Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : 2010, Announcements, Family Life

The Riviera Maya Welcomes COP16 with a Series of Eco-Events!

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:50:00 GMT

The Riviera Maya is abuzz with activity and excitement this week as Cancun welcomes the delegates of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. As the host country, Mexico is conduction an inclusive conference with the aim of building understanding among the Parties to ensure that COP16/CMP6 deliver concrete and effective results to tackle the global challenge of climate change. Mexico has encouraged broad participation in the conference as well as extensive dialogue in the collective search for common solutions.

Running concurrent with this important summit are dozens of festivals and events organized to compliment the theme of the conference in Cancun. Many of these activities are family oriented and all help to promote a way of life that is healthier for us and for the planet we all share. One of these events is the first of its kind Eco-Challenge 2010 hosted by Ak Lu'um, Mexico's first ecological school. The contest, which is free of charge, invites local families to design and build a unique toy or game that encourages play without doing harm to the environment. Each submission must be constructed using organic materials, materials that come from sustainable sources and/or recycled objects and will be judged in several categories: most original, most ecological, most durable and most beautiful. Confirmed on the panel of judges are delegates from the COP16 Climate Change Summit taking place now in Cancun, environmental leaders from the Municipality of Solidaridad and representatives from Flora, Fauna y Cultura.

Local businesses have generously supported this exciting event with donations of prizes for the winners in each of the four criteria. Among the prizes are family passes for Xcaret, a family snorkel excursion with Abyss Dive Center, a boat trip for up to five people donated by Bauer Compressors, a swim with dolphins experience at Dolphinaris, a weekend stay in Tulum at Villas Geminis and an electric scooter donated by Carpe Diem Communications. The grand prize, awarded to the family whose toy best meets all four criteria, will be a year of free tuition at Ak Lu’um International School. This scholarship is valued at over $43,000 mn and is transferable.

The contest and eco-fair will take place on December 5, 2010 from noon until 2:30 pm on the school grounds in Playa del Carmen. Event organizers have invited local organizations and businesses to participate in this one of a kind event. There will be a marketplace pavilion where local retailers will offer eco, natural or organic products and/or food services. Registration is still open for both the contest and the marketplace although the space is limited. For more information including directions to the school campus contact akluum@gmail.com.

Take a look at the complete list of events scheduled from now until January 7th and see if there might be something that would be fun and informative for you and your family!

Barbie Dolls and Soccer Balls

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:19:00 GMT

Continuing Angel Notion's mission for this Christmas in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas, everyone at the Angel Notion Clinic is busy preparing to make this holiday season a happy one for the less fortunate residents of the Riviera Maya. There is much work to do, and many toys and much food to be amassed. We look to you, once again to help fulfill the dreams of as many local children and families as possible.

Santa Claus is ready to make his annual visit to La Quinta to distribute toys and sit with the children for photos. If you are coming to Playa del Carmen for the holidays, think about bringing a few soccer balls and/or Barbie Dolls in your luggage. No baggage allowance to spare? Mega and Walmart always have a great selection of Barbies and balls on sale for reasonable prices. While you are in the grocery store, you might consider picking up a few extra canned goods to contribute to the annual food drive.

Toys will be distributed on 5th Avenue and at the Clinic in Nicte Ha. Food will be given out at the clinic on December 24, a fine Christmas gift to those in need. More details to follow.

With your help and support, it can be a Happy Holiday for many more Playenses.

For more information contact:
Lavonna Redman
Angel Notion/Ayuda de los Angels A.C.
Ave 10 entre Electrista y Plomero
Colonia Nicte ha
Playa del Carmen Q.Roo
984 127 0780 Celular
984 85 92625 Clinic in Playa
www.angelnotion.org

Got Turkey?

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Are you in Playa del Carmen for Thanksgiving this year? How about spending your day on the beach instead of in the kitchen. Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Club has a fabulous menu planned for the day that is hard to pass up.

THANKSGIVING BUFFET MENU
Thursday, November 25, 2010 from Noon - 6PM

Fresh Fruit Salad
Damon´s Spicy Deviled Eggs
Eggs Benedict
Baby Arugula Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette & Chevre Cheese
Wicky´s Mixed Green Salad, Tomatoes, Chopped Bacon, Croutons and Buttermilk Avocado Dressing
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Herb Roasted Carrots and Squash
Green Beans Flambé
Mashed Potatoes & Turkey Gravy
Cornbread-Apple Stuffing
Traditional Tender Carved Turkey
Sliced Honey Glazed Ham
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream
Coffee, Tea & Water

$300 MXN / Per Adult * $150 MXN Per Child (5-12 yrs)
Free for children under 5 years of age

Price Includes Tax, Gratuity Not Included

Dinner will also be served from 6-11pm serving Wicky's Steak and Seafood specialties with Turkey selections to celebrate the holiday.

Reservations@WickysPlayadelCarmen.com

984.873.3541

Eco-Contest for Playa del Carmen Families to be Hosted at Ak Lu'um!

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:27:00 GMT

Ak Lu'um International School, the first ecological school in Mexico invites you to take part in the 1st Annual Eco-Challenge on Sunday December 5th 2010!

The Contest: As a family, design and build a unique toy or game that does not harm the environment using organic materials, materials that come from sustainable sources and/or recycled objects. Each family is entitled to present a submission with no limitations on size. This toy is for a better world so please, no toy guns or violent themes.

Toys and Games will be judged in the following categories

the most original

the most beautiful

the longest lasting - most durable

the greenest/eco-friendly

The winning family in each category will be awarded a prize valued between $5000 mn to $10,000 mn. (No cash prizes) The toy that best represents ALL four categories will win the Grand Prize: One Year of Free Tuition at Ak Lu'um International School (valued at more than $40,000 mn)

The event will take place on Sunday, December 5th at the Ak Lu’um International School. Judging, selection of winners and awards presentation will be done that day. The panel of judges will be composed of members of COP16, International Summit on Climate Change, and representatives from the Government of Quintana Roo and the Municipality of Solidaridad.

Event organizers invite local organizations to participate in this one of a kind event. Sponsors are needed to provide prizes. There will be a marketplace pavilion where local retailers may offer their products and/or food services. Space is limited. To register, visit the event web page.

*** Ak Lu'um A.C. Foundation reserves the right to refuse admission to the event. Toys become the property of Ak Lu'um A.C. Foundation and may be used for non-profit purposes.

Scolastic (SEP) Calendar in Mexico 2010-2011

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Easter is WHEN this year?

If you are like me you may be surprised to learn that Easter falls on April 24 in 2011. That is considerably later in the month than we have grown accustomed to. Those of you with school age children in Mexico who generally plan a major family vacation around this holiday will want to take that into consideration. Likewise, those of you in the tourism industry will want to prepare for a later high season than usual and make the appropriate adjustments in your budget and staffing needs. The official school break for semana santa, according to the government, will be April 21 - 30 2011. This will apply to students in both public and private institutions.

I am posting the SEP Calendar below with this link to the SEP website so you will all have it as a reference for the rest of your scholastic year planning.

Taste of Playa 2010 Contributes to Municipal Initiative for Local Youth

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT

On Thursday September 30, the members of the Municipal Government of Solidaridad, including Presidente Román Quian Alcocer, gathered in force in Playa del Carmen's sports multi-plex (Poliforum) for a rally with 640 local students from 8 local public schools. Cruzada por la Juventud (Crusade for Youth) is a fledgling initiative designed to show the support from both the municipal government and the private sector for Playa's young people and to enlighten these young people about services and opportunities available to them in the community.

"Youth is the driving force behind the dynamics in a society, is the present and future, is the generator of change and is the builder of art and modernity." said Presidente Román Quian Alcocer. He also stressed the importance of creating character building opportunities within the contexts of education, culture, social organization and employment to enable young people to develop fully.

In all, 38 local organizations were represented ranging from musical groups to culinary associations and many other programs focused on education, job opportunity, culture, health and social companionship. Organized through the offices of Secretary General Rafael Castro Castro, this is the second rally of it's kind. The first, held in March of this year, was convened in response to the tragic death of a local student.

Members of the Executive Committee for Taste of Playa 2010 were also on hand to present a donation of 120 Wilson sports balls to the winners of a challenge set down in the March event. Smiling students from the winning schools accepted the balls on the part of their team mates. It was an inspiring event and one could not help but get caught up in excitement of the children. We were pleased that Taste of Playa was given the opportunity to contribute to such a fine cause and we look forward to participating again next year!

640 middle and high school students are greeted by Municipal Government officers

Federal Legislator Susana Hurtado Vallejo

Secretary General Rafael Castro Castro

Presidente Roman Quian Alcocer

Presentation of the prizes to the student representatives

The Presidente and his officers pose with the winners!

Women in Wellness 2010

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:01:00 GMT

If you haven't signed up yet for the 2nd Annual Women in Wellness retreat, there's still time! The week-long series of events runs from November 1 - 8, 2010. The schedule (subject to change) is posted below. As a registered participant you may take part in as many or as few activities as you like. The registration fee for the retreat is $50 usd. *The prices listed below are listed in US dollars and are for registered attendees. Non- registered guests who wish to participate in the various workshops and activities may do so. Associated costs and fees will vary. Please contact event organizer, Lydia Pontius [ lydia@justimagine.net ] for more information and to reserve your place.

