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

Paula Liebe Launches "The Queen's Trilogy" with Playa del Carmen Rotary

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:21:00 GMT

Last Tuesday, the Playa del Carmen Seaside Rotary Club had the honor of hosting the official launch of The Queen's Trilogy, a series of autobiographical novels penned by well known Playa resident, business owner, yoga teacher and performer Paula Liebe. I have known Paula, casually, for about 7 years. As members of the Playa del Carmen real estate community, our professional paths would cross occasionally. Socially, the expat community being quite active, we would often rub elbows at the same events and parties. We share many of the same friends. But it was not until the last year or two, that her emergence as a singer/performer really grabbed my attention. I was impressed, of course, by her talent but even more so by her complete dedication to developing and honing her craft. As Paula is also a skilled marketer, I have made every effort to support her promotional efforts, posting her upcoming events on the blog and the Riviera Maya events calendar. When my daughter decided to audition for the role of Cosette in Explayarte's production of Les Miserables, I immediately sought out Paula to lend her skills as a vocal coach to prepare her for the try-outs. By know, you all know how that audition turned out and Paula was instrumental in that success. (Thank you Paula!!)

For those of you who know Paula, you know she is no shrinking violet, no delicate fern, nobody's idea of wallflower. (Forgive the botanical references. I am writing al fresco in the yard.) Everyone who meets Paula can tell she is a force to be reckoned with. Everything she attempts, she tackles head on 110%. She is a person who makes you think twice. She is interesting and smart and you can just tell she's got some juicy back-story, a compilation of intriguing life experiences that all put together create the Paula we all know today.You can't help but be curious...to want a peak behind the curtain.

And this is exactly she affords us, the reader, with The Queen's Trilogy; a privileged look at the unique situations and circumstances in the life of a fascinating woman. During her spirited presentation, Paula offered us all a tantalizing taste, reading excerpts from her books, sharing poignant moments from her youth and some eyebrow raising teasers from her early days in Playa del Carmen. None of the names have been changed because no one is innocent. Scandalous? Perhaps. But, as Paula explains, it was more likely she would lose friends for the truths she reveals about herself rather than other people.The cover art alone which depicts the author naked, perched on the rim of a martini glass executing an advanced yoga pose, might in itself be scandalous. I think when you read the books, the significance will reveal itself. I would be remiss in not mentioning that at very least, Paula is a person that one might actually WANT to see naked as opposed to the hirsute trolls who seem to find me on the beach in Tulum.

*shudder*

But I digress.

If the excerpts we heard and the protagonist are any indicator, this series should be a "must read", not just for Playenses but for any expat, any woman, anyone who enjoys a good story told by a good story-teller. I feel certain we have this in Paula Liebe and The Queen's Trilogy.

I've got my books on order from Amazon and I can't wait for them to arrive. (Don't let me down Amazon Global Shipping!) Until I can give you my review of the series, here are some thoughts from my dear friend and local yoga teacher Ellen De Jonge:

"I read all 3 books in a short period of time. You are kind of forced to read them all because after reading book 1 you simply need to get your hands on the other books.
A fascinating style of writing brings you easily into the real life experiences of Paula. The Queen´s Trilogy got it all. Honesty and raw go hand in hand. I laughed many times, I lifted my eyebrows lots of times and sometimes had the feeling of being part of her sadness and her road to finding love. Paula finds a way to let her love and curiosity for life and spirituality shine through the heartbreaking periods of her life. A brave woman, an even braver book!"

To get your copy of The Queen's Trilogy in paperback or for Kindle visit Amazon.com.
To get your copy for iPad or e-reader visit lulu.com.

To contact the author, email TheQueensTrilogy@gmail.com or call +52 1 984 130 9823.

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.

News in the Fight to Keep Exotics Off of 5th Avenue

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:36:00 GMT

Today's online edition of the Playa del Carmen newspaper La Respuesta featured an update about the fight to keep exotic animals from being exploited to the tourist trade in Playa del Carmen. Those of us who have been a part of the process, sending letters and petitions to PROFEPA and SEMERNAT will not be satisfied with the comments issued by Carlos Rafael Muñoz Terab, Secretary of Ecology and the Environment.

