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

Summer Camps and Activities for Riviera Maya Kids 2013

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Finally, Tropical storm Andrea has pushed north and given the Riviera Maya a chance to dry out. After being cooped up inside for a week, all the kids are anxious, knowing that exams are coming up and then the last days of school will be upon us. Many of you will spend the summer traveling, perhaps back to your home countries to visit with family and friends in more temperate climates. The rest of us will be stuck here in the heat looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and out from underfoot for the next two months!

Once again, we have put together a listing of summers camps and programs for children on the Riviera Maya. I have not yet heard back from all of the organizations who I have reached out and I will update the list as new offerings come in and re-post it on the BuyPlaya Facebook page. We have some exciting new programs this year for children of all ages, both day programs and sleep over camps. These are the programs and summer camps that we have found so far for kids living in Playa del Carmen and all across the Mayan Riviera. Whether your children are interested in sports, nature, the arts or even a traditional sleep-over camp experience, there are a variety of options to choose from.

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Campamento T'urix (Sleep-over Camp)

Dates:     July 1 - 5, 2013
                July 8 - 12, 2013
                Aug. 12 - 16, 2013
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Chemuyil, QR (Base Camp)
Cost:       $4000 mn per camper/per 5-day session

Send your child to Campamento T'urix this summer for a once in a life time experience!! Open to all boys and girls ages 10-14, Camp T'urix allows children to spend 5 days living in the jungle of the Riviera Maya, learning about local flora and fauna and exploring the history of the Maya as well as modern day living in Muuchxiimbal and Dos Ojos. Campers will also visit Maya Huum honey-bee farm and swim with the turtles in Akumal and learn about local conservation efforts. Kids will also enjoy time for music, swimming, yoga, storytelling, an introduction to diving and more! Camp counselors will be bilingual, offering instruvtion in English and Spanish. For further information please contact Program Director- Sara Moen via e-mail: turix@elarbolplayacar.com, phone: 984-111-0474 or visit the website: www.elarbolplayacar.com.

Parque La Ceiba Curso de Verano (Day Camp)

Dates: July 8, 2013 - August 16, 2013
Time: 8 am - 2 pm
Location: Parque la Ceiba - Calle 1a sur and Diagonal 60, Col. Ejido

Children ages 5 - 12 are invited to spend the summer break in the jungle at Parque la Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. This summer the camp will invite your child to "Discover Your Own Element". The goal of this program is to encourage the development of a child's sensory curiosity, imagination and creativity through artistic, cultural and recreational activities related to environmental awareness. To help our children learn about our natural environment, this course will address four major themes: EARTH, WATER, AIR and FIRE. Children will progress through the 6 week course participating in story-telling, art activities, music, games, cooking, cine club, "Mundo Magico", environmental education activities, games of skill and training and tours related to all kinds of interesting environmental themes. There will also be a weekly visit of an animal of the jungle. Prices include all materials. Instruction will primarily be given in Spanish providing a wonderful opportunity for children new to Mexico to immerse themselves in the language in a casual and fun environment without the pressures of school. Parents are invited to come a bit early at pick-up time to see what the children have been working on! This is the 5th year that Parque la Ceiba has offered a summer camp for local children and it is very popular. For more information and to reserve a spot for your child, contact Lei de Landero at parquelaceiba@florafaunaycultura.org.

Sailing/Windsurfing (Day Camp)

Sailing:   July - August 2013
                Monday & Friday 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: The Marina in Puerto Aventuras
Costs:      $200 mn per class
                $1200 mn per month (2 classes per week)

Windsurfing: July - August 2013
                      Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:       The Marina in Puerto Aventuras
Costs:          $250 mn per class
                      $1500 mn per month (2 classes per week)

This very popular summer offering and one our family is very excited about. Since its inception, the sailing club in Puerto Aventuras has attracted a great following. Captains in the making train on easily maneuverable Optimist sailboats, perfect for young ones. This summer the Club Deportivo de Velas in Puerto Aventuras will offer both sailing instruction for children 7 -14 and windsurfing instruction for teens and adults 14 and over. Space is VERY limited so don't wait until the last minute to register. For more information and to sign up contact Director Daniele Gracis 984-127-1392 or via email atencion@colonos.org.

Azul Maya Summer Camp (Sleep-away Camp)

Dates:     July 7 - 13, 2013
                July 14 - 20, 2013
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Azul Maya, Laguna Bacalar
Cost:       $11,000 mn per camper/per week-long session

Camp Azul Maya is located just about 2 hours from Playa del Carmen on Laguna Bacalar. Children and teens, ages 8 - 16, will spend 1 week sleeping in eco-cabins on the shores of Bacalar, the lake of seven colors, surrounded by nature. Summer Camp Azul Maya combines various elements that make this an unforgettable life experience where your children will learn, live together with nature and have a great time! Activities include swimming in cenotes, kayaking, zip-lines, hiking, climbing/rappelling, visits to archeological sites, campfires and all the fun you would expect from a great summer camp experience. Onsite counselors are trained in biology, nutrition, conservation, ecology and the unique history and culture of the region. Medical/first aid care will be available 24/7. Sessions are limited to 40 campers to provide a personalized camp experience. Cost includes lodging, meals and all onsite activities. For more information and to reserve a place for your child, visit the Facebook page or contact camp organizers at kayakcenter@raidmexico.com or lisa@raidmexico.com.

