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

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.

Holiday Zumbathon Raises Money for Playa del Carmen's Needy

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

On Friday December 14, 2012 BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors and FurnitureMEX hosted a Holiday Zumbathon in Playa del Carmen to support the efforts of Christmas Dreams Playa. The event was organized by Mary Martinez and lead by certified Zumba instructors from around the globe. Over 100 people turned out to dance and have fun and raise money for this fledgling charitable organization.

Christmas Dreams Playa is a grassroots charitable group which organizes the collection and distribution of thousands of Christmas presents for disadvantaged and special needs children. The group also provides warm blankets and essential non-perishable food items for at risk families and vulnerable elders in the community.

BuyPlaya and FurnitureMEX staff were be on hand receiving donations of toys, warm blankets and non-perishable food items to distribute to Playa del Carmen's most disadvantaged families. Through this event, funds were raised to provide blankets and a basket of non-perishable food items for 25 of Playa del Carmen's most at-risk families.

Click here for more information about Christmas Dreams Playa and how you can contribute.

Zumbathon 2012 Video by Ken Brownlee - Visual Media Productions

BuyPlaya and FurnitureMEX Host Zumbathon for Charity

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

On Friday December 14, 2012 BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors and FurnitureMEX will host a Holiday Zumbathon to support the efforts of Christmas Dreams Playa. This fun community event will take place in the sports facility located on Av. 20 and CTM, beginning at 6:00pm and ending at 8:00pm.

"We have invited Zumba instructors from around the world to participate in this Zumba marathon which we hope will become and annual event." said Zumbathon organizer Mary Martinez "The cost to participate is just 25 mn because we want everyone to be able to join in the fun! 100% of the funds collected are going to the charity."

Since 2000, a group of kind-hearted Playa del Carmen residents has helped local non-profits connect with those who need a little extra attention during the Holiday season. In years past, this group has helped organize the collection and distribution of thousands of Christmas presents for disadvantaged and special needs children. The group also provides warm blankets and essential non-perishable food items for at risk families and vulnerable elders in the community. During the 2011 Holiday season, over $86,000 mn worth of presents, school supplies and essentials were distributed by Christmas Dreams Playa.

BuyPlaya and FurnitureMEX staff will be on hand receiving donations of toys, warm blankets and non-perishable food items to distribute to Playa del Carmen's most disadvantaged families. For more information about the event and how you can contribute to Christmas Dreams visit the Zumbathon for Charity Facebook event page.

7 Years of Life and Death at Xcaret

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:22:00 GMT

Although I wanted to pull my hair out trying to get my kids wrangled into all the costumes and dance outfits they require for the various parties and events they had to attend last week, this is till my favorite time of the year in Mexico. This year we had Cat's dance group in the Xcaret parade down 5th Ave., another dance performance and a huge Halloween party at Papalote, the annual costume party at the barn and, of course, an evening at the Festival de Vida y Muerte at Xcaret.

Every year, I go on and on about the amazing work of the creative team, organizers and staff at Xcaret and this year will be no exception! The children's pavilion was awash with colored lights streaming through clouds of copal. Children moved from station to station, enjoying "cuenta cuentos" or storytelling about the ancient Maya and painting clay skulls. Always popular, the opportunities for face-painting were scattered throughout and children could choose from traditional Maya tribal designs or more modern calaveras. All the areas were well-manned with cheerful volunteers ready to explain the various exhibits and point new-comers in the right direction. I was pleased to see quite a few of the Preparatoria students from Papalote and Explayarte in the mix.

The sites, the sounds, the smells were almost overwhelming as we made our way through the park. We rested for a bit and grabbed a bite to eat at one of the many food stations set up throughout the park. Among the offerings, enormous tortas of pork and chicken tamales all serves up with pickled onions, crema, queso fresco and a variety of salsas. There were fresh baked pan muertos and crispy sugary churros for the kids. Cold cervezas and tequila kept the grownups sane.

Of course, no Vida y Muerte celebration would be complete without a trip to the cemetery and this year was no exception.

November 1st (All Saints Day) is the day generally set aside to remember children and babies who have passed while November 2nd (All Souls Day) celebrates the lives of beloved adults who have moved on to the next realm. This is a time set aside every year for everyone to recognize, remember and celebrate the lives of their ancestors and departed loved ones. This time of reflection is unique to each family and the festivities vary regionally. After my trip to Tres Reyes last year for their celebration of Hanal Pixan, I was really able to see the strong distinctions between "modern" altars for Dia de los Muertos and more traditionally Maya altars erected for Hanal Pixan. Unfortunately for me, the altars were set up in a new area this year and by he time I made it there, many of the candles had been extinguished and some altars disassembled for the evening.

Although the Xcaret Vida y Muerte Festival is held for four days, the actual Dia de los Muertos holiday is celebrated on the first two days of November. These days tend to be the busiest at the park. I recommend coming as early as you can to be able to see as many of the shows and exhibits as possible. If you can manage a full day in the park, your regular pass will grant you admittance at the festival as well which is a great deal! I think next year, I will bring the kids one evening and then come back another night by myself to make sure to catch all the elements of the festival that I missed this year. We spent a lot of time in the children's pavillion and missed out on a lot of the shows that I would have liked to see. One thing is for sure, the festival organizers have made this event better every year, adding more and more value to the very reasonable ticket price. I am already looking forward to Vida y Muerte 2013!

I moved to Mexico with my family in 2004 with the hope of offering our children a more global education and world view. Since then, we have traveled through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, gathering friends and life experiences and learning a lot about ourselves along the way. When we are not out and about exploring, Rob and I own and operate BuyPlaya, a Playa del Carmen real estate company and FurnitureMex. "Life's a Beach" is a catch-all blog where you may find anything from restaurant reviews, to recipes, gardening tips, commentary about expat daily life, local events, information about moving to Mexico and educating children in Playa del Carmen. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Dia de los Muertos Fun at Parque la Ceiba

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:17:00 GMT

This year, Xcaret is not the only option for fun family celebrations of Dia de los Muertos! This year Parque la Ceiba extends the festivities with a full weekend of events for families in Playa del Carmen!

Parque la Ceiba has different events going on for Saturday and Sunday and tickets are $85 mn/$7 usd per person per day. Throughout the weekend, children and adults can enjoy photo expositions, dance groups, theatrical performances, puppet shows and more all celebrating the Day of the Dead or "Hanal Pixan".

You can find the complete schedule of events and even more info HERE on the website.

I stopped in to the park this morning for the details and they informed me that TODAY, if you stop in to the cafe to buy advance tickets for the Parque la Ceiba festival, they will give you one FREE courtesy pass for the 7th annual Festival de Vida y Muerte tomorrow evening (Wednesday October 31) at Xcaret!!

*** If you are planning to come to Parque la Ceiba by car, be aware that there is quite a bit of construction on Juarez right now making the trip a bit trickier and diverting traffic in circles! Your best route is going south on 307, pass Juarez and take the very next right. This will take you straight to the Parque and avoid all the detours.

Experience Hanal Pixan in the Tres Reyes Village

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

As you all know by now, every year, the kids and I go to the amazing Festival de Vida y Muerte at Xcaret and every year we love it. Honestly, this is one of the most well-organized events that I have ever attended and I can and do recommend it to everyone who happens to find themselves on the Riviera Maya during the time of Dia de los Muertos. A few years ago, I saw some adverts for a Hanal Pixan excursion offered by Alltournative which piqued my interest but, as the week of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos is always a logistical nightmare, adding yet another activity into the family schedule was impossible. Once again, last year, the same tour was advertised and by some stroke of luck and a bit of divine intervention in the form of a rainstorm, the excursion was postponed a week or so and we were finally able to sign up!

Aside from a bus tour to Chichen Itza I took with my parents back in the 80's, this is the only organized excursion I have ever been on in this part of Mexico. Most destinations and archeological zones are easy to access and navigate and we have never felt like we needed to be herded along on one of these trips. For whatever reason, this one seemed differnt and interested me enough to sign us all up. Despite my reservations, we were all surprised and delighted by our encounter!