What follows is a translation of the article posted online today:

After praising the work of the Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (Profepa), the Secretary of Ecology and the Environment (Sema), Carlos Rafael Muñoz Terab, recognized that while federal law allows permits for owning exotic animals the display of these specimens will continue on Fifth Avenue.

He argues that it is currently "difficult" to exhibit exotic species without proper authorization, since noncompliance implies a sanction, confiscation of the animal and up to imprisonment for the offender, the official went on to comment, that for these reasons it is considered that "most have the corresponding authorization".

"I do not agree that nothing has been done about this issue, it seems to me that historically, Profepa has done a tireless job on Fifth Avenue of trying to enforce the law as it applies to the specimens of wildlife that are displayed: the wildlife law establishes the possibility of ownership of a species with do process, if there is “proper handling" and if it is specified as, “no problem", said the official, who added: “As much as we try to enforce the law, it is necessary that people make an official complaint against those who do not comply with the law, that is the remedy for these illegal practices and to obligate those who have permission from Semarnat to give the animals proper treatment”.

He admitted that the agencies are understaffed and remarked that, "the best staff are citizens, they are the best tool". “However”, said Muñoz Terab, "a complaint against an activity must be proven".

"It is difficult to attend complaints, the agencies are understaffed, and it is important to understand the legal process, if there is no evidence we can not take action", and added:
"I insist, the the only solution is to be informed of who has permits for ownership. At this stage it is difficult to own and exhibit an exotic species without permission".
Carlos Rafael Muñoz insisted that "as long as federal law allows ownership of these species, this situation will continue, the activity will continue".

While it is somewhat encouraging to see this issue being raised by the media and addressed in some way by government officials, we at BuyPlaya believe that the best way to combat this type of activity is economically. Do not have your picture taken with any of the exotic animals being displayed on 5th Avenue and please do your best to educate other travelers to also avoid these vendors. It is a simple matter of supply and demand. Trade in exotic animals is expensive. If we can eliminate the demand, there will be no reason for these people to continue in this business. Please share this information on TripAdvisor, playa.info, In the Roo, LocoGringo and any other place where travel and destination information is exchanged.

The original piece on Diario Respuesta can be found here.

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!

Rotary Club Rubber Ducky Regatta in Cancun MOVED to May 12th

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:28:00 GMT

****The Rotary Club Rubber Ducky Race has been postponed until May 12th!!****

On May 12, Rotary Playa del Carmen Seaside will be participating with other Quintana Roo Rotary Clubs in the Grand Rubber Ducky Regatta! First prize is a house in Cancun!!! Additional awesome prizes include a motorbike, home appliances, furniture packages, flatscreen TVs and much more!

Be sure to buy your Rubber Ducky to participate - $120 pesos each! Ducks are available locally from Rotary Club members. Email pdcrotary@hotmail.com for more info or inquire on the Rotary Club Facebook page.

You don't have to be in Playa del Carmen to participate in the Rubber Ducky Regatta! You can get in the race from anywhere in the world by adopting a duck or ducks! Each duck adoption is $10US or $120MX. A PayPal account has been established for easy payment via credit card. There is no limit to the number of ducks you may adopt!

Once you adopt and make payment, your Rubber Ducky race number(s) and a photo of your souvenir duck(s) will be emailed to you! If you like, give us your address and we will mail them to you when a Rotary member returns to the US/Canada.

Be sure to check the Facebook page - Rotary Playa del Carmen Seaside - on May 12 as fun photos and the race results will be posted. Ducks have been adopted from all over Canada and the US. Don't miss it! Proceeds from Seaside Chapter's sales will go toward ongoing projects and providing computers, learning software programs and essential school supplies to Playa del Carmen's less fortunate school children! Read HERE for more information on these important Rotary programs.

Wine Pairing Dinner to Raise Funds for Rotary Projects

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:24:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside Chapter is holding a fabulous fundraising Wine and Food event on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 7:00pm at Casa del Agua Restaurant Roof Garden located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 2. The event is organized by Playa's new English speaking Rotary Club and is open to the public.