If you have the chance to arrive early, don't miss the Annual La Buena Vida Halloween Costume Party on October 30th!

Monday November 1, 2010

1-2 PM            Introduction to Water Fitness, Hotel Akumal Caribe's Pool Cost: FREE
                         Lydia is leading this basic water aerobics class which is perfect for all levels.

4-7 PM            REGISTRATION, at Lolha

5:30 -6:30PM Happy Hour at Lolha 1/2 price drinks

7:00 PM          Blessing on the Beach in front of Lolha on the water's edge, led by "El Indio" aka Juan Manuel Perez Silva Cost: FREE. A great way to kick off the week.

7-10 PM          Welcome Dinner at Lolha Cost: $35.00

Tuesday November 2, 2010

7-8:30 AM      Beach Walk with CEA, Akumal Beach, Cost: $10 donation to CEA
                       CEA's staff will take us on an educational, fun, eco-walk, this is a chance to learn more about the fauna and flora of Akumal and how to protect it.

8:30 – 5PM     WaterART Instuctor Certification. Cost: $275
                       This is a one day course which will enable you to become a certified Water Fitness Instructor.

9 - 10AM        Water Salsa at Hotel Akumal Caribe's pool. Cost: $10 included with WaterART Certifications. This is a lively water fitness class set to great Latin music.

10 - 11AM      Belly Dancing around the Hotel Akumal Pool. Cost: $10
Join Gynna for a lively lesson in Belly Dancing. Guaranteed you will feel this workout.

3-4 PM            Water Fitness with Noodles at Hotel Akumal Caribe pool or bay. Cost: $10, price included with WaterART Certifications. Join Terri in the water and learn some amazing exercising using noodles.

4-4:30PM       Eco-Talk about the Akumal Bay and how to snorkel responsibly Cost: $10 donation to CEA

4:30 - 5:30PM Snorkel Akumal Bay and Underwater Photography Cost: $10 plus gear.
Learn great underwater photography tips while exploring the underwater world of Akumal Bay.

5-6 PM            Pilates at the Point Cost: TBA
Join Vicky at the point of Akumal Bay for a wonderful Pilates class as the sun starts to set.

6:30 - 8PM     Guacamole and Cocktails at the Casitas.

Wednesday November 3, 2010

TBA                DIVE Cost: TBA
Dive with Natalie and Ivan will take you on a dive of your life.

All Day           Sand Sculpturing Cost: Cost: FREE
Express what it means to be a Woman In Wellness in the sand on the beach at Akumal.

10:30 – 12PM Yoga at the Yoga Studio. Cost: $10 Join Marti as we expand our awareness of preconceived notions of yoga. We will play with the aspects of our divine selves that Hindu Mother Goddesses reveal; Bhakti yoga. The mythology is rich and juicy, offering opportunities to dive into and embody ancient stories. Through the Hatha yoga of breath (pranayama), postures (asanas), mudras (hand gestures) we bring body, mind and soul together, into our beautiful goddess selves.

10 – 4PM        WaterART Personal Trainer Certification Course Cost: $275
This is a two day course which will enable you to become a certified Personal Water Fitness Trainer.

9 - 11AM        Water and Healthy Weight Management Cost: $25
Drusilla will share the secrets of Healthy Weight management through nutrition and water.

3 - 4PM           Water Boot Camp Hotel Akumal Caribe's Pool Cost: $10 included in WaterART Certifications Cost Join Julie in the pool and be prepare for aqua combat.

4 – 5PM          Blackjack Cheryl Dennler will teach us how to play real blackjack in a casino, including the basics of the game, table etiquette, strategy, etc. The goal is to de-mystify the game and make women comfortable playing at a casino. It can be kind of intimidating... but not after her lessons! Cost: $10.

5:30 - 6:30PM Casino Night at Lolha Happy Hour. Try out your new skills at Blackjack at a fun fundraiser! Cost: $20 donation gets you in the game. Drinks not included.

Thursday November 4, 2010

8-9 AM           Body Sculpting in the Sand     Cost: TBA
Join Gosia on the beach for a great way to start the day, sculpting our bodies

10 – 2PM        Zip Lining and Cave Snorkeling and Diving. Hidden Worlds Cost: varies
Join Kasia and the girls as they explore the wonders of Hidden Worlds

10 – 4PM        WaterART Personal Trainer Certification Day 2 of the certification training

Noon               Lunch at GynnAK with a open forum on "Empowering Women Through      Investment". With Cheryl Denner and others.

2-3 PM            Water Fitness Combo Class Hotel Akumal Caribe Pool   Cost: FREE
Lydia will lead us through a great water work out which combines deep and shallow water work out and even a little water yoga.

3-6 PM            Sunset Sail Cost: $40 A wonderful way to see the Caribbean Coast and relax.

Friday November 5, 2010

8-9AM            Body Pump at Cannon Point Cost: TBA
Wendy will wake us up with a great Body Pump work out and the sound of the crashing waves.

10 -4PM          WaterART Rehab Specialist Certification Cost: $350
This certification will qualify you to become a water fitness rehab specialist

9-10AM          Deep Water Running Hotel Akumal Pool Cost: $10 included in WaterART Certifications Cost Join Julie as she gets you really running in the water - what a workout.

1-2 PM            Water Fitness Hotel Akumal Caribe Pool. Cost: FREE
Lydia will offer a calorie burning workout - right before we head to Playa for some great food.

2-3 PM            Mindful Movements Classes with Drusilla at the Lolha Pool. Cost: $10 included in WaterART Certifications Cost

3-6 PM            Shopping on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen

6:30 - 8 PM    Wine Tasting and Pairing at John Gray's Place Cost: TBA

9PM - ?           Dance the Night Away Kasia and Gosia will take you to some of the hottest dance spots in Playa.

Saturday November 6, 2010

8:30 – 10AM Buffet breakfast and Chat at Lolha Cost: $10.50

10-4PM           Day 2 WaterART Rehab Specialist Certification
10AM              Muscle Up with Terri Cost: $10 included in WaterART Certifications Cost

11AM              Evocise, Feel Good Class by Margo, licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. Cost: $10

1 PM               Aromatherapy by Maya Breeze's Eva Estes. Cost: $10

Sunday November 7, 2010

OPEN

Monday, November 8, 2010

Depart.

Wicky's to Host Master Grilling Workshop and Beach BBQ!!

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:37:00 GMT

Come down to Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Club on Sunday August 15th and enjoy some sun, fun, live music and an "all you can eat" BBQ extravaganza! Adult pay $180 mn/pp, children just $90 mn/pp to indulge in Wicky's fabulous buffet and listen to live music from Los Gringos Perdidos. Guests are also encouraged to bring and donate cut hair which will be collected and sent off to help "Clean Up the Gulf of Mexico"!

In addition, Wicky's will play host to three local Chefs, each showcasing his culinary skills on the grill. Chef Humberto Macedo from Parque Xel Ha, Chef Jorge Hidalgo from Hotel Valentin Imperial Maya and Chef Efrian Adrias of Hotel Dorado Maroma will all be on hand showing off their favorite marinade recipes and demonstrating various grilling techniques. The chefs will show the methods of properly cooking a variety of meat and seafood products to an audience of invited guests who will be able to sample the day's culinary creations. The workshop, organized in cooperation with VATEL CLUB Quintana Roo, will be set up outside on the beachfront terrace and all the guests for the beach BBQ are invited to observe the chefs in action. The culinary demonstration runs from 12:00pm - 6:00pm with the BBQ Buffet beginning at 2pm. Don't miss this special day of food, fun and sun!

Wicky's is located on Calle 10 and the Beach right next to El Faro (The Lighthouse).

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

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.

Farewell Captain Dave

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Last Tuesday evening, family and friends from near and far gathered at Bad Boys Beach Bar to raise a glass and say goodbye to one of Playa del Carmen's legendary figures, Captain Dave Baker. Dave's sister Sara and his nephew Trey flew in from Memphis to attend the memorial and share stories with all the people that Captain Dave touched during his many years in Mexico. As requested by the Captain himself, the gathering was not a solemn affair but rather a chance for all of us to share anecdotes about Dave, recall the first time we all met him and retell some of the amazing stories he would often entertain us with. Brent Parkin took the stage and played a few old favorites even a few tunes that Dave particularly loved from Michael Grady and Chris Bolister, dear friends who could not be in attendance. English Stuart put together an amazing slide-show with pictures of Dave over the years, classic "old Playa" shots and photos contributed by his many friends. A particularly poignant moment came with a soulful rendition of "Amazing Grace" played by John on the bagpipes. There were many tears shed but also a lot of laughs shared and even a few pinatas smashed! Enjoy the pictures.

I really thought I had no more tears left when I began writing this blog entry but that seems to not be the case. As I look back over the past six years and remember all the parties, the late nights, the tall tales, Captain Dave is featured predominantly in so many of these mental images. He was one of our very first friends and a man my children considered like a grandfather. When we arrived in Playa del Carmen he made sure we were introduced to all the "right" people and steered us away from the "others". He helped us find our corporate attorneys and counseled us on doing business in Mexico the right way, always willing to share his insights and personal experiences. It was obvious in the many overheard conversations at his memorial party that he had affected the lives of so many people. He was a true gentleman, one of Playa's great characters, and he will be missed.

R.I.P. David Neal Baker 1943 - 2010