The day-long trip leaves from Playa del Carmen and brings guests to a Maya village called Tres Reyes which is located about an hour away, by way of Coba, just past Punta Laguna. Rather than take you through the itinerary or give you a proper trip report, I'm going to let the pictures tell the story of this remarkable experience.

Friday November 2, 2012, Alltournative will off their Hanal Pixan experience once again. The cost is just $300 mn per person which inlcudes transportation from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You can register now by calling 984-803-9999 or 01-800-GO-NATIVE.

Have you reserved your spot yet?

I thought so. ;)

Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos Activities on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 18:20:00 GMT

It's that time of year again! Halloween and Dia Day los Muertos parties are starting to be announced! This will be a running list of the events that will be updated as they are posted.

November 2 - Halloween Party, Costume Contest and LIVE Music at La Patrona Jam On!

October 29 - November 3 - You are in for some Spooky Nights at Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen!

October 31 - Halloween Party and Costume Contest at Senor Frogs in Playa del Carmen!

October 30 - Halloween fun and costume contest at La Sala Rosa

October 31 - Halloween Party and costume contest at Diablito Cha Cha Cha!!

November 2 - Show off your best costume for Dia de los Muertos and party on the beach at Mezzanine in Tulum!

October 31 - Nightmare on 12th Street Costume Party at The Blue Parrot! Spooky!!

October 31 - Costumes required for the festivities at La Santanera on Calle 12!

October 31 - Playa del Carmen's first Altar competition in Parque Fundadores! Don't miss this!

November 2 - Live music and costume party at Playa del Carmen's La Patrona Jam On!!

November 3 - Halloween party and haunted house at La Buena Vida in Akumal!

October 31 - Have a very sexy Halloween at Luna Blue!

October 30, 31 November 1, 2 - Not to be missed is the Festival de Vida y Muerte at Xcaret!

October 31 - La Rana Cansada will play host once again to Playa del Carmen's most anticipated costume bash!

October 31 - Celebrate Halloween on the beach at Fusion!

October 31 - Halloween Costume Contest and Party at La Azotea in Hotel El Punto

November 1 - Brain Dead Comedy at La Sirena Mar y Barrio

November 2 - Brain Dead Comedy hits La Buena Vida in Akumal!

OH! Food Workshop - Sustainability you can eat!

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:34:00 GMT

Sustainability. Carbon Footprint. Environmental Impact. In 2012, these terms are now a part of our everyday vernacular. Regardless of your stance on global warming, I think we all can agree that each one of us needs to do our best to minimize the negative impact increased travel might bring to the more delicate corners of the globe we explore. In keeping with this sentiment, over the past decade, "Eco-tourism" has exploded into what is now the fastest growing segment in the travel industry with no signs of abating. One can now easily plan a whole vacation geared toward conservation and preservation!

The idea for the OH! Food Workshop came about as a result of a late dinner on the shores of the Caribbean where a chef and a developer shared their ideas about sustainable tourism and decided to develop a workshop that would share their knowledge and passion about alternative lifestyles. Hartwood Restaurant Chef/Owner Eric Werner and Casa de las Olas Co-Owner Jimmy Greenfield have built businesses in Tulum that resonate with their core beliefs on sustainability. Both businesses support the environment, the local people, their economy and their culture.

Casa de las Olas provides simply elegant eco-friendly accommodations on the beach in Tulum, Mexico, a growing Mayan community located a short distance from the Cancun International Airport where the jungle and Caribbean Ocean meet. The property is 100% solar powered and makes use of geo-thermal cooling and rainwater catch systems. Grey water is re-purposed to maintain the indigenous plants that make up the landscaping and a composting station is in constant use processing organic waste materials into nutrient rich soil.

The founders of Hartwood Restaurant bring their core beliefs about sustainability straight to the table. Hartwood is a "Farm to Chef" restaurant that is 100% solar powered. Chef Werner sources the finest local ingredients in his culinary creations and chooses to prepare all meals by hand, without the use of any electrical appliances. "Farm to Chef "cooking is back to basics and showcases the rich complex flavors drawn out by slow roasting and open fire cooking. OH! Food Workshop will show participants how to successfully combine sustainable cooking methods with eco-friendly development and building practices in this unique tropical retreat.

This, the first OH! Food Workshop, will be held from November 30 - December 5, 2012. The event will be hosted by Werner and Greenfield and Ricardo Garcia Gaxiola, accomplished sommelier and owner of Off the Vine in Playa del Carmen, three men that will keep you learning and keep you laughing for 5 straight days! This will be an intimate travel experience that includes Tulum beachfront accommodations, cooking classes, a welcome evening, and a dinner party to celebrate the week on the shores of the Caribbean. To top it off, the final evening will feature event sommelier, Ricardo Garcia, hosting a special dinner where guests will learn more about the culture of Mexico through its world renowned wines and tequilas.

Come to the shores of the Mexican Caribbean November 30th - December 5th and learn how you can develop a healthy sustainable lifestyle with out compromising taste, luxury, decadence or beliefs. You can have it all and feel good about it!

Space is limited so email info@casadelasolas.com to reserve your spot and to inquire about room availability and pricing.

Exotic Caye Beach Resort Helps Support Local Island Community

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:27:00 GMT

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

The Tradition of the Rosca de Reyes in Mexico

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:19:00 GMT

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.

Winter Solstice in the Mayan Jungle

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:20:00 GMT

Tonight marks the Winter Solstice for those of us living in the northern hemisphere. With a little help from Wikipedia we know that "The winter solstice occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet's polar hemisphere is farthest away from the star that it orbits. Earth's maximum axial tilt to our star, the Sun, during a solstice is 23° 26'. More evidently from high latitudes, a hemisphere's winter solstice occurs on the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun's daily maximum elevation in the sky is the lowest."

The Winter Solstice, also known by some as Yule or Saturnalia, generally falls on December 21 or 22. It celebrates the birth of the new solar year and marks the beginning of winter. Taking place on the longest, darkest night of the year, this is a time when we must reflect inward to find our own inner light. This is also a festival of inner renewal and spiritual rebirth. Many of the customs, symbols, and rituals now associated with the modern "Christmas" are tied to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. Both Christian mythology and older Pagan customs are evident in modern day holiday observances.

Ak Lu'um International School also manages an interesting blend of Christian and Pagan rites and rituals in its annual Winter Solstice festival. This is my favorite festival of the year and I suspect I am not alone in that sentiment. It is lovely to have the whole school community gather to watch the children sing, play the flauta and perform poems and vignettes they have been working on through the last weeks of the term. At a time that is always so hectic, nerves frayed, with everyone rushing around shopping and decorating for Christmas or making travel plans, this event is a much needed break in the frenzy that accompanies the onset of the holiday break.

Traditionally, at Winter Solstice or Yuletide celebrations, wassail is served. Wassail, an ancient English ceremonial cider, has been used for centuries as an offering to the spirits during the Yuletide season to bless orchards and the harvest. In keeping with this tradition, Ak Lu'um welcomed students and parents with Mexican "ponche", a warm fruit punch offered to guests at all holiday festivities. It is traditionally made from sugar cane, cinnamon, piloncillo, dried and fresh apples and other fruits steeped in hot water until flavorful and aromatic. Everyone has their own favorite recipe that they serve year after year. Even the packaged versions found in our local groceries stores are pretty good!

My favorite part of the Winter Solstice is the Advent Spiral. Spirals represent the forces of nature, eternity and transformation and are often used to represent and celebrate the changing of seasons. Following tradition, the Ak Lu'um advent spiral is laid out on the ground in the school yard. It is composed of palm fronds from the surrounding jungle, shiny silver stars and candle holders made from red ripe apples. Just after darkness falls, the group gathers and a single flame is lit in the middle of the spiral. This candle is meant to represent our inner light and the source of our personal renewal. Children, teachers and parents trace the path through the spiral towards the center and the light. From this candle, each person lights their own and makes the return trip out of the spiral, placing their candle in an apple along the way. Slowly, the school yard is transformed from blackness into a warm glowing cocoon. It is a quiet time for each person to contemplate the year gone by and look ahead to the new year yet to come.

You may not have the time or space to enact your own Advent Spiral but that doesn't mean you can't find a quiet place to take a moment to find your own inner light and renew your strength and resolve as we welcome 2012. On behalf of Rob and the kiddos and the whole BuyPlaya family, I wish you all a joyous holiday season full of love and cheer.

Got Turkey? Thanksgiving 2011 on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:11:00 GMT

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States and if you are an American expat living on the Riviera Maya or perhaps just here for a visit, you will be looking for a place to strap on the holiday feedbag and enjoy some good traditional Thanksgiving fare!

Here are a few options you may enjoy!

Our friends at Wicky's fave a fabulous feast planned for Thanksgiving this year. If you happen to be in Playa del Carmen for Thanksgiving this year, Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Bar will be the place to find moist roast turkey with all the traditional fixin's. Great food...with a view!

Fusion Beach Bar and Grill is the place to celebrate Thanksgiving on the beach.

A special "turkey dish", live music, drink specials, the famous fire show and belly dancer will be featured at this Thanksgiving event.

Fusion is located on the beach at Calle 6 in Playa del Carmen.

OM Tulum will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Reservations are required. info@omtulum.com.

Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal will be serving up a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with some traditional items and a few dishes that are destined to become new favorites!

Turtle Bay Thanksgiving Antipasto Platter
Wild Rice Soup with Maple Syrup
Roasted Turkey "Pibil" with French Bread Stuffing
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Honey Apple Glazed Carrots
Corn Pudding
Cranberry Mandarin Orange Relish

Your choice of dessert:
Traditional Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream
Apple-Cranberry Cobbler
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Everything-but-Bread Pudding with Sweet Cream

Dinner includes two glasses of red or white wine

There will be two dinner seatings for Thanksgiving Dinner, at 5pm and 7:30pm.

$395 pesos per adult, $150 pesos for children
Reservations Suggested 984-875-9138 or 984-151-9522
or via email turtlebaycafe@gmail.com

Bad Boys Beach Bar will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Day Pot Luck on November 24. The buffet will begin at 3:00 pm. Cowboy John will be smoking the turkeys onsite!

Cost is $150 pesos per person or bring a side dish to share and eat for free.

As always, J.J. and the Nasty Bastards will entertain the crowds and get you up and dancing from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Manne and Susie at Manne's Biergarten never disappoint and have always served up some of the best food in Playa del Carmen. This Thanksgiving Dinner is certainly going to be fabulous!

$180 mn per person. Serving from 5:50pm until 10:00pm.
Reservations strongly recommended 984-133-4484 or 984-876-5363.
Manne's is located on Calle 4 between Avenidas 10 and 15.

On Thursday November 24, Tirami...su Restaurant in Puerto Aventuras is offering a fabulous Thanksgiving meal. If you were lucky enough to make it over to Donna's table at Taste of Playa you know how good this is going to be!

Rosemary Roasted Turkey
Savory Sage Dressing
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Giblet Gravy
Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Sautéed Green Beans
Homemade Cranberry Mango Sauce
Caribbean Corn Bread
Homemade Pumpkin or Apple Pie

Tirami...su is located on the main marina in Puerto Aventuras.
250 pesos per person, $150 pesos for kids under 10.
Reservations Recommended (984) 873 5654 or donna[at]tiramisumex[dot]com

For something different celebrate "El Dia de Accion de Gracias" at Luna Maya! The Chef is putting a Yucatecan slant on the traditional Thanksgiving Day offerings with Pavo Relleno and Pay de Calabaza. This four course gourmet dinner with a special welcome cocktail will be $33 usd per person.

For Reservations: ventas@lunamaya.mx or call 984-151-2724

Ricardo at Off the Vine always knows how to put out a great spread so his Thanksgiving feast is sure to be delicious!

Oven roasted turkey with all the traditional sides paired with wines from around the world!

Dinner will be served at 8:00pm. Reservations recommended. 984-803-5244.

On Saturday November 26th, Lol-Ha Restaurant will be hosting a fun Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner-Dance in its palapa on the beach in Akumal! I can't think of a more beautiful place to spend the holiday weekend!

The festivities will be from 7pm - 11pm. Music by DJ Bob.

Pony Camp in Playa del Carmen!

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Monday morning, my kids jumped feet first into their summer vacation, arriving bright and early at the barn for the first day of Pony Camp. Trainer and club owner Paco Magellon has been running this camp during the school vacations and it is something all the young riders in Playa del Carmen look forward to. Paco is so terrific with the kids and he has passed this special gift along to his son Diego who will be assisting him during this summer session. Monday is a day off for the horses so this morning the group learned how to groom a horse from nose to tail. "Brisa" was a patient subject, standing quietly while each of the children took a turn currying, brushing and picking hooves. The kids started to learn a bit about the anatomy of the horse and how to care for these majestic beasts. Later on in the day, as the temperature soared, they all cooled off in the cenote!

So far, it's a nice mix of Hipico Playa del Carmen students and a few new children just starting their adventure in the world of horses. The children will be able ride Tuesday through Friday and instruction will be available for beginning and intermediate riders. My son Cole started his riding classes during the 2011 Pony Camp during the semana santa break and he has loved it ever since! Even if your child has never been on a horse before, you will be amazed how much they will absorb in just a month! We are expecting a few more of Paco's club riders to join the group but there is still plenty of room in this week's session if your children are interested. Paco is bringing the older riders at the club to an intensive horsemanship workshop next week but camp will resume on July 18 and continue on until school year starts. Pony Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8am - 12pm. The cost is $1000 mn per student/per week.

Playa del Carmen 4th of July Party at Wicky's Beach Club!

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:14:00 GMT

Looking for a place to celebrate the 4th of July with your family and friends in Playa del Carmen? Don't miss the annual 4th of July Celebration and BBQ at Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Club! The festivities begin at noon with live music starting at 1:30pm and FIREWORKS at dusk! Wicky's famous Beach BBQ Buffet will be open from 2pm - 7pm. This is an event that is not to be missed if you are visitor or an expat from the US you will be sure to have a great time!

May Day Celebration at Ak Lu'um School

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:37:00 GMT

May Day is celebrated in countries all over the world in festivals that draw their origins in the ancient pre-Christian fertility rites practiced by the Romans honoring the Spring Goddess, Flora. The elements of the modern May Day festival take their root in Medieval times and include music, games, parades, dancing and of course, the ubiquitous maypole. Traditionally festooned with bright Spring flowers and strung with colorful ribbons, participants each take a ribbon and in a choreographed pattern weave them around and down as they dance or skip around the pole.

This year, the students at Ak Lu'um Waldorf School erected their own maypole to celebrate May Day in Mexico. The children were all dressed in white, the girls wearing crowns of flowers, the boys colorful sashes. As their teachers sang and played simple traditional tunes, the children skipped in and out creating a hypnotic pattern as the ribbons wove their way down the pole. The Maypole Dance was a yearly tradition at my school and this brought back fond memories of my teachers and classmates back in New York.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to all kinds of games and contests. Egg and spoon races, bobbing for apples, three-legged and sack races all pitted parent against child, bringing fits of laughter from participants and spectators alike! Having worked up a good appetite, we all tucked in to a delicious lunch with favorite dishes contributed by parents.

As always, the teachers and administrators at Ak Lu'um Waldorf School put their heart and soul into organizing a wonderful family day for all the members of the school community. You couldn't help but be proud of all the work that had been done and the progress made over the past few years. The campus gets better year after year. The livestock and gardens are thriving, as are our children in this very special place.

Ak Lu’um International School is a not for profit Waldorf Initiative founded in 2006 in the jungle close to Playa del Carmen. The school’s mission is to educate, promote sustainability, develop ecological awareness and encourage children from 2 to 12 to reconnect with our earth. Students at Ak Lu’um learn with their minds, hearts and hands. The curriculum is academically challenging and meaningful with many opportunities for hands-on learning and artistic development. Ak Lu’um welcomes children with special needs and seeks to integrate them fully, giving all children an opportunity to better know, understand and love their fellow human beings. The community at Ak Lu’um International School is bilingual (English-Spanish) and culturally rich with over 10 nationalities represented by staff and pupils.