Funds raised from this exciting event will go towards providing computers, scholastic programs and educational materials for disadvantaged children in Playa del Carmen. More information about this important Rotary Club initiative can be found HERE.

The menu will consist of 4 courses each served with a wine specially selected to accompany the dish:

Hacha Scallops served with Ardeche Chardonnay
Norwegian Salmon with Quinoa-seed Risotto with Punti Ferrer Sauvignon Blanc
Portobello Mushrooms on Bread with Goat Cheese & Mushroom Mousse with Black Truffle Oil, served with a Clasico Malbec
Short Ribs marinated in Dark Beer, Garlic and Red Wine with Ikus Cabernet Sauvignon.

The cost is $400MX per person and the proceeds will go to support ongoing projects of the Playa del Carmen Rotary Club Seaside Chapter.

Please contact Trish Youngstrum pyoungstrum[at]gmail.com or Adriana Vela letstalk.listings[at]gmail.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.

This promises to be a night of great food, great wine and great fun - We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Dates Set for 2013 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:37:00 GMT

Organizers of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival have released the concert dates for 2013. This year's festival will be held November 28 - 30, 2013 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival brings together music lovers of all kinds and combines the best selection of famous jazz musicians worldwide with the breathtaking view, relaxed atmosphere and culture of Playa del Carmen. Three nights of great tunes under the moonlit sky, on the beach, for free... what more could you ask for!?

Stay tuned for more information....

Expat Interview - Janet Lowe

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This month's Expat Interview features Janet Lowe. Janet is an artist who moved from the United States to Playa del Carmen in 2007. Janet and I have been involved with several of the same charitable organizations in Playa and now we are both members of the new Playa del Carmen Rotary Club Seaside Chapter. When I saw the gorgeous painting she was donating for the KKiS auction last month, I approached her about contributing her point of view about expat life in Playa del Carmen.

As soon as I walked into her home, I knew I was in the home of an artist. Janet's original works dot the walls throughout the house. Each a colorful vignette of her life in Playa and favorite scenes from her travels in Mexico. Her unique shell and bead mobiles turned slowly as we walked past. As luck would have it, I was able observe a private art class she was giving. Janet teaches painting and drawing to locals and visitors who would like to improve their art skills. On this day, I was intrigued to discover that she also exchanges her art classes for other services; in this case, trading art instruction for yoga practice with Arielle Thomas Newman at Yoga by the Sea. I love this idea of bartering skills and services and wish there were more people willing to do the same.

Q: Where are you originally from and where in the Riviera Maya are you living now?
A: I lived in Philadelphia, PA for 30 years. Now I live in Playa del Carmen in a rented house.

Q: How long you have you lived there and what made you chose that area?
A: I moved here in 2007, having visited many areas of Mexico.

Q: What made you chose the Riviera Maya as a place to live? Had you visited the area many times in the past? What attracted you to Mexico and this region?
A: The warm air and beautiful sea were a big influence. I like Merida but there is not Caribbean Sea. I had visited many place in Mexico and kept returning to Playa. The reasonable cost of living was decisive in choosing Mexico.

Q: What did you do for a living back home? What do you do here?
A: I was an artist in the US working with clay. When I decided to move to Mexico I gave away my equipment to young people and began painting in oils. That is what I do here, and teaching painting classes.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the Riviera Maya?
A: The native people.

Q: How's the quality of life? Is it what you expected or have you been surprised by anything?
A: I am very happy with my quality of life. I have learned to be happy with what is available here. I don't own a car and make do with a bicycle. I rent a house.

Q: What do you miss most about your home country when you are here?
A: Art galleries and museums nearby. But there are plenty in Merida so I visit there often.

Q: Which are the best places to live in this region as an expat? Any specific area you would or would NOT recommend?
A: I am very happy in Playa del Carmen but it is getting bigger and bigger. I like Puerto Morelos a lot it is still a small town.

Q: How do you rate the standard of living accommodations and services?
A: There are definite differences: occasional power loss, internet interruption, telephone reception that comes and goes, but I have settled into a lovely house in a Mexican neighborhood where I am very comfortable.

Q: What's the cost of living compared to home? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A: I live much cheaper here and for me the difference is not having to pay for heat. I have learned to make do with what is available here rather than paying for imported items.

Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends? Do you socialize mainly with other expats or do you have a lot of Mexican friends?
A: It was very easy meeting people. I started with my neighbors and expanded from there. I love to cook, so I asked neighbors if I could come sit in the kitchen and watch them cook. It was also a great way to learn the Spanish language. I do occasionally go to the expatriot gathering places which helps me meet that community. There is a large group of expatriots who gather for Friday night happy hours at each others homes and I have recently joined the English speaking Rotary Club.

Q: Do you find Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya safe?
A: Totally.

Q: Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit?
A: I don't work for money in Mexico but have volunteered with several organizations. The year I arrived in Playa I got involved with the Diabetes Club at the Angel Notion Clinic. The first week I was there taking blood pressures and weights, it was explained that knowledge of healthy food was needed. I like to cook, so I began cooking lunch for the 25 people who had fasted before having blood tested and gave them each the recipe every week. After 3 years they each had quite a cookbook. That Clinic closed so I became involved with the KKIS Project (Keeping Kids in School) last year. We are a group of expats who raise money at an annual fundraiser (coming up Feb. 28) to buy backpacks, shoes and school supplies for children who are in need in order to help them stay in school. I also organize a group of volunteers who practice English with grade school children in a neighborhood school north of Playa once a week.

Q: How do you keep busy?
A: I attend yoga classes 4 or 5 mornings a week and usually meet my husband on the beach afterward for a couple hours of swimming and relaxing in the sun. I teach painting classes once a week in my own studio. I paint a lot and now have begun making mobiles of sea shells and tiny seed beads. My paintings are on display in the shop Siete Detalles, the talavera and pewter shop on First Ave and Calle 14. I am very involved with the KKIS Project: finding families that need assistance, buying school supplies, and reading with children at the Pelopidas School in the Guadalupana neighborhood of Playa. I also cook often and we entertain in our wonderful home.

Q: Did your spouse or partner have problems adjusting to their new home?
A: My husband has done very well. He does water aerobics with a group of expatriots and Mexican women three times a week. That community gathers once a month for a potluck party, good fellowship and often an accordion player.

Q: Did your children settle in easily?
A: My children are grown up and on their own but they have visited often.

Q: How would you rate the healthcare by cost and quality?
A: I have been very satisfied with the health care I have needed. I use the Sanar Clinic which features both western medicine and alternative treatment. My husband spent a few days in hospital in Playa and then Cancun, finally deciding to return to the US for treatment of a previous heart condition. The doctors in Philadelphia were very pleased
with the assistance he had received in Mexico.

Q: Is there any specific advice you like to offer new expat arrivals?
A: Learn Spanish and get to know the Mexican people. You can definitely get away with out that challenge, but it is well worth the trouble.

Q: Have you ever considered moving back to your home country and if so, why?
A: Nope.

Q: What brings you the most joy and keeps you here?
A: Yoga classes every morning with the Caribbean Sea as the background, smiling children's faces when I enter their classroom, sunshine and warm water.

**If you would like to take art classes with Janet, she can be reached via email at jlowepots[at]gmail.com.

______________________________________________________________

About Expat Interviews on "Life's a Beach"

Every week, I answer dozens of emails from people interested in moving to Playa del Carmen. While I am always happy to give my point of view....my perspective on life here as a foreigner.....I thought it might be fun and informative for "Life's a Beach" readers to get to know some more of the folks who have made the big leap into expat life. We began a series of interviews with local business people and families who have moved to Playa del Carmen whose journey may be of interest to those still in the planning stages or even those just dreaming about it. Unlike other expat interviews found on the web, we know all of these people personally. If you are planning to move to Playa del Carmen, they just may be your neighbors! We may not necessarily see eye to eye with everyone we interview but each of these interviews will be published unedited and in their entirety. As such, I imagine that this particular series will be interesting to follow and prompt quite a few comments and questions.

Annual Auction and Luncheon to Support KKiS

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:20:00 GMT

The 2nd Annual KKiS Project Fundraiser will be held on February 28th at 11:00am at Wah Wah Beach Bar on 2nd and the beach. The event will be a luncheon and live auction with a wide array of amazing prizes donated by generous Playa locals and friends from abroad! The KKiS Project, headed up by Playa resident Gayle Collins, is an organization of American and Canadian ex-pats who provide support to under-privileged school children in the Playa del Carmen area. Their mission: to help keep kids enrolled in school by supplying uniforms, providing school supplies and backpacks, securing English language materials for the classroom and providing volunteers for the classrooms to help students learn English.

This past year, KKiS organizers and volunteers provided school supplies, uniforms and English language curriculum materials for over 275 children. With the support of the Playa del Carmen Seaside Rotary Club and countless volunteers, KKiS logged over 170 hours of volunteer time reading in English and working with children on their English language skills at the Pelopides School. Pelopides is an elementary school in the under-served Guadalupana neighborhood on the north side of Playa. These students usually come to school without the required school supplies and therefore, can't keep up with their peers.

This particular school was selected because they are one of the few private schools to provide financial scholarships their students. At the moment, 50% of their student population is afforded reduced or free tuition, known here as "becas". Some students only require a partial subsidy while others have their tuition covered in full. This school teaches English to all students for half of the day, a skill that is essential for later job placement and advancement. The school administrators and teachers have welcomed KKIS volunteers into their classrooms to help students learn English by reading to them. Just recently, KKiS has been able to initiate a similar reading program with another school in Cristo Rey, a remote community outside of Playa del Carmen. This may not seem like an extraordinary program but similar offers of assistance to public schools in the city have been rebuffed.

Tickets for the luncheon are $20USD or $250 pesos per person. You may purchase tickets from committee members or by calling 984-127-8881.Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event. The auction will be conducted in English and all bids will be in US dollars. Payment can be made in dollars or pesos (at a 12:1 exchange rate). Payment through Paypal is also available (bring your user name and password or your own laptop). This auction is the only fundraiser organized by KKiS in the calendar year. This year's goal is to raise enough money to supply 500 children with school supplies.

Among the many wonderful auctions items available this year are:

Wine from Off the Vine selected by Ricardo Galaxia
$300 peso Gift Certificate from Jurgen at Mom's Bar
WearEarth Eco-bags from Alicia Meno
Mexican folk art and Talavera pottery
3 - Passes for Rio Secreto
3 - Yoga Classes with Arielle at Yoga by the Sea
Talavera Iguana from Alicia at Siete Detales
An original Painting by Ellie Newman
2 All-Inclusive Golf Packages at the Playacar Golf Resort
500 Business cards from Ink Me
Dinner for 4 people with wine at Origenes Restaurant
A Music Session with award winning Blues musician Brent Parkin
A Unique Shell and Bead Mobile by artist Janet Lowe
Teeth Cleaning by Dr. Jorge Armenta
Teeth Whitening by Dr. Scot Lyall
Haircut, Pedicure and Manicure by Cece Sweatt
1 - 2 Hour Photo Session with Kat Carroll of Cats Eye Creations
2 - Cooking Classes at the Little Mexican Cooking School in Puerto Morelos
2 - $250 peso Girft Certificates for Cheesters Restaurant
Original "Valladolid Rectory" painting by artist Janet Lowe
4 night stay at Buena Madera in Playacar (up to 10 people)
Gourmet Dinner for 8 by Danish Chef Kaj Skov
Original "Palapa" watercolor painting by artist Barry Launius
1 month membership to The Gym
1 - 3 Day Spanish Course with Suzanne and Shawn Bandick
Gift Certificate for 1.5 hr massage with Emily Schwartze
2 - All-Inclusive Day Passes to the Reef Club in Playacar
2 - Passes to the Captain Hook Adventure in Cancun

For a complete list of auction prizes, please visit the KKiS Facebook page!

New this year is the "Friends of KKiS" program which will be inaugurated at the Auction. This is a means for the project to have a predictable stream of steady income, allowing the organizers to better plan their activities from one year to the next. In order to become a "Friend of KKiS", simply fill out an application at the luncheon and indicate which annual sponsorship level you are able to commit to: $100, $200, or $300 USD. You can also request an application via email from Gayle Collins sgcollins[at]charter.net. Four times a year you will receive updates and progress reports from KKiS and be credited as a supporter on the KKiS website.

