and fun way. The programs implement didactic games and both manual and communicative activities. The course materials used are in line with the European frame reference. Each of the Solexico instructors has been trained especially for our programs to provide kids with a solid Spanish language foundation while maintaining their interest, motivation and thrill of learning a new language.

The 2012 dates for these intensive Spanish classes will be:

2 weeks: July 2 – July 13, 2012
2 weeks: July 16 – July 27, 2012
2 weeks: Dec 17 – Dec 28, 2012

These classes are not meant to take the place of regular tutoring during the school year but will definitely give your kids a huge jump start on their Spanish language skills if they have just arrived in Mexico or kick their existing skills up a notch for kids who have been here for a few months but are still struggling with vocabulary and grammar.

I had the good fortune to find Solexico seven years ago when we moved to Playa del Carmen. I attended several months of Spanish classes at Solexico as well as several other language schools in the area. In my experience, Solexico is by far the best structured and organized. The teachers not only know the course material well and how to present it but they are also motivational, friendly and fun. For someone who has just moved to Playa del Carmen, the teachers and administrators will be a great resource for information about the ins and outs of life in Mexico and how things work. They will be able offer a heads up about the cultural differences that you will likely be faced with as you begin your new life here and offer insights on how to handle them. Your children will undoubtedly find this information helpful as they try to navigate the social structure of Mexico youth. They will also meet other children and teens who, like them, have recently relocated to the area and will have common experiences to share. As worried as we are as parents about homework and academic performance, I can assure you the friendships your children will make will be just as important to their success in this tricky transitional time.

Check out the Solexico website for more information about classes (for us parents too) and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need recommendations for private tutors.

Annual Meeting with U.S. Consular Agent Samantha Mason

2012-01-12T14:19:00Z

U.S. Consular Agent, Samantha Mason, will present another in her series of informational seminars in Puerto Aventuras on February 7, 2012. Held annually, these gatherings have become a valuable resource for foreigners who have relocated to the Riviera Maya, either full or part-time.

The annual meeting will be held in the PA Colonos Meeting Room. Doors will open at 9:00 o'clock with a half an hour for meet and greet before the presentation begins at 9:30. Topics to be discussed will include a detailed explanation of the most recent changes made to the laws regulating U.S. plated cars in Mexico, including the 2012 reintroduction of an annual import sticker.

Those who own foreign plated cars, or are considering bringing one into Mexico, are encouraged to attend this meeting. Other topics on the agenda include a detailed explanation of services offered by the U.S. Consulate Office in Playa del Carmen, the recommended protocol to use when stopped by police, how and where to pay your traffic ticket and what to do if you become the victim of a crime. The meeting is open to all interested parties.

Acanto Boutique Hotel is Now Open!

2012-01-10T12:28:00Z

Great Hotels of the World has announced one of its new member properties, Acanto Boutique Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico has just completed a $5 million refurbishment following a two year rebuild. Acanto Boutique Hotel has rebuilt the entire hotel with 14 added bedrooms, making it fully equipped with 21 luxurious one, two and three bedroom mega suites.

The suites are fully furnished with deluxe marble flooring and granite counters, along with solid wood cabinets and plasma televisions. They will now also have their own fitted kitchens and private outdoor areas with hammocks, where guests can enjoy the climate and relax within the privacy of their own terrace. The hotel will feature brand new leisure facilities, including an intimate spa, offering an array of treatments, seven new rooftop Jacuzzis and the possibility for guests to host barbecues on the terrace. A total of 21 underground parking spaces have now been added to the property, ensuring greater convenience for its guests.

Acanto Boutique Hotel has added a café and a wine bar to further add to the services provided. With a prime location, being just one block away from the beach and half a block from Playa Del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue, Acanto Boutique Hotel now offers guests privileged access to the Playa del Carmen Beach Club and discounted rates at the fitness centre, located only one block away.

Matthew Schilowitz, director of sales at Acanto Boutique Hotel commented: “Acanto Boutique Hotel has undergone rapid improvement, putting our hotel in a unique position.“We have all worked extremely hard to incorporate a variety of new features and facilities and we only hope to move forward in improving and bettering Acanto Boutique Hotel in every way we can for our guests.”

Acanto Boutique Hotel was one of the first boutique hotels in the area from 2004 and has been recommended by Frommers and Master Card global premium division. The hotel also has a selection of residences.

Source: Breaking Travel News

For information about condominium sales at Acanto and other Mexico investment opportunities, contact Rob Kinnon.

Chef John Gray Receives Prestigious Award of Excellence!

2012-01-10T00:36:00Z

January 1, 2012 - Diamond Bar, CA - The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is proud to award two Excellence Awards in Mexico's Riviera Maya: Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office receives the IFWTWA Excellence Award in Destination Marketing, and Chef John Gray of the John Gray Group receives the IFWTWA Excellence Award in Culinary Arts.

The exemplary work of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office in promoting the diverse aspects of the world-renowned region they represent has earned them this award. According to the IFWTWA member journalist who nominated them for recognition: The Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office, in addition to arranging many exciting events for their destination, provides excellent help to journalists in the form of relevant story ideas, angles, thorough fact sheets and media trips. They are well-connected with excellent sources in the region and proactively stay in touch with journalists.

"The culinary achievements of John Gray of the John Gray Group has earned this chef and restaurateur the IFWTWA Excellence Award in Culinary Arts." According to the IFWTWA member who nominated Chef Gray for this award. "This former Ritz-Carlton chef operates (and cooks at) four restaurants in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area of Mexico's Quintana Roo State. Using only the freshest ingredients, from local fruits and vegetables to seafood right off the pier, John Gray works his magic, offering a gourmet touch to ordinary food. To watch him perform in the kitchen is a real treat!:

"As winners of IFWTWA Excellence Awards, The Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office and Chef John Gray demonstrate the professional standards that represent the best in their industries," says Maralyn Hill, IFWTWA President. "They and other professionals in their class set and raise the bar in their fields worldwide."

The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is a dynamic nonprofit organization based out of Southern California. What started out as a small group of prominent Frenchmen rating restaurants in 1956 is now a global network of journalists who cover the hospitality and lifestyle fields, and the people who promote them. Members cover a broad spectrum of travel destination attractions such as active and passive adventure activities, ecology, historical features, culture, fairs, festivals, food, wine, and special events. The association's membership includes professionals in culinary arts and sciences, the wine growing and production industry, and hotel and hospitality management industries.

Help Save Iconic Trees in Playa del Carmen!

2012-01-10T00:05:00Z

Every once in awhile I run across a really neat program that I just know is being over looked or is simply undiscovered by the expat community in Playa del Carmen. We all know about the animal rescue groups to help our homeless four legged friends and the medical missions that help the under-served members of our community. I found an organization dedicated to saving the old growth and often iconic trees in Playa del Carmen. No doubt Playa del Carmen has seen astronomic development over the past two decades and much of the jungle that used to blanket the coast in this area has been bulldozed to make way for luxury resorts, golf courses, shopping malls and sprawling housing developments. Still, if you drive, or better yet, walk up and own the streets in downtown Playa, you will find some magnificent trees still thriving amidst all the construction. Even along 5th Avenue and in the area around Calle Corazon, remarkable old trees remain, providing a shady respite for shoppers and site-seers. One can only wonder how long it will be before these old grandfathers of Playa will be razed to make way for a new condo building or night club.

One group in Playa del Carmen has dedicated themselves to insuring the future of these beautiful trees. Moce Yax Cuxtal A.C., a local not for profit group focused on ecological awareness and sustainable living is building a net work of Playa del Carmen citizens dedicated to saving the city old, important trees. Their goals are simple:

Create a "living museum" of ancient urban trees

Stop urban deforestation
Educate the residents of the city on the benefits of trees on public health
Rethink the importance of the urban landscape as a part of our identity and ecologic culture
Create public arboretums in the city
Protect our important trees as part of the national heritage
Save our important urban trees

Imagine DAC without its majestic Ceiba tree. Imagine our city landscape without the beautiful Flamboyans in bloom. Join Moce Yax Cuxtal and help SAVE Playa del Carmen's trees. Contact porlatierramoce@gmail.com to become a member.

The Tradition of the Rosca de Reyes in Mexico

2012-01-06T03:19:00Z

Tomorrow, on January 6th, visitors and residents of Playa del Carmen are invited to gather on 5th Avenue to watch the assembly of the largest "Rosca de Reyes" ever made on the Riviera Maya. The "Rosca de Reyes", also known as "Twelfth Night Bread" and "Roscon de Reyes", is historically served on the evening of January 5, before the "Dia de Reyes". The origin of "roscón" appears related to the ancient Roman holiday, Saturnalia. This was a celebration dedicated to the god Saturn in order that the Roman people in general could celebrate the longer days that began to come after the winter solstice. Traditionally for this celebration, simple unleavened bread was prepared with figs, dates and honey and distributed amongst the commoners and slaves. Early Christians took a little of this tradition and history blended with the visit of the Magi to celebrate the Epiphany. In Christianity, the circular shape of the bread symbolizes the eternal love of God, without beginning or end. The candied bits of fruit are the distractions of the world that prevent us from finding Jesus.

Today's "Rosca de Reyes" is an oval, doughnut-like cake sweetened with honey and decorating with fruits of the desert, like figs, dates and nuts. Some consider the round cake an edible representation of the Advent wreath. In Mexico, the representation of the Nativity is incorporated into the "Rosca de Reyes", where the bread is embedded with one or more small dolls. These dolls represent the baby Jesus being hidden from King Herod's campaign to kill all the newborn babies who could be the prophesied messiah. Whoever finds the figurine in their slice of cake is charged with throwing a party on February 2, for the celebration of Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, this person will provide tamales and atole to their guests. Originally, these dolls were made of porcelain or ceramic but today they are formed from a food-safe heat resistant plastic. The number of dolls in the bread varies according to the size of the cake from but "roscas" can be ordered to contain a certain amount and even none at all, although that's not very much fun.

I hope you will join us all tomorrow at 7pm on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen to see the Riviera Maya's largest "Rosca de Reyes". The cake will be assembled and displayed between calles 8 and 14. Over 160 local businesses and organizations have participated in this exciting family event! There may even be a visit from the Three Kings!

If you would like to try a slice, bring a new unwrapped toy as a donation. The toys will be gathered and distributed to underprivileged children in the poorest colonias in the region so that they too may enjoy a gift from the Three Kings.

Best BBQ in San Pedro? Estel's on the Beach!

2012-01-02T18:20:00Z

There is a lot of really good food in Belize. Off the top of my head, some of my most fondly remembered meals have been served up at Hannah's in San Ignacio, El Fogon in San Pedro and Miss Robina's roadside lean-to in Burrell Boom! We have tried lots of eateries on the island, with the expected mixed reviews but there is one place we return to time and time again; Estel's Dine by the Sea. Breakfast in San Pedro for our family always means Estel's. While I am usually keen on hunting out hidden gems, the out of the way places overlooked by the typical tourist, sometimes the best loved, highly trafficked places live up to their reputation and popularity. Estel's is just that kind of place!

This Caribbean style restaurant has been welcoming in hungry guests for years in this colorful rustic conch shack on the beach. We have tried out a few other local spots but keep coming back to Estella and Charles Worthington's place on the beach in downtown San Pedro. An all-day breakfast menu certainly is a draw as, after a long night of rum punch and bell ringing at Pedro's, it's hard to know for sure when breakfast might seem like a reasonable idea! Patrons can choose from a dizzying array of menu options all listed on the giant chalkboard propped up against the back wall by the register. Eggs as you like them, pancakes, fry-jacks, cinnamon buns, breakfast burritos...anything and everything you can imagine comes piping hot out of their tiny kitchen!

A full bar with outstanding (and very potent) house made sangria and dozens of other tropical beverages is another plus! Our kids enjoy the melon smoothies and watermelon juice while I generally go straight for the Bloody Mary's! While breakfast is almost always the order of the day, Charles and his crew serve up a full lunch menu with Belizean favorites including a killer stew chicken with rice and beans and, as I discovered this week, the most amazing BBQ on the island!

Not too smoky, not too sweet. Estel's has it just right and if you want it, you may want to come early (and wait patiently) or order in advance! Hovering over his gigantic cast iron barrel grill, Charles can be found for the good part of every morning carefully maintaining the right temperature, moving food from hot spot to hot spot, basting, turning, basting again until it is just right.

You can choose from ribs (my favorite) chicken and thick juicy pork chops or a combination. He's got all the customary sides to choose from as well: rice and beans, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and french fries. I can assure you it is worth the wait. The quality of the meats is top notch and the sauce (a highly guarded secret) is mouthwatering!

Aside from the delicious food, the powerful drinks and pleasant service, my favorite thing about a trip to Estel's is Charles' hospitality. His clientele is always as nice mix of locals and tourists and all are greeted with a smile like old friends. If you travel to San Pedro, it is unlikely that you will pass your time here without someone pointing you in the direction of Estel's for a great meal with a great view. Be sure to stop in, sick your toes in the sand and tell Charles that Michele and Big Rob from Playa sent you!

Happy New Year from San Pedro!

2012-01-01T21:23:00Z

It may seem hard to believe but sometimes we just have to get away from our hectic day to day in Playa del Carmen and escape to somewhere even more laid back. For some years now, that place has been San Pedro, a gritty little Caribbean town on Ambergris Caye just off the coast of Belize. Regular "Life's a Beach" readers who have been following our adventures through Mexico and Central America over the past 4+ years will recall many rum soaked jaunts to the island and watched us collect a great group of friends along the way. So, whenever our work and the kids' school-futbol-riding schedules allow, we are quick to jump in the car and head south for the border to raise a little hell and watch the expat shenanigans in someone else's town. So far, this trip has not disappointed. We have enjoyed breakfast and BBQ at Estel's every morning. The kids have had fun making friends on the beach at Caribbean Villas while Rob and I tuck into fresh ceviche and cold Belikins. The weather has been a bit dodgy this week with storms blowing through almost every afternoon and forcing us inside to escape the elements. Still, a rainy day in San Pedro finds me blogging from Pedro's Bar, catching up on the local gossip and watching football...and how bad is that, really? Feels like the start of a very good year to me!

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - PEACE Isla Mujeres

2011-12-28T16:17:00Z

"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

This beloved traditional holiday song is the inspiration for our seasonal blog series, "12 Days/12 Ways", a promotional effort of goodwill we started last year to draw attention to 12 not-for-profit groups or charitable organizations in Playa del Carmen and along the Riviera Maya. So many people from around the world travel to the Riviera Maya during the holiday season. Many reach out to us via regional message boards and Facebook looking for a way to give back to the less fortunate residents in our local communities. 12 Days/12 Ways was started to help these generous, kind-hearted visitors find legitimate and worthy charitable organizations to support, addressing their particular needs for this holiday season.

For each of the 12 days of Christmas, the BuyPlaya Blog, better known as "Life's a Beach", will spotlight a charitable organization or giving opportunity. Some may already be familiar to locals and frequent travelers to this area. Others, perhaps those most in need of recognition and support, may be new to our readers. It is our hope to do this every year, with updated information and wish lists.

The "12 Day/12 Ways" list has not yet been completed for 2011. If you have a favorite charity that you feel belongs on this list, collect all of the information you can and I will be happy to consider your group for inclusion.

__________________________________________________________________

PEACE Isla Mujeres is an initiative of PEACE, a nonprofit community organization based in Punta de Mita, Mexico. PEACE is a recognized 501(c)(3) in the United States and a recognized A.C. in Mexico. PEACE Isla Mujeres is a nonprofit organization created to improve the community of Isla Mujeres through Protection and Education re: Animals, Culture & the Environment. A focus is placed on educational opportunities, youth development, environmental responsibility, animal care and protection and economic empowerment. PEACE strives to improve the community of Isla Mujeres through :

educational opportunities
youth development
environmental responsibility
animal care and protection
economic empowerment

PEACE Isla Mujeres began with a small group of volunteers interested in the growth, future and integrity of social projects on the island. After a few informal conversations around kitchen tables, weekly meetings open to the community were established and together with the collaboration of PEACE Mexico A.C., a newly hired executive director and a gang of volunteers and community organizations, a new community-based nonprofit was formed.

PEACE Isla Mujeres consists of both locals and foreigners who care greatly for Isla Mujeres. The following goals have been established for this new community-wide nonprofit:

1. Support for existing non-profit/community groups that have a proven track record of response to community needs

2. Support for short-term, one-time, and/or emergency response projects

3. Support for new nonprofit/community initiatives with development and direction

These goals are achieved through community support, grant endowment, fundraising for local efforts, emergency response, consultation and networking.

PEACE Isla Mujeres operates as a community foundation and disperses funds primarily through a structured granting process. PEACE Isla Mujeres is not directly affiliated with any existing Isla organization, but acts as an umbrella organization to help raise more resources in general for Isla and then responsibly distribute the money and resources through granting processes. In this way, PEACE is able to provide more support to those who need it and foster new initiatives that will greatly benefit the entire Isla community.

Since its inception PEACE Isla Mujeres has awarded over $500,000 mn to community programs on the island!

How can you help?

Donate Funds!
PEACE Isla Mujeres is always in need of donations. If you would like to donate we are officially a nonprofit and you will receive a tax deductible receipt. Many companies are now giving matching grants to their employee's charity of choice. Ask your employer about making a matching grant to PEACE Isla Mujeres.

Donate Toys!
Currently there is a toy drive being held for the holidays to provide the less fortunate children on the island with a toy of their very own for Christmas. If you are coming to Isla Mujeres, please consider packing a few Barbie Dolls or Hot Wheels in your suitcase!

Donate Supplies!
Affiliated organizations are always in need of useful supplies. Below is a list of supplies requested by several community organizations including The Little Yellow Schoolhouse and La Gloria English School. A wishlist of items is below and a full list including much needed items for local veterinarians, Isla Animals and The Red Cross can be found here.

All material/games need to be in Spanish. Materials for older children (8+) are a priority.

Toner for a photocopy machine - PC 940 CANON
Ink cartridges for a printer- HP 56 and 57
Didactic games for children over 8 years old
Three dimensional puzzles of different shapes
Materials to identify body parts (in Spanish and not puzzles)
Games for memory; auditory and tactile (but not cards)
Materials/manipulatives to use for separation, classification, and matching (but not cards)
Materials for Spanish vocabulary (not cards)
Materials where the objective is to search for the hidden objects in a figure
Cassette tapes of musical instruments, transportation, animals, etc.
Toys with Spanish sounds
Acrylic paint
Oil paint
Children's scissors
Paint boxes
Pencils
Colored pencils
Colored printer paper
Erasers
Rulers
Markers
Glue
Games that focus on special dates in Mexico

For a new life-skills area, the school is in need of the following kitchen items:

Plastic place settings (non-disposable)
dishes
pots and pans
toaster oven
blender

Contribute to the ReSale Shop!
Gently worn closed and used items are gladly welcomed for resale at the PEACE Isla Mujeres resale boutique. 100% of the funds raised go to help support community programs and purchase badly needed supplies and equipment.

Buy the PEACE Cookbook!
Now available for just $25 usd or $350 mn - the second edition of "Cocina Isleña" is a fantastic BILINGUAL (Spanish-English) cookbook offering nearly 200 recipes from local and international residents and restaurants of Isla Mujeres. The collection was created with the flavor and available ingredients of Isla Mujeres in mind – and comes complete with stories to go with many of the recipes, tips on using and purchasing local produce, measuring/heat conversions, and more! Shipping to the US is available.

Volunteer!
PEACE Isla Mujeres welcomes volunteers. Whether you live on the island or are coming to the island for vacation, PEACE Isla Mujeres will help you find a volunteer opportunity. There are many wonderful community groups who would welcome your participation. Whether you have just an hour to give or a half day or a few days, there is always a way to help out.

Volunteer Vacations are also arranged in cooperation with Destination: PEACE. 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. Volunteers help raise awareness, reinforce a sense of world community and bring hope to the people and animals affiliated with PEACE Isla Mujeres. Each five-day vacation combines volunteerism with the practice of yoga, introduces participants to authentic Mexican cuisine, and enables them to explore the region and experience cultural or adventure activities.

For more information:
info@peace-islamujeres.org
www.peace-islamujeres.org
+52 1 99 82 243 323 (Outside of Mexico)
99 82 243 323 (Mexico)
651 222 9482 (US)

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA)

2011-12-24T02:16:00Z

"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

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Centro Ecologico Akumal is a non-profit conservation organization working on the Mexican Caribbean to monitor the impact of development on the regional ecosystems and culture; to report findings and their significance to the public through education; and, through education, to influence public policy. CEA is celebrating 15 years of research, education and advocacy in Akumal, working to understand better the natural elements that make this place so beautiful, to raise awareness about how to protect it and to invite others to join us in our efforts.

Centro Ecologico Akumal has a number of ongoing programs:

Marine and Coastal Program and Reef Monitoring and Research subprogram were established to promote the protection and conservation of the coastal ecosystems. With a focus on an integrated coastal system, the Marine Ecosystems Program collects comprehensive data on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the region of Akumal and promotes the implementation of a management policy based on the understanding and study of the marine ecosystem and its services.

Sea Turtle Program is charged with the protection, conservation, research and management of sea turtles. During the nesting season CEA turtle staff and volunteers patrol the beaches of Akumal in search of nesting female turtles, turtle nests, and recent hatchlings. Their duties include protecting and tagging females, collecting scientific data, relocating eggs (in extremely cases) to more favorable locations on the beach, and releasing hatchlings to the sea. The data that the turtle team collects are then used to determine turtle hatching success, behavior, distribution, and abundance. Raising awareness among tourist and residents on sea turtle biology and conservation issues is of the utmost importance. CEA holds Turtle Talks to give information to the people who visit the Riviera Maya.

Water Quality Program works to reduce pollution of our watershed; promoting between the sector public and private the good managing of the solid and liquid tailing; as well as the utilization of technological alternatives that promote a sustainable development in the zone. This is achieved by monitoring the bays, lagoons and Akumal's artificial wetlands, training and application of technological alternatives for sustainable development (solar power, rain water catch, artificial wetlands, composting toilets and waste management) and coordinating activities with the program of Environmental Education to promote the care and managing of the water within the populations of Akumal and Chemuyil.

Sustainable Development Program aims to influence development and lessen its impact on the local environment. Sustainable development is development that satisfies present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. By maintaining constant consideration of the environmental benefits that the ecosystems of the region offer and understanding the interconnections among the environment, the economy and society

Environmental Education is an ongoing educational program to teach both visitors and local people to preserve and respect our environment. Focusing primarily on local children, CEA organizers, volunteers and social service students visit the schools in the Pueblo of Akumal to teach the children how Mother Nature works and how to protect their local ecosystem. The CEA Information Center has been providing this education for the past fifteen years and recently, the tourist and community sectors of the Environmental Education Program have been expanded to include hotels, restaurants and dive shops outside Akumal.

Communications focuses its efforts with tourists, residents and hotels to help accomplish CEA’s mission by visually displaying and distributing the research findings and information. CEA has publications and presentations designed to inform CEA visitors about the research programs, problems and solutions at Akumal. There are displays, visually explaining the various research studies in which CEA is involved. With this compelling graphic and informational program, CEA strives to influence public opinion, shape public policy and to help preserve our coastal environment.

How can YOU help?

Become a CEA Member!
Memberships and donations charged through the CEA website are processed by CEA's U.S. fiscal sponsor, the Yucatan Environmental Foundation (YEF), and are tax deductible in the U.S. You will first receive an order confirmation and then, when your order is processed, a YEF receipt, which you should print out for your tax records.

If you would prefer to pay by check, rather than by credit card, please make your payment to:

YEF
c/o Alex Bradley
PO Box 1813
Port Townsend, WA
98368-0219.

Please note what level of CEA Membership you are requesting. Please include your e-mail address. Your tax receipt will be sent to you electronically.

Volunteer!
Each of the CEA programs is dependent on volunteers for its success. There is a recuperation cost for the basic expenses related with your stay, such as the kitchen, cleaning, water, gas, internet, electric, repairs and maintenance. The volunteer fees for the Marine Ecosystems Program are $200 usd/month and $1,500 usd for the Reef Monitoring Subprogram (Grants are available for Mexican Citizens). The monthly fee for other programs is $200 usd (Foreigners) and $100 usd (Mexican citizens). These fees are not tax deductible.

Adopt a Turtle!
You can sponsor your very own Akumal turtle! Included in your "adoption" will be an official, personalized Certificate of Adoption, mailed from the U.S. Please send us the name you want on the certificate, and the address you would like it mailed to, if different than your own. The tax-deductible proceeds help support the CEA Turtle Program.

Make a Donation in kind!
Please refer to CEA's comprehensive wishlist of needed items and supplies.

Buy a 2012 CEA Calendar!
Centro Ecologico Akumal, with the support of Ah Cacao and DHB Diseno, had produced its second 100% ecological calendar! You can purchase a calendar in CEA's office in Akumal, Ah Cacao stores, and DHB Diseno in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. This is a limited-edition purchase, so buy yours early to be sure to have one!

A small shipment of calendars is being sent to the US to be available to be ordered online through PayPal for $12 usd (shipping included). Click here http://www.ceakumal.org/html_en/want_to_help/donations.php , then the "Donate" button, and enter $12 per calendar under "Donation amount." Please click on the "Message" field to enter any additional information, and be aware that deliveries to Canada take longer than within the U.S. Calendar purchases are not tax deductible.

For further information:
info@ceakumal.org
984-875-9095

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Playa Animal Rescue A.C.

2011-12-22T23:23:00Z

"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

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Playa Animal Rescue A.C. is a non-profit no kill shelter located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. PAR is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs and to finding permanent loving homes for each of them. PAR is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership through community outreach and education as well as promoting sterilization of companion animals. This community outreach to educate on the importance of sterilization and good pet care is vital to solving the street dog problem in this area. Playa Animal Rescue will work in coordination with other animal rescue organizations like Coco's Cat Rescue A.C., VIDAS and CANDi International to ensure that all current and future PAR animals are sterilized, vaccinated and moved forward into loving forever homes.

In October 2011, Playa Animal Rescue was established to continue the work done previously by the Peanut Pet Shelter and coordinate the care of the dogs being housed in Playa del Carmen and Akumal. Immediately, PAR began a quest to find and acquire land where a permanent shelter could be built to accommodate all the animals in one place. The goal: to build a permanent facility to house and rehabilitate all the dogs until homes can be found for them, a safe place where they can get healthy and strong, socialize with people and learn how to be good pets. Through a donation from a very generous family, a parcel of land was acquired and plans initiated for a permanent shelter in Playa del Carmen. Architectural drawings for the new shelter are now complete, and all governmental approvals and permits have been approved and signed.

How can YOU help?