Agua Azul Camp (Sleep-away Camp)

Dates:     July 1 - July 13, 2013 - $8200 mn per camper
               July 29 - Aug. 3, 2013 - $3960 mn per camper
               Aug. 5 - Aug. 10, 2013 - $3960 mn per camper
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Agua Azul, 1 hour west of Cancun, in Nuevo Valladolid

Want your kids to experience the traditional "sleep-over" camp like you did as a child? Check out Camp Agua Azul! This summer camp is located just about 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen near Nuevo Valladolid. Children ages 6 - 16 will spend 1 or 2 weeks sleeping in tents, surrounded by lush jungle and mystical cenotes. Campers will learn about the environment they live in and enjoy all sorts of games and activities including swimming in cenotes, kayak races, water zip-lines, campfires, foam wars, obstacle courses, competitions and all the fun you would expect from a true summer camp. Adult counselors and lifeguards with paramedic training will be onsite at all times. Cost includes transportation to and from Cancun, lodging, meals, accident insurance and all onsite activities. For more information visit the Agua Azul website and check out these camp videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsyxsJCD1Q and http://youtu.be/c8Rz384u1yQ. To reserve, contact camp organizer Marilu Rivera at 998-120-4825 or via email campaguaazul@gmail.com.

Horseback Riding Camp (Day Camp)
Dates:      July 8, 2012 - August 16, 2013 Monday - Friday
Time:        9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hipico Playa del Carmen, located behind Rancho Guadalupana, just south of Xcaret on 307 south.
Cost:        $3000 mn per student per month (4 weeks)
                 $1000 mn per student per week (5 day session)

Boys and girls, ages 6 and older, will spend their mornings at the Hipico Playa del Carmen learning all about horses; how to feed and care for the animals and their tack. Riding instruction daily for beginning and intermediate riders. Children who enroll for a month long session will be able to "Adopt a Horse" for the month! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to horses, animal care, stable maintenance and riding in a safe and fun environment under the supervision of experienced equestrian Paco Magallon. After riding class, campers can cool off in the cenote onsite! No previous experience required. Bi-lingual instruction. For more information, visit the Hipico Playa del Carmen Facebook Page or email hipicoplayadelcarmen@gmail.com.

PLAY TENNIS Camp for Kids (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 8 - 12, 2013 July 15 - 19, 2013
               July 22 - 26, 2013 July 29 - Aug. 2, 2012
Time:       8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location: RIU Lupita Hotel/Colegio Manuel Acosta, Playacar
Cost:       1 week: $1200 mn     3 weeks   $2700 mn
                2 weeks: $2000 mn    4 weeks   $3500 mn

PLAY TENNIS has organized a wonderful summer tennis camp for kids ages 8 - 15. Fun and learning guaranteed! Using the new "Play + Stay" method, kids of all skill levels will learn the proper technique and form for each of the strokes used in the fast paced game of tennis! Children will develop important motor skills with the racket in a manner suitable for children at all levels of play.

Children 5-8 years

Development of motor skills with the ball and racquet
Learning the techniques of each stroke using the unique "Play and Stay" methods
Fun games and learning activities
Mini-Olympics to finish the course with prizes!

Children 9-15 years

Technical stroke training and tactics of the game
The 5 situations of the game - Serve, return, base-line play, attack and defense
Physical conditioning- strength, power, resistance, speed, elongation
Exercises and situations specific to the game, strategy training and the psychology of the game of tennis

This summer course is organized and operated by PLAY TENNIS ACADEMY. Intensive specialized clinics will also be available in the evenings for advanced teen and adult players. Significant discounts available for children already enrolled in the PLAY Tennis KIDS program. Fees include an official summer camp t-shirt, sports drinks and granola bars for each child. For more information and to sign up contact Alvaro Flores at tenisproalvaro@gmail.com or call 984-806-4666.

Harmon Hall English Summer Course (Day Camp)
Dates:     July 8, 2013 - Aug.16, 2013 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Harmon Hall, Calle 6 between Ave. 25 and 30
Cost:       Call 01-800-HABLA YA for tuition information.

Harmon Hall, likely the best known English language school in Mexico, is offering a Summer Course for students ages 6 - 18. Harmon Hall Summer Course 2013 is designed for children to earn English and have fun while getting to know different cultures of the world. Each week will focus on a new country; its geography, art, cuisine and traditions. In only 6 weeks your children will achieve the same results they would get normally in 6 months!! This will be of particular interest to National families who are looking for an intensive English summer program for their school age children. Students will be grouped by age: Kids 6-10 years of age, Pre- teens 11-13 years of age, Super Intensive 14-17 years of age. 4 week program begins July 8 and 22. 6 week program begins July 8. For program details visit http://www.harmonhall.com/summer/#programa. Call 01-800-HABLA YA for tuition information.

Dance Club Playa Summer Dance Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 29, 2013 - Aug. 9, 2013 (2 weeks)
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Comunidad Educativa El Papalote
Cost:       1 week: $700 mn     2 weeks $1000 mn

Open to all children, boys and girls, ages 6-12 years old - 2 weeks of intensive dance classes (2 classes daily), games and fun! Students will perform for parents and the public at the end of the course! Fees include all classes and course materials, water and fresh fruit, cinema tickets, an official DANCE CAMP t-shirt and more! For more information and to register your child email danceclubplaya@gmail.com or call Johanna at 984-142-4094. Space is limited to 20 students.

Caricol Marino Summer Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 15, 2013 - Aug. 16, 2013 (5 weeks)
Time:       8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Centro Cultural Caricol Marino, Calle 80 between 5th and 10th
Cost:       4 weeks $3000 mn per child (Discounts may apply based on need and number of children)

Make your child's summer fun and educational! The Centro Cultural Caricol Marino invites children of all ages to spend the day having fun, learning and developing new artistic talents making new friends! Children will have the chance to participate in a variety of artistic, active and educational pursuits. Groups will be sorted according to age: 2-7 years, 7-12 years and 12 years & older. Each group will participate in activities geared to their age. Every week will have a theme and will realize a related excursion or overnight camp at the facilities in conclusion of the weeks lessons. The course topics are based on four elements; Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. Activities will also include excursions to cenotes, exploring botanical gardens and hanging around the campfire, just to name a few. The cost of the 5 week program is on a sliding scale in order to provide summer learning and fun to all children to all children regardless of family income level. Discounts will apply for families with more than one child attending. For more information email centrocaricolmarino@gmail.com or call (984) 267-3136, (984) 147-0267. You can also connect with Caricol Marino on Facebook .

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - Getting to Know Oaxaca City

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 30 May 2013 23:55:00 GMT

Our first day in Oaxaca City was all about relaxation...and food! We all slept in and spent a leisurely morning at Casa Palomita (named for the bird not the movie snack) before going for a stroll into town. A working vacation for Rob, he had hours of emails to attend to and I took that time to acquaint myself with a city map and pin down some restaurants to check out. Oaxaca is known for its cuisine and the city is home to many fine Chefs.

Our first stop was for lunch at Hosteria de Alcala, a charming courtyard restaurant located close to the Iglesia Santo Domingo in the historic centro. The same building also houses an excellent English language bookstore which kept the kids happy for quite awhile. It is a pretty restaurant, the service was very good but the food was just average. Good traditional Oaxacan fare but not particularly creative in conception or execution. It was a very reasonable place to stop for lunch but not a place I would put on a list of dining destinations.

After lunch and a few yummy mescal cocktails, we wandered down the pedestrian-only stretch of Alcala to the zocalo.

The streets were packed with visitors. Vendors could be seen coming to and from the market with their wares.

While the kids wandered and explored the zocalo, Rob and I settled in at a sidewalk cafe on the edge of the park and did what everyone else was doing....

The kids made a bee-line for the vendors and dusted off their haggling skills. (She looks pretty cute in that scarf)

A vendor and her child enjoy a moment of quiet away from the crowds.

The bandstand was a hub of activity with hundreds of people gathered to watch a beautiful folkloric dance demonstration.

A small procession came by in anticipation of the larger parades to follow during the week leading up to Easter.

After a few....ok, more than a few....mescals, we went off in search of dinner. Casa Oaxaca was at the top of my list and we were fortunate to be able to get in without a reservation. We ended up dining at Casa Oaxaca 4 times during our stay in the city and for that reason, we will give it it's own post with our impressions a bit further into the trip report. Suffice it to say, we loved it and it deserves all the accolades you read on the interwebs.

Next up...Day 2 in Oaxaca - A Visit to San Bartolo de Coyotepec

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - A Quick Stop in Puebla

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:12:00 GMT

Fortunately, the next day Rob was feeling much better and, after spending so long in the hotel alone, was ready to get on the road. We had planned to spend a day or two in Puebla but decided just to stop for a nice lunch instead and then continue on to Oaxaca City. We picked up our car at a rental place near the airport and with a little help from our iPhones and Google maps, we were on our way. Traffic in and out of the city was pretty congested but once we reached the city limits the roads opened up and we were able to move right along. The drive was picturesque and a real change from what we have seen in our previous travels. My beach bum kids were delighted to see snow capped mountains!

We arrived in Puebla and easily navigated through downtown. Because we were hoping to check in to our rental house in Oaxaca before dark, I had us on a pretty tight schedule which did not leave time for any site seeing. A bit disappointing and I was only able to snap a few photos from the car as we drove through. The city is very active and I can see spending a few days here as there is a lot to see and do. I knew EXACTLY where I wanted to eat, so we found a car park and walked only a block or two to one of the city's renowned restaurants, El Mural de los Poblanos.

Named for the mural by Antonio Álvarez Morán that graces the dining room, El Mural de los Poblanos is dedicated to preserving the heritage and raising the standards of classic Mexican cuisine and specifically the gastronomy of Puebla. The restaurant is located in a courtyard "living room" of an elegant 17th century Colonial home located in the Centro Historico of Puebla. The mural for which the restaurant is named is lively and engaging and depicts the history of Puebla through the various prominent political, cultural, religious and social characters who contributed to and influenced this region.

This is the place to go to try five kinds of mole, a trilogy of cemitas, tostadas, stuffed ancho chiles, and delicious, traditional chiles en nogada. The restaurant is also known for offering a wide selection of mescal and tequila as well as fine Mexican wines. More adventurous diners may want to try the "escamoles" and "gusanos de maguey" available seasonally and prepared table side. We arrived for an early lunch and unfortunately neither was available during our visit. (You know I would have been all over that!)

We enjoyed a delicious lunch, our first taste of mole on this trip, and carried on to Oaxaca City. Again, we enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains and farm lands along the way. Most notable and striking were the cactus "forests" we encountered along the way that stretched for miles and miles around us. At times, it was rather other-worldly.

This second leg of the trip was quite a bit longer and if was dark by the time we reached the Oaxaca city limits. Unfortunately, this is about the same time our mapping software became "confused", sending us on a wild goose-chase through the city looking for the Xochimilco neighborhood. At first, Google insisted on sending me back to Xochimilco south of Mexico City. Later, it failed to recognize the many narrow dead end streets that would keep us from reaching our desired destination. After a few hours of backing up, turning around, asking for directions and plenty of foul language, we were able to find our home for the next 10 days, Casa Palomita.

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - A Tourist in Mexico City

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Today was the day we were scheduled to leave for Oaxaca. A car rental had been arranged in advance and the plan was to drive to Puebla, spend a day or two checking out the city and then carry on to Oaxaca where we were to spend the remainder of our vacation time. What we did not plan was for Rob to come down with a horrible stomach bug that would keep him in our hotel room and in bed in definitely! Our dear friend Rodrigo had arranged to pick us up to join him and his family for breakfast on the Zocalo and while Rob was in no shape to join us, the kids and I went on along and enjoyed a delicious brunch buffet in a historic grand hotel overlooking the Metropolitan Cathedral.

After a filling brunch buffet, we checked in on the patient who was still suffering silently in his room. Having no plan and not knowing the city at all, the kids and I decided to hop on the Turibus. Now, I know what you are thinking. We have all seen these buses in cities all over the world, packed with camera wielding tourists, necks craning around 360 degrees to catch all the sights on a whirlwind tour of historical points of interest. To date, it had never occurred to me to explore a destination this way. I always thought it looked...well...foolish. And I am not generally the kind of girl who sets herself up to look foolish...at least not on purpose. However, feeling that my window of site seeing opportunity was limited and that I really didn't want to trudge around the city on foot or pop in an out of taxis all afternoon, the silly bus was looking more and more appealing. At very least, we could go for a leisurely drive and catch some sun on the top deck.

We picked up the bus right on La Reforma at one of the well marked stops on the Chapultepec-Centro Historico route. You buy your ticket/wristband (165 mn) right on the bus and are offered headphones to translate the guided tour into your preferred language. As we were the only non-Spanish speaking tourists on the bus, we opted to keep a low profile and enjoy the commentary in the default language. A map of the route is also provided to help you figure out where you can get on and off easily.

Here's a sampling of what we saw along the way.....

Hemiciclo a Juarez - monument to Benito Juarez

Palacio des Bellas Artes is a beautiful, giant cultural center built in the Art Noveau, Art Deco and Neo-Classic styles and considered the center of artistic life in Mexico City.

Plaza de la Constitución - Mexico City's famed zocalo framed by the Metropolitan Cathedral (below) and the Palacio Nacional.

Plaza Manuel Tolsa

Monumento a la Revolución, landmark and monument commemorating the Mexican Revolution in 1910 is located just behind the Melia Reforma Hotel. The columns of the dome-shaped structure contain the remains of the revolutionary leaders Francisco I. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, Lázaro Cárdenas and Plutarco Elías Calles. The ground floor of the monument houses the Museo de la Revolución.

Monumento a Colón - A monument to commemorate Christopher Columbus, by the French sculptor Charles Cordier, erected in 1877. On the base of the statue are the figures of monks who played a leading part in the settlement of Mexico and the integration of the Indians: Juan Pérez de Marchena, Diego de Deza, Pedro de Gante and Bartolomé de Las Casas.

Monument a la Independencia, commonly known as El Ángel, was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence, celebrated in 1810.

La Diana Cazadora, fountain and sculpture featuring Diana the Huntress.

Museo Soumaya in Polanco was designed and conceived to house Carlos Slim's estimated $74-billion dollar art collection. This dramatic, modern edifice has six themed salas with outstanding works from European and Mexican artists and boasts the largest Rodin collection outside of France.

The entire Chapultepec-Centro Historico circuit is supposed to take about 3 hours in total if you don't get out and wander along the way. We made a few pit stops including a break for shopping and lunch at the Antara Mall in Polanco and ended up back at the hotel LONG past dark. In addition to the major historic landmarks, monuments and museums, we also saw the sites in La Zona Rosa and Condesa and showing us some areas that we might like to come back and investigate further. At 165 mn (adults) and 85 mn (children) I thought it was a very good deal and a very good use of our limited time. So much so, that I would not hesitate to use the Turibus the next time I am in the city on my own, just to get around to all the places I want to see. There is a connection in la Zona Rosa that puts you on the Turibus Circuito Sur at no extra charge for the transfer. This bus takes you south to Coyoacan and Tlalpan with significant points of interest such as the Palacio de Toros, the Jardin Centenario in Coyoacan, the Olympic Stadium, Frida Kahlo's House, Casa Azul and the famous Mercado de Flores in Tlalpan. Having suffered through a LONG and HOT cab ride on our trip to this district, I think the Turibus would have been a much better option. Not as fast as the Metro but certainly more scenic.

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - PUJOL

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

One of the things that first attracted me to Rob when I was first dating him was his interest and appreciation of good food, good wine and quality spirits. At the time, I was selling wine for a very nice importer/distributor so we always had plenty of great wine on hand to pair with delicious food with my favorite restaurant accounts! Throughout our almost 15 years together, and especially during our travels, we have always enjoyed seeking out not just the best restaurants but also the best representations of regional food and drink. We are both adventurous eaters and up for trying anything and everything.

About three years ago, Rob decided to get serious about losing the weight we had packed onto him over a decade of unbridled dining. A year and a half ago, we both made the choice to go pescaterian, cutting out all beef, chicken and pork. Throughout the process, he has lost over 150 pounds and his cardiologist refers to him as his dream patient....almost....we still have those cigarettes to conquer.

So, we look good and feel good. But what about our beloved dining adventures? What about all those fabulous tasting menus with perfectly seared fois gras and unctuous pork belly. What about the translucent strips of carpaccio and sizzling bones oozing with marrow? Would we need to eschew our culinary capers in order to stay on the healthy straight and narrow? Not really. While we have chosen a meat-free path it doesn't mean our palates need to suffer for it! What we have found is that the better restaurants and the more innovative chefs seem to be leaning in the same direction we are. It seems that more and more often, menu options feature wild fish and shellfish or are meat-free altogether so we don't feel like we are missing out at all! Such was the case when we visited Pujol in Mexico City.

Rated the top restaurant in the city, #1 in the country and recently rising to the rank of #17 on the San Perregrino list of the best restaurants in the world, Pujol came up time and time again in my research and again when I took my search to the court of public opinion on Facebook. More than a few of my trusted foodie friends told me that a trip to Pujol was a must if we were planning to fine in Mexico City. The only problem? We would be dining with the kids. Did I want to spend 100 usd a head on a meal that they may not appreciate or even enjoy?

Yes. Yes I do!

Our taxi river had never heard of Pujol and even with the complete street address he had trouble finding the small modern building that houses the restaurant. The sleek facade is unassuming, save the smartly dressed valets out front who came running to greet us. Inside, we were ushered past a small bar into a dimly lit, low ceilinged dining room. It was much smaller than I had expected, about the size of a gentlemen-only lounge at a country club. The walls are painted a charcoal gray. Stretched along one wall is a row of banquet seating. The rest of the room is dotted with stand alone white table-clothed tables, each lit from above a singular spot light creating dining "islands" for each party. It was sleek and elegant and comfortably cosmopolitan!

At the time of our visit, there were two dining options: Chef Enrique Olvera's ten course tasting menu and a prix fixe four course menu with several options for each course. Not wanting the kids to sit through a 2 1/2 hour meal, we chose the prix fixe option (890 mn p/p) which also allowed me to help Cole (our less adventurous eater) to find things he might like. Cat was, of course, thrilled to be there and quickly had all the servers fawning all over her suggesting elegant "mocktails" and menu selections that she might enjoy.

Rob and I stuck to the vegetarian and seafood options while the kids had some meat sprinkled into their meals. In this atmosphere, I did feel a little self-conscious even though I was only using the camera on my iphone. I don't think I got pictures of everything but this should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect at Pujol.

The first amuse bouche - paper-thin discs of avocado sandwiching chia seeds and served with a warm savory corn "tea".

Salsa

Sal

Cat enjoying her mocktail!

The second amuse bouche - a play on a popular Mexican street food - Roasted baby corn with mayonnaise and chile served out of a smoking gourd.

Sea bass ceviche taco with black bean purée and crispy fish skin, served on a corn tortilla laminated with "hoja santa".

Watercress salad with nopales and goat cheese.

Fried frog's legs with chayote slaw, dollops of cauliflower purée, and a poblano chili paste.

Herbed butter

Fresh baked bread.

Champagne for me!

Cole really enjoyed the Yucatecan "lechon" with shaved cauliflower, green olives and three sauces; almond, raisin-cumin mole, and tamarind.

Fluffy fried tortilla encasing a soft-boiled egg, roasted salsa, and puréed beans.

Guava ice cream.

The "Piñata"! A clear sugar sphere filled with orange supreme, guava cream, meringue and peanut cookie crumble.

Fresh fruits with artisanal cheeses and raw organic honey.

Chocolate mousse flavored with Xtabentún and topped with an orange creme.

I've read a couple of reviews on TA since we returned from our trip and many of them call out the waitstaff as pretentious and impatient. Others claimed their service was overly intrusive. Some called it "odd". I found just the opposite. Despite the fact that we were the only foreigners in the restaurant, we were clearly under-dressed and two of our party were under the age of 12, I found our service to be spot on. The courses were timed properly and served at the correct temperature. We were never left with empty drinks or plates. Silverware was replaced...never simply set aside for the next course. Napkins were promptly refolded during trips to the restroom. It all worked like a well-oiled machine. Everyone was smiley and nice, especially to our children.

My only complaint is that I would like like to have had a beverage - wine, mezcal, champagne, agua fresca - something thoughtfully paired with each course. I'm not talking about a full pour, just a little something that the Chef has chosen to best accompany each offering. I would have been happy to pay an additional charge for this option rather than having to choose for myself from their extensive beverage menu. Otherwise, I very much enjoyed my food and my dining experience. The food was well conceived and perfectly executed. With two starters sent out to warm up our palates and the complimentary deserts, I feel like the price was well justified. Best of all, it tasted good! Rob and I are definitely looking forward to trying the full tasting menu the next time we have an opportunity to be in Mexico City on our own. (Shhh. Don't tell Cat.)

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - Chapultepec Zoo

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:20:00 GMT

Our first full day in Mexico City was sunny and warm. Warm enough for shorts and flip flops but, having learned my lesson in Monterrey and Guadalajara, I knew that more formal attire would be expected. So, despite the weather, Rob and I wore long pants and closed shoes. While our scheduled trip to the zoo in Chapultepec Park would be a casual time, I was yet uncertain where we would be dining and decided to play it safe with somewhat dressier clothes.

We grabbed a cab from the hotel and made a quick trip down La Reforma and into the park. Chaplutepec Park, also known as Bosque de Chapultepec, is a sprawling oasis of 1600 green acres in the center of Mexico City. It is home to the Museum of Anthroplogy, the monument to the Ninos Heroes, the Natural History Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Modern Art Museum, an amusement park and the Chapultepec Zoo among many other things. Criss-crossed by miles and miles of bike and walking paths, the park is well used and enjoyed by visitors and local residents alike. The park is bisected by the beautiful La Reforma boulevard and is bordered by some of Mexico City's most distinguished neighborhoods, including my new favorite Polanco...more on that later.

I'm not sure a lot of people think of Mexico City as a great travel destination for families with kids. I know I didn't but I certainly knew that a trip to the zoo would be a fun family activity and keep me in good standing with my kids. Truth be told, Rob and I have spent many an afternoon wandering through zoos and aquariums. I have lost count of how many trips we have made to the New England Aquarium in Boston and we will most likely find ourselves there again this summer! We have seen some good zoos and some not-so-good zoos in our travels. I think I would count this one somewhere in the middle of the pack. It's not the prettiest zoo but it was quite clean and the animals we saw appeared to be calm and well cared for. They all seemed to be well fed and in suitable enclosures with shelter and shade and access to water.

The zoo provided nice signage (en espanol) for each of the exhibits and plenty of stationary maps to help you navigate through. Entrance to the zoo is free, making for an affordable family outing, but there is a charge to enter several of the specialized exhibits such as the herpetarium and the butterfly aviary. There is also a food court inside offering all kinds of fast food and cold drinks. One of the things I particularly noticed and appreciated was a concerted effort to have indigenous wildlife well represented, particularly species at risk of extinction. Much of the signage throughout the property provided information specific to the species represented but also showed its proliferation or lack thereof and suggested ways in which the animals might be protected. Good information to kids and grownups alike.

While of course, like most zoos, the big draw for North American children seems to be the collection of animals from the continent of Africa. The giraffes, hippos, rhinos and, of course, the big cats seem to be perennial favorites and were well represented here. My favorites tend to lean in the direction of the polar bears, seals and sea lions. I am also a big otter fan. I was a bit disappointed to only find one lowly sea lion, the other enclosures being empty on this day. What was incredibly cool was to see the giant pandas Xiu Hua, Shuan Shuan and Xin Xin. Mexico holds the distinction of being the only country, other than China, to successfully breed giant pandas in captivity so it was very exciting to have the chance to see them. Sadly, a few days after we returned home to Playa, Xiu Hua, the oldest at age 28, died of natural causes.

RIP Xiu Hua

Fortunately, because we were there off-season when everyone seems to leave the city and head toward the coast, there were not very many people at the zoo. Unfortunately, because it was off-season, many of the displays were under repair or being revamped in some way and many of the animals were out of site. Without hordes of families and school groups to accommodate this would be the best time to do maintenance and give the animals some quiet time. Too bad for us but good for the park. Still, we made it all the way through, had a great time and made it out in time to make it to our lunch reservation at Mexico's top rated restaurant.

Next: Our lunch with the kids at Pujol!

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - Welcome to Mexico City

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:58:00 GMT

In our eight years in Mexico we have never had the chance nor the inclination to explore Mexico City. In fact, the only time we have ever been there was for an overnight layover on the way to Acapulco for our honeymoon in 2001. I was so intimidated by the "idea" of Mexico City that I booked us into a hotel right at the airport and didn't even consider venturing into downtown. Like most Americans, I think our impressions of Mexico City are formed by movies like "Man on Fire". Stories from friends who had worked and or done business in the City did not help. One, a personal chef to a wealthy Mexican family, had a security detail to take her to and from the market, varying the route randomly to discourage any would-be kidnappers. Another friend, a mid-level bank executive, had a well-planned hostage plan complete with a considerable ransom arranged for him whenever his work brought him into the DF. These depictions of the city managed to stick with me and, in planning this trip, did not inspire me to spend a lot of time there. We were to fly in, stay in a posh hotel, have a nice meal or two and carry on to Oaxaca. Period.

If you have not been to Mexico City before, flying into the DF makes quite an impression. It is absolutely enormous. It goes on and on and on. Regardless of which direction you enter from, you are flying over dense urban areas for quite awhile before finally arriving at Benito Juarez International Airport. This city makes Manhattan look like a postage stamp. From above, the landscape is intimidating and a bit overwhelming.

In an effort to ease my stressed out husband into the idea of "vacation", I purposefully booked us into a nice hotel well-located on La Reforma, midway between the main zocalo and Parque Chapultepec. As we had no plans to spend any time in the city, I didn't bother to investigate the neighborhoods too much. I went online, found a nice hotel at a very nice price, close to the historic downtown landmarks and reserved a room. This is in stark contrast to the trip planning I did for our two-week stay coming up in Oaxaca where I spent months reading and investigating and pouring over other traveler's trip reports and itineraries. This short leg of the trip would serve one purpose: to get Rob relaxed and comfortable and eased into vacation mode.....not an easy task.

Whereas I am keen to find unusual places to stay (a certain tree-house hostel in Guatemala comes to mind) and am fine with "roughing it", my DH likes his creature comforts. Air conditioning and television are non-negotiable. High thread count sheets, hi speed internet, room service and an elegant lobby bar are a huge plus. As I want a happy husband (and he deserves every bit of it) I took all this into consideration for our Mexico City accommodations and The Hotel Gran Melia Reforma fit the bill perfectly. I got a smoking deal through an online discounter, over 150 usd off the rack rate giving us a large room with 2 queen sized beds for $115 usd/night. We stayed on "The Level" which gave us complimentary full breakfast and afternoon tea in a comfortably elegant dining room and lounge overlooking the city. The spa and indoor pool were just two floors below, easily accessible for the kids to come and go as they pleased.

As a child, I spent a lot of time in NYC with my parents. Staying in a high-rise hotel was commonplace to me and elevators were taken for granted. My kids, who have lived in Playa del Carmen for eight years, have never had the opportunity to go up higher than 3-4 stories. They spent most of their Melia time riding all the way up and down in the glass elevator, giggling all the way and chatting up the other guests.

As I have mentioned, I had no intention on this trip to pack our schedule with "must see", "must do" excursions. We really wanted to take it easy and this first day in Mexico City would reflect that. We flew in, collected our bags, checked in to the hotel and lounged around on the 1000 thread count duvets. Lovely! I had done a bit of Facebook research looking for good places to eat in the city but hadn't made any firm plans. Still feeling a little out of my element, I hopped on Google to find a restaurant relatively close the hotel. I had been warned that traffic within the city was an absolute nightmare so we settled on one of Mexico City's oldest establishments, popular with businessmen and located within a few kilometers of The Melia. A cab driver easily confirmed that we had made a good pick so we had our first Mexico City meal at Danubio.

Renowned for its raw bar and seafood dishes Danubio was opened in 1936 by Basques who managed to escape the Spanish Civil War. The walls of the dining room are adorned with cloth napkins autographed by the many politicians, actors, musicians, soccer stars, writers and bullfighters who have dined in the restaurant over the years. My friends from Albany will understand when I walked in and immediately exclaimed "Oh, it's Jack's Oyster House!".

A little bit smaller than Jack's but with the same ambiance, the same professional servers, the same menu, the same clientele only instead of martinis and champagne, we noticed bottles of wine and mescal on nearly every table. I also noticed that the same groups seated when we arrived were still there when we left. Course after course was laid out on the tables for everyone to share. Glass after glass of mescal was poured and tossed back with a hearty "salud"! No one was in any hurry to go anywhere. Clearly they know something we do not. I later learned that a visit to Danubio was like a visit to the "Mad Men" era when lunch on Friday afternoon could easily last for many hours with no thought to returning to the office. We enjoyed our delicious late lunch, surrounded by the city's movers-and-shakers, and retired back to the hotel as their evening was just starting to heat up!

Tomorrow, a visit to the Chapultepec Zoo and....PUJOL!!

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:24:00 GMT

If you have been hanging around the "Life's a Beach" blog for a while, you already know that we try to take one big road trip every year during the kids' semana santa break. We have explored Belize, Guatemala, Chiapas, Campeche, the Yucatan and pretty much anywhere we could easily reach by car. This year, no one was interested in roughing it. Rob and I have been itching to see Oaxaca, so flights were booked, accommodations secured and we were on our way.

In the past, I have blogged our trip as we went along. Uploading my pictures daily to Photobucket and trying to keep the blog as up to date as possible. This year, I decided to give myself a break and really take this as a vacation. This time, the plan was to take it easy, play it by ear and really just enjoy ourselves. No minute-to- minute itinerary. No whirlwind schedule to keep. No commitment to the blog. Given that a month has passed and I am now starting my trip report, I'll count our plan as a success.

We were gone for 18 days. Some of those day we did absolutely nothing. It was glorious! Did we miss a few things that I would have liked to have seen? Sure. But now, as I go through all the photos, I wouldn't change a thing. Oaxaca will be there for us when we are ready to go back. And we will absolutely go back.

I hope you enjoy our adventure as much as we did...well, almost.

The adventure begins here!

No roughing it here!

So What's the Big Deal About Semana Santa?

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:07:00 GMT

So, here's something you might not know about us.

Every year, we (notice I said we) spend months talking about and planning our big family vacation. It never takes us long to decide on location as we know we will have a great time no matter where we end up. The actual trip planning falls mostly to me. I book the flights, investigate and secure hotels and other accommodations and develop an itinerary of "must-do", "must see" and "must eat"s for the region we are exploring.

We take this trip every year during the kids' semana santa break so, while the dates vary by a few days every year, basically the time-frame is the same. In that, I mean when the vacation time rolls around it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Yet somehow, every year without fail, about a week before we are scheduled to leave, my darling husband suddenly pops his head up from the computer, eyes wide, smoke pouring from his ears and exclaims that he is "buried with work", "completely swamped" and "can't possibly even think about leaving"!!

This happens every year without fail. It used to freak me out. I used to feel GUILTY about making my DH even more stressed than he already is. There were moments when I even considered canceling the trip altogether so that he could work through the piles of never-ending emails.

Then one year, I did it. I cancelled the family vacation. I conceded to Rob's pleas that we were just too busy with customers coming in to consider leaving. At the end of two week of the semana santa holiday, after two weeks of crowded, filthy beaches, restaurants with no openings and streets packed with cars and nowhere to park, my darling husband pulled me aside and made me PROMISE to NEVER allow us stay in Playa for this horrific holiday EVER AGAIN.

So, when once again the question came up..."Can we really afford to leave during this high season?"...I snickered quietly to myself and confirmed my reservations knowing, that despite his protestations, we were on the road (well, not literally) to Oaxaca!

Next up - The Kinnon Family Vacation 2013

Why I can never spend another semana santa in Playa.

Explayarte's "Les Miserables" Packs the House at Xcaret!

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:57:00 GMT

Last week, Playa del Carmen's Music and Performing Arts School, Explayarte presented its full scale production of the award winning musical, Les Miserables. The show ran for three nights to packed and overwhelmingly enthusiastic audiences in Xcaret's Foro Abierto. This is the 5th Explayarte production that I have seen, my 4th as a corporate sponsor and the 3rd that Cat has participated in. I think it's fair to say that I am no longer what anyone would consider objective about these shows and the production company! Anyone who has been anywhere within earshot of me for the past few weeks has heard me wax effusive about the school, the leadership, the teachers, the curriculum, the production process and the level of talent that Explayarte demonstrates and shares not only with our children but with everyone who makes the effort to come out and support these shows.

For years, I have heard people lament that there is no culture in Playa del Carmen. No museums, no dedicated performance spaces, art galleries, few opportunities to expose our children to the arts in a meaningful way. I'm pretty sure that not a single person who attended any of these performances can deny that we are blessed to have music theatre of this caliber to enjoy and even take part in! As I looked back into the audience each night, I was really pleased to see so many families and even better groups of teens and almost teens who had come to see the show together. Certainly the timing of the production, falling after the overwhelming success of the star studded major motion picture, must have had an affect on attendance. Above that however, in the weeks and days leading up to the show, the energy and excitement surrounding the final rehearsals and the performers was absolutely palpable. It had to be infectious as nearly everywhere I went I could overhear people talking about the show....what night they were going....who they knew in the show....would be like the movie. It was this infectious excitement and anticipation that packed the house each night and had the audience leaping to their feet and cheering

If you were unable to make it to the show, here's a little taste of what you missed. If you saw the show, this will help you to relive some of your favorite moments from this amazing and very emotional production.

Explayarte Presents "Les Misérables" at Xcaret - April 17, 18 & 21

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:41:00 GMT

On April 17, 18 and 21, Explayarte is proud to present Les Misérables in the Foro Abierto at Xcaret! This full scale musical production, directed by Shane Southcott, will feature a live orchestra and a cast of over 80 of Playa del Carmen's most talented performers.

Les Misérables is an award-winning, critically acclaimed musical, based on the French historical novel of the same name by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo. It was first published in 1862 and is considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The story follows the plight of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread. Valjean's character is loosely based on the life of Eugène François Vidocq, an ex-convict who became a successful businessman widely noted for his social engagement and philanthropy.

Along the way, Valjean becomes a force for good in the world but, relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, cannot escape his criminal past. He and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade.

Featuring the songs “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and “On My Own” – Les Misérables is the show of all shows. Seen by more than 65 million people in 42 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, it is still breaking box-office records everywhere. It is now an Academy Award winning major motion picture with a star studded cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.

Curtain time will be at 7:30pm sharp. Tickets are available at Explayarte (tel. 859-3201), Italianis Pizza (Centro Maya), The Italian Coffee Company (Plaza Las Américas) and El Gran Taco (across from Centro Maya). Until April 17th, tickets are available at the promotional price of 220 mn per ticket or 2 for 380 mn. Tickets will also be available at the Xcaret Box Office the evening of the performances. If you enjoyed the movie, don't miss this opportunity to see Les Miserables performed LIVE!

Please, support the arts in Playa del Carmen!

Have a Safe Spring Break on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT

What Should I Know about Spring Break? - A Message from the US Consular Office in Playa del Carmen

Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico for Spring Break each year. While most enjoy their vacation without incident, a small number are arrested, become victims of crime, or even die. Using common sense will help you avoid trouble.

Here are some of the basics:

You need a passport if you travel by air. When you enter Mexico the immigration agent will give you the bottom portion of the immigration form you filled out on the plane. This is your visa. Do not lose your passport or visa; you'll need both to leave Mexico.
Whether you travel to Mexico by land, air, or sea, you are entering a foreign country and are subject to the laws and regulations of Mexico.
Before you leave the United States be sure to activate international roaming for your cell phone so you are able to make and receive calls during your vacation here.
Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction.
Leave your gun, bullets and knives at home. Mexican law imposes harsh penalties for bringing as few as one bullet across its borders.
Read through the Country Specific Information sheet for Mexico. There is a wealth of information about everything from water sport safety to renting a car to common scams.
Read "Spring Break in Mexico - Know Before You Go!"
Register with us at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Phone home periodically to let your family know where you are and that you're ok.
Crimes (to include rape) commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment. It is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all. If you are detained, arrested, or become a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate General in Merida. Our contact information can be found at our U.S. Citizen Services.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable vacation!

For more information and to address specific issues contact:
Samantha Mason
US Consular Agent
Tels: [52] (984) 873-0303
Fax: [52] (984) 873-0481
Emergency Cellphone: [52] (984) 807-8355
E-mail: playausca@hotmail.com

"The Palapa"
Calle 1 Sur, entre Avenida 15 y Avenida 20
77710 Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo

Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Learn Spanish in 3 Days - Locals DISCOUNT!

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Start the New Year off right by .....Learning Spanish in 3 Days!

Learn Spanish in 3 Days in a fun and easy way with frequency modulation rapid learning techniques
This course is based on the teachings of Dr. Georgi Lozanov and is not about memorization.
Don't miss the next Puerto Aventuras Class - January 30, 31 and Feb. 1st, 2013.

The course is regularly priced at $699/person $899/couple but Suzanne and Shawn are extending a special invitation to locals at the reduced rate of just $299/person or $499/couple!

A few "Spanish in 3 Days" Testimonials:

"I took this incredible class a few weeks ago, and I would like to tell anyone that is interested, that it is an amazing three days of learning with lots of laughs included. You arrive everyday wanting to learn more and are so excited to do so."
"The stress free atmosphere and tons of interaction and participation were very conducive to learning. The relaxation techniques alone are worth the price. The fact that I can now feel more comfortable conversing in Spanish is priceless. To Shawn and Suzanne, thank you so much. You are wonderful teachers. I learned so much. Muchas, muchas gracias."
"Really enjoyed the class and learned a lot......... I like the relaxed speed and learning atmosphere. The presentation made learning easy."

About Your Instructors - Suzanne and Shawn Bandick

In 2001 on a quest for adventure and a change of culture we packed up our two kids, and moved from Vernon, B.C. to Mexico. Our children, now young adults and in search of their own adventure and careers have moved back to Kelowna but we keep a home base in Puerto Aventuras on the Caribbean coast of Mexico just south of Cancun.

In Canada, we built and trained sales and marketing teams for companies. We traveled extensively for business and with our children for pleasure. Then came the question, why do we work so hard just so we can go travel? Why don't we just go and live abroad? Two years later we were liquidated down to what would fit in our Toyota 4 runner and headed south. Once in Mexico, Shawn opened a real estate office which was another fun adventure making tons of new friends and helping them live their dreams. Suzanne became a writer and a life coach.

Special Discounted New Year's Resolution Rate: $299/person or $499/couple
Date: January 30, 31 and Feb. 1st, 2013
Time: 9AM - 5PM each day
Place: Puerto Aventuras
What to Bring: A pen, a sweater in case the room is cool for you and an open mind. (Please no computer or cellular phones on during classes)
What is included: The complete class lesson book to take home, the lesson recordings and relaxation exercises (bring a memory stick if possible). Coffee, tea and water at break times. Lunch on your own will be 2 hours each day. There are many restaurants close by to choose from.

For full details visit http://www.spanishin3days.weebly.com or email Suzanne - sswinbiz@hotmail.com.

KKiS Needs Volunteer Readers! Can You Help?

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:01:00 GMT

For the past couple of weeks, KKiS (Keeping Kids in School) has fallen way short of the number of folks they need to help teach English to first, second and third graders at Pelopides School. Yesterday they had only eight people, roughly half of what's needed.

Would you please consider volunteering to help them out? It's only an hour, on Wednesday afternoons, and it's a fun an rewarding experience. The kids eagerly look forward to it, and it's a shame to see them disappointed.

Need more info? Need a ride? Contact Gayle (sgcollins@charter.net, Janet (jlowepots@gmail.com), or Trish (pyoungstrum@gmail.com).

The End of the World?

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:54:00 GMT

You read all the hype about the Mayan calendar, the end of days, the impending apocalypse... right? Well, so did we and watched with much amusement as everyone outside of the Mayan world made their preparations. Some prepared for the end, fearing the worst, stocking their war chests and food pantries. Others traveled to sacred spots to celebrate the end of an era, unsure about what might come. Down here in the heart of the Mundo Maya, those who weren't somehow profiting from this whole phenomenon passed the day quietly, business as usual. Our Maya, or at least the Maya I know were pretty nonplussed about the whole thing. For our part, while we certainly weren't running out to be blessed by Shamans or watch the sun rise over sacred ruins, we did want to recognize the transition from the last Baktun into the next in some small way. At the barn, we decided to welcome the new era by acknowledging our hopes and dreams for the future. Some of us wrote down some personal thoughts on a small piece pf paper, let them on fire and allowed the ashes and our dreams to fly up into the sky. Others signed their wishes and desires on two Mylar balloons and set them adrift on the wind. It was quiet and nice and exactly what we all needed to start the new year off right.

How did you usher in this new era?