If you can't be in Playa for the auction, but still want to help, please bring school supplies with you from the US or Canada. School supplies expensive and are a huge burden for most families. All backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at JAVA coffee shop on 10th street between 5th and 10th Ave between 7am and 3pm. You can also make a donation through Paypal using the email address kkisproject[at]gmail.com.

It's Official!

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:25:00 GMT

Last Tuesday, at the weekly meeting, I was inducted into the Rotary Club Playa del Carmen Seaside Chapter as an active member! President Bob Hyde presided over the short but official ceremony and presented me with my Rotary pin. I grew up in a family where volunteerism and community service was encouraged and expected, even of me as a child. My mother, an avid horticulturist, would take me once a month to the Child's Nursing Home where we would diligently tend the patients' gardens, pulling weeds, splitting ungainly perennials that had outgrown their space and adding in favorites selected from our own garden at home. My father was also an fantastic gardener but vegetables were more his forte. For his part, he converted several empty lots we owned in the poorer sections of the city into community gardens to be used by not only our tenants but their friends and families. I can remember long afternoons in the early spring shoveling and transporting thousands of pounds of composted manure from our property to the city gardens to enrich the soil. In the fall, we would return to till-under the dying plants into the ground putting the beds to rest for the long winter months in upstate New York.

As an adult (notice I did not say grown-up) I have worked on and contributed to countless fundraisers and participated on numerous boards and committees. I am particularly proud to have participating in the founding committee for Taste of Playa which has become one of the Riviera Maya's most anticipated events. It was through my involvement with Taste of Playa that I was introduced to Rotary when we were invited as special guests to sit in on a meeting and present our proposal to them. That Chapter has been active in Playa for over 20 years but, unfortunately, the membership is not open to women so I am pleased to be welcomed into this newly chartered club and look forward to working with them on many exciting and beneficial community projects!

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+.

2013 About.com Readers Choice Awards - Vote Riviera Maya!!

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Greetings from sunny Playa del Carmen!!

Once again, our little blog "Life's a Beach" was nominated for the About.com Readers Choice Award for Favorite Mexico Blog. I just found out that I am now a finalist. Huzzah!!

But wait...it get's even better! "Life's a Beach" blog was not the only nod toward the Riviera Maya!

Tony and Cheri Head are in the race with Luna Blue Hotel in the running for Favorite Bargain Hotel!
Mitch and Shawn with Yucatreks have a fight on their hands to win Favorite Mexico Tour Company.
Matt Shilowitz from Acanto Boutique Hotel has his sights set on winning the award for Favorite Luxury Hotel.

Let's show the Riviera Maya some love and show the About.com readers that our little corner of Mexico is the very best place to be!

There are other fun categories to vote on as well. Votes are limited to one vote per award category per user per day. The winners will be announced on March 19th!

So please, take a minute to cast your votes and pass along these links to your friends, share them on Facebook, Twitter or your favorite social media platform! It would make me super happy and hopefully draw some good attention to the Riviera Maya!

Click here to vote for "Life's a Beach" for Favorite Mexico Blog:

Click here to vote for Luna Blue Hotel for Favorite Bargain Hotel:

Click here to vote for Yucatreks for Favorite Mexico Tour Company:

Click here to vote for Acanto Boutique Hotel for Favorite Luxury Hotel:

Thank you so much for your support!!

Used Computers and Laptops Needed for Local School

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, an English speaking club in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico - on the Yucatan Peninsula - is soliciting used PC laptops, desktops and tablets in good working order to provide to the classrooms of Mayan children in our area. The used PCs will provide these children access to software that will allow them to develop and improve their English language skills, computer keyboarding skills, math skills, and more.

If you have a used desktop, laptop or tablet PC computer to donate, it will go a long way in providing these children an opportunity to learn the skills needed for employability and a brighter future. Perhaps you know a business, university or organization that is upgrading their computer system and would donate their used equipment.

Our club is looking to collect 28 PCs for our initial school implementation, with additional schools to follow, so any PCs you are able to donate would be most appreciated.

Initial efforts include coordinating our Rotary Seaside PCs project with Keep Kids in School (KKIS), and Early Education for Every Child Foundation/Little Learners Initiative (EECF/LLI), a global organization with a Mexican/Mayan focus on the most vulnerable schools and children. EECF/LLI provides Mayan community schools with English and Math learning software programs and lesson plans. Unfortunately, most schools do not have the PCs necessary to take advantage of their offer, and that is where Rotary Seaside is stepping in. By providing used PCs to the schools, teachers and students can build stronger skills, using the software and the daily lesson plans provided.

This project falls within two of Rotary International's global objectives of 1) Basic education and literacy and 2) Economic and community development

Please contact Patricia Youngstrum, Secretary/Treasurer of Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, at pyoungstrum@gmail.com for additional information or to make your contribution.

Go Green with the Kilo Verde Recycling Program

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:19:00 GMT

Just a quick reminder to everyone that this Saturday February 16 is the next Kilo Verde recycling opportunity. The kids and I went on our first Kilo Verde "adventure" last month to the installation in the La Guadalupana neighborhood in the north end of Playa. I say adventure as there are no signs on the highway for the turn-off to the fraccionamento and once we found it we drove around for quite awhile trying to find the right park. The local police did not know the location nor did other Solidaridad workers picking up garbage just a few blocks away. *sigh*

Once we arrived, everything was set up and ready to go. We arrived fairly early and unfortunately, they had not yet received their full shipment of plants. We only had a few species to choose from but information about the complete selection of trees, shrubs and flowering plants was carefully prepared and laid out for our reference. It really helped to identify the young plants and to see what we could expect once they matured. There was plenty of staff on hand to register each of us, help sort our recyclable items and weigh electronics and other items not easy sorted. Everyone was super friendly and happy that we had made the effort to participate despite our "adventure". They were very open to the idea of posting a simple map or "croquis" showing the exact location of the recycling center so that people coming from outside the neighborhood would be able to find it more easily.

This week the Kilo Verde Program will be set up in the park in Fracc. Mision de las Flores.

Kilo Verde does not yet have the ability to accept the range of products that the other monthly "Cento de Acopio" can. They do take paper, newspapers, magazines, clean cardboard, plastics #1, #2, #4 and #5, cans, glass bottles and jars and electronics. Everything will be sorted and will be weighed. The center will operate from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. In order to support the needs of local business people trying to comply with the local government's new recycling regulations, Kilo Verde is able to provide receipts valid for proof of participation.

These are the remaining dates and locations for Kilo Verde 2013:

February 16 – Fracc. Mision de las Flores
March 16 – Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio
April 20 – Fracc. Villamar II
May 18 – Fracc. Mision del Carmen
June 15 – Domo del Ejido
July 20 – Colonia 28 de Julio
August 17 – Fracc. Villas del Sol
September 21 – Colonia Zazil Ha
October 19 - Fracc. Balam Tun
November 16 – Fracc. Las Palmas
December 21 – Colonia Nicte Ha

OHL Classic at Mayakoba Moved to November

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Mayakoba, together with officials of the PGA TOUR, announced today that Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event will move to November as the event joins the new fall portion of the PGA TOUR FedExCup schedule. The next edition of the tournament is slated for the week of Nov. 11 - 17, 2013.

For more information, visit www.ohlclassic.com.

As a result of the scheduling change, the event now boasts its own unencumbered date on the PGA TOUR calendar affording any PGA TOUR player, regardless of world ranking, the opportunity to compete in Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event should he meet qualifying criteria and wish to play. Previously the tournament had been held in February opposite the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, prohibiting the top 64 players in the world from enjoying the chance to compete at Mayakoba.

Additionally, officials announced an updated name for the event which will now be known as the OHL Classic at Mayakoba to reflect the commitment of tournament title sponsor and resort developer, OHL Developments.

"We are honored to continue as host of Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event and extremely pleased to now have our own week on the TOUR schedule," said Andres Pan de Soraluce, CEO of OHL Developments, owner and developer of the Mayakoba Resort. "In many ways a new era has been born for this tournament and we are excited about our new date and look forward to a bright future. We are confident the 2013 tournament will be a signature event for Mexico and for golf worldwide. As always, we are eager to share the beautiful Mayakoba resort as well as the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions with the best golfers in the world and an international television audience."

As part of the announcement, officials also unveiled an increase in the total purse to $6 million USD guaranteeing the winner will earn a check of more than $1 million USD. The OHL Classic at Mayakoba will continue to offer the largest amount of prize money of any golf tournament in Latin America, a distinction it has held since its inception in 2007.

With this new date, the tournament will continue to be a part of the season-long FedExCup competition and will now distribute a full allocation of FedExCup points. In addition to a winner's check of $1.08 million USD, the champion will also earn 500 FedExCup points. Previously, the event awarded 250 points to the first-place finisher.

"The OHL Classic at Mayakoba has been a favorite tournament of many PGA TOUR players the past six years," said Andy Pazder, Chief of Operations for the PGA TOUR. "In this new unencumbered date near the start of the season, all TOUR players will now have an opportunity to experience the world-class Mayakoba Resort and its challenging El Camaleón championship course. We are grateful for OHL's partnership and look forward to the continued growth in stature of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba."

The OHL Classic at Mayakoba made golf history when the tournament was first conducted in 2007, becoming Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event. A six-year contract extension was announced in November 2011 which will keep the tournament part of the PGA TOUR landscape through the 2018 season, representing a total commitment of 12 years by the PGA TOUR to Mexico.

In addition to the commitment of the PGA TOUR to Mexico through 2018, today's announcement also assures the continued worldwide television and media presence of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. As the only PGA TOUR event scheduled for the week of Nov. 11-17, 2013, the golf world will be focused on Mexico. The event boasts more than eight hours of television coverage and is broadcast to more than 200 countries around the globe, providing Mexico and its Riviera Maya and Cancún regions with unprecedented exposure to an affluent global audience.

OHL, a multi-billion dollar construction and development company based in Madrid, Spain, serves as the tournament's primary sponsor after developing the Mayakoba resort as a tourism complex. Included in the award-winning resort are three luxury hotels and the tournament venue, the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Club. Further development at Mayakoba will see the construction of two additional luxury hotels and the creation of a second phase of the property which will ultimately feature a second championship-caliber golf course and additional hotels and real estate properties.

 "We are proud that all the hard work the past six years has been recognized by the PGA TOUR, the players and the community as we start a new chapter for this tournament with our own date," said Joe Mazzeo, Tournament Director of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. "We look forward to a new era of PGA TOUR golf here at Mayakoba and making the 2013 tournament a truly special event."

Through its first six years, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba has donated nearly $1.5 million USD to local, national and international charities. In an effort to grow the game of golf in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, the tournament created Golf PARa Todos, or Golf FORE Everyone. The one-day golf clinics are held throughout the year. The community event aims to create a fun-filled, diverse and educational program that teaches about the game of golf and its ideals.

In February 2012, PGA TOUR rookie John Huh outlasted Australian Robert Allenby in a thrilling and record-setting eight-hole, sudden-death playoff. With more than $2.6 million in 2012 earnings, defending champion Huh is a strong candidate for 2012 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year. 2007 saw PGA TOUR veteran and fan favorite Fred Funk win the inaugural OHL Classic at Mayakoba when he outlasted Argentina's Jose Coceres in a two-hole sudden-death playoff. Other champions of the event include Brian Gay (2008), Mark Wilson (2009), Cameron Beckman (2010) and Johnson Wagner (2011).

Through six years, Mayakoba has welcomed some of the biggest names and most accomplished players in professional golf. Among the event's past participants are: Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, K.J. Choi, John Daly, Jason Day, David Duval, Bill Haas, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Fredrik Jacobson, Lee Janzen, Jerry Kelly, Matt Kuchar, Tom Lehman, Graeme McDowell, Greg Norman, Jose Maria Olazabal, Rory Sabbatini, Brandt Snedeker, David Toms, Scott Verplank, Bubba Watson, Boo Weekley and more. Since its inception in 2007, 12 Mexicans have participated at Mayakoba. An 11th place finish by Esteban Toledo in 2008 marks the best performance by a Mexican player in the event's history.

For further information about the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, please visit www.OHLClassic.com.