Search results matching tag 'Chemuyil'

Auditions for "Les Miserables" Jan. 9,10 & 11 at Explayarte

435836 — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Do you have an aspiring young actor or actress at home? Does your son or daughter dream of a life on the stage? Playa del Carmen's premier performance arts school is looking for performers for it's upcoming production. Following the success of Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, CATS, Seussical the Musical and most recently All Shook Up, Explayarte is pleased to announce its next production, the long running classic, Les Miserables.

The show will be produced as an intensive musical theatre workshop for performers of all ages.

Rehearsals at Explayarte will run for four months beginning in January and culminating with performances in April at Xcaret.

Auditions will be held by appointment only January 9, 10 & 11, 2013. Please email explayarte@hotmail.com or call 984-859-3201 (3203) to reserve your time. For more information, you can also visit the Explayarte Facebook page.

12 Days/12 Ways 2012 - Society of Akumal´s Vital Ecology A.C. (SAVE)

435836 — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:18:00 GMT

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

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

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

The "12 Day/12 Ways" list has not yet been completed for 2012. If you have a favorite charity that you feel belongs on this list, collect all of the information you can and I will be happy to consider your group for inclusion.

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The Society of Akumal´s Vital Ecology (SAVE) is a grass roots not-for-profit organization created in 1998 to protect the fragile and most valuable natural resources in central Quintana Roo, Mexico. Akumal, in particular, offers to the world a delicate and unique interconnected ecosystem, containing a fresh water filled cave systems gently flowing to the sea, a thriving coastal mangrove, the sandy beach bluff, and most important of all, the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world.

Mangrove damage, reduction, and degradation due to rapid tourism growth have occurred in the Riviera Maya. SAVE's mission is to keep this unique and fragile ecology safe from the dangers of unsustainable development, for our children’s futures, and their children´s children. Today, SAVE is proving that with determination, changes can be made.

SAVE is currently involved in the following programs and activities:

Aguas Con Los Cenotes:
The Yucatan Peninsula, particularly the Caribbean coast has witnessed rapid tourism development over the past forty years. Unfortunately this development has not been met with sufficient policy or planning to ensure it has a minimal impact on the Peninsula’s fragile environment. Like the Maya thousands of years earlier, developments rely on the underground aquifer for their potable water resources. Yet because these rivers lie underground little is witnessed of the damage that poorly planned developments have caused to the aquifer. Large developments destroy the caves systems beneath disrupting necessary hydrological flows, while sewerage waste is frequently flows underground, joining the water that is drawn for drinking. Protection of these tremendous underground water ways needs to be established to ensure that cenotes and the connecting fresh water systems are protected, so that they can be visited and enjoyed by future generations. The livelihoods of all people on the Peninsula, both tourists and locals, require a healthy and safe aquifer.

Mangrove Protection:
In the past 20 years, the State of Quintana Roo, has lost over 100,000 hectares of mangroves (1 hectare = 2.5 acres) to hotel rooms. This is 1/3 of all mangroves in the entire country of Mexico. The mangroves also filter out what is needed and not needed for the corals, which comprises the paralleling Mesoamerican Reef. The mangrove traps and cycles various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients. Mangrove roots act not only as physical traps but provide attachment surfaces for various marine organisms. Many of these attached organisms filter water through their bodies and, in turn, trap and cycle nutrients also. The relationship between mangroves and their associated marine life cannot be overemphasized. Mangroves provide protected nursery areas for fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish. They also provide food for a multitude of marine species such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, oyster, shrimp and lobsters. Mexico’s important recreational and commercial fisheries will drastically decline without healthy mangrove forests acting as filters and nurseries. Mangroves also help to prevent erosion and sand loss by stabilizing shorelines with their specialized root systems. Mangroves filter water and maintain water quality and clarity. These mangroves take out of our atmosphere and store 50% of our carbon dioxide, the oceans 30% and the trees and forests 20%. Thus, mangroves are the lungs of our earth. The laws that protect the environment MUST be followed and enforced.