Make a monetary donation!
You can donate via Paypal from the Playa Animal Rescue web site and the PAR Facebook Page by clicking on the donate button. PAR receives no Governmental funding and is 100% dependent on donations to continue operations. Playa Animal Rescue received it's Civil Association status in early December 2011, becoming a legal charitable organization in Mexico and an application for 501c3 not for profit status in the US is in process.

In the US or Canada, monetary donations may also be sent to:

Playa Animal Rescue
20 Copperfield Avenue
North Easton, MA 02356

Every donation, large or small, helps to save a dog's life!

Make a donation from the wishlist!
Help the daily operations of the shelter by donating much needed items and supplies. Most of the items are used frequently and need to be replaced/replenished on a regular basis. Other items, such as a reliable vehicle to transport rescue and transport animals, washer/dryer, refrigerator, pressure washer etc. are more long term goals for the permanent facility. If you live locally and are planning to replace any of your older household appliances (or vehicles) please consider donating the older models to the PAR shelter.

Animal Grooming Supplies:

Flea and tick shampoo
Ear cleaning solution
Q Tips
Tweezers for tick removal
Cotton balls
Brushes
Wire slicker brushes
Dog clippers
Heavy duty nail trimmers
Flea combs

Cleaning Supplies:

Puppy training pads
Bleach
Sturdy garbage/collection bags
Laundry detergent
Rakes
Dustpans
Wash cloths/dish towels/hand towels
Antibacterial hand sanitizer
Buckets and mops
Clothes line and pins

Medical Supplies:

Non-latex gloves - mixed sizes
Scissors
Hot water bottles heat pads
Heat lamps
Animal thermometers
Scale to weigh animals
Antibiotic ointment
Frontline flea and tick prevention
Heartguard heartworm prevention
Animal vitamins
Animal nursing bottles
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Disinfecting wipes
Syringes
Anti-fungal cream
Blood stop powder

Food and Feeding Supplies:

Dog and puppy food
Cat and kitten food
Dog treats/biscuits
Dentasticks/Dentabones etc.
Stainless steel bowls - mixed sizes

Maintenance Supplies:

Hose
Spray nozzles - variable jets
Tarps
Bungees cords
Heavy duty pressure washer
Garden sprayers

Other Supplies:

Blankets
Pet carriers
Pet beds
Collars and leashes
Doggie toys e.g. kong, nylon bones etc
Cat scratching toys
Pet friendly mosquito spray - for volunteers
Reliable vehicle for rescues
Portable fans
Portable air conditioner
Laminating pouches and laminating machine
Washing machine and dryer
Refrigerator
Gazebo/shade structures
Folding/stacking chairs

PAR also has a wishlist on Amazon.com. Just go to Amazon.com and click on wish list, then type in Playa Animal Rescue.

Sponsor the new PAR Shelter!
You can sponsor an element of the new PAR shelter in commemoration of a favorite pet, a loved one....anyone or anything you like. Contact Sue at sue[at]playaanimalrescue.org for more information.

Volunteer!
Playa Animal Rescue has dog washes every Saturday. Watch the PAR Facebook page for announcements of pick up times and locations. All of the dogs love time spent with people! Come to the shelter, walk a dog, play with a puppy, help clean up or medicate dogs.

Adopt!
Do you have a place in your heart and home for a dog? Cross border adoptions are easy, and we will facilitate them for you. If you would like to adopt a PAR dog or puppy, please send an email to info[at]playaanimalrescue.org.

Foster!
Foster homes are always desperately needed. The dogs need to learn to love in a home and be good pets. In addition, they benefit greatly from the one-on-one attention. If you are able to foster a PAR dog or puppy, please send an email to info[at]playaanimalrescue.org.

Sponsor!
Would you like to Sponsor a PAR Animal? Though the Playa Animal Rescue Sponsorship Program you can sponsor the PAR animal of your choice! Your monthly sponsorship donation will go directly toward food, shelter and medical care for your chosen PAR animal, helping provide a better life for a deserving and loving dog or puppy.

For more information
Spanish 984-142-1995
English 984-130-2655
U.S. 1-508-238-1420
info[at]playaanimalrescue.org