Marine Turtle Protection:
The State of Quintana Roo, has 14 areas legally protected by state or federal legislation. Two areas belong to the continental zone and the other 12 to the coastal zone, in which are found important sea turtles nesting sites. Yum-balam, Isla Contoy and Sian Kaán Biosphere reserve are hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) nesting sites. Green (Chelonia Mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) nest at these sites as well as on the eastern part of Isla Cozumel and Tulum National Park. Studies have been conducted that determined that the beaches with the greatest density of turtle nests in the area are: Chemuyil, X’cacel and Aventuras DIF; in addition they recommended legal actions to be taken for their protection due to their biological characteristics, their bio-geographic importance, their state of conservation, and the threat that prevails within the tourist corridor Cancún – Tulum, the Riviera Maya. Both Green and Loggerhead sea turtles are considered under protection by the Mexican laws and by international conventions. But both species are in danger of extinction, due to damage of their beach nesting grounds. SAVE recommends an overhaul of the environmental impact studies, laws that are followed, and a permanent monitoring of development in these areas. SAVE is pursuing Federal Sanctuary Status for Playa Xcacel/Xcacelito. This area is vital to sea turtle reproduction and needs to be protected in a meaningful way.

How Can YOU help?

Become a SAVE Akumal Member!

Depending on your annual contribution you will be given a SAVE Membership status as follows:

$25 Jungle: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker.
$50 Mangrove: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker, T-shirt.
$100 Reef: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker, Aguas Con Los Cenote Poster.
$250 Ocean: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker, T-shirt & Poster.
$500 Sea Turtle: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker, Website Listing, T-shirt & Poster.
$1,000 Cenote: Membership Card, Aguas Con Los Cenote Sticker, Website Listing, “Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula” by Steve Gerrard.

You may make a donation of any size or make an annual membership contribution through Paypal with your credit card or Paypal account.

Spread the Word!

Follow SAVE Akumal on Facebook and share their efforts with your friends!

Be Alert and Ready!

Be a SAVE activist! If you ever see anyone damaging the ecosystem or causing harm to its inhabitants, help us by taking photographs and/or videos. Just send in all the pertinent information you can (i.e. what happened, how it happened, where it happened, and with who it happened) and SAVE will do the rest. Please email your information and photo/video content to cenotes@prodigy.net.mx and SAVE will make the proper letter of accusation, known as a "denuncia", to the relevant Mexican governmental office. Activities to be aware of may include:

Destruction or poisoning of the mangrove
Taking of fish, birds, reptiles or other wildlife
Destruction of turtle nests or the taking of eggs by unauthorized groups
Snorkel groups touching marine turtles or other marine life
Illegal shark fishing
Dumping of trash and debris on the beach or in the jungle

For more information:

+52 (984) 87 59204 land line
+52 (984) 87 59021 land line
+52 (998) 845-4528 mobile
Skype ID: savemaya
Email: cenotes@prodigy.net.mx
Website : http://www.saverivieramaya.org

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+.

An Amazing Find in Chemuyil - The Jungle Place

435836 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT

I don't think it's any kind of secret that my husband loves monkeys. I mean really, really loves them. For some kids, the wish every year at Christmas is for a puppy. Others, like me, become obsessed with horses. For Rob, it was all about the monkeys and it's an interest he has held onto even into adulthood. You can imagine my delight when, in the process of planning a spectacular weekend to celebrate my sweetie's 40th, I stumbled upon some interesting comments on the web about a spider monkey sanctuary just down the road in Chemuyil! This mysterious habitat, The Jungle Place, sounded like just the right kind of unforgettable destination for Rob and the kids to enjoy together on his birthday.

I had made previous arrangements with the owners, via email, several weeks in advance and was told the best time to interact with the monkeys would be in the late morning. So, off we went, south on 307, and just 35 minutes later made the turn into Chemuyil. The Jungle Place, or Kuxi Kaax, is easy to find just another 3 minutes or so past the puebla. We pulled in, crept down the narrow winding driveway surrounded by beautiful palms and flowering plants and quickly arrived at our destination. I couldn't help thinking how strange it was that we have lived in Playa del Carmen for nearly 4 years and I have heard barely a whisper about this amazing place. The owners, Heidi and Joel were waiting and welcomed us to their home, a home they share happily with 13 rescued spider monkeys!

We exchanged hellos with Heidi, Joel and Linda, a primatologist and educator on an extended visit from Washington State. We each shared a bit of our respective histories, where we are all originally from, how long we have lived in Mexico, what drew us here etc., all within just a few feet of an enclosure which rivals those of most modern zoos. It turns out that, at one time, Joel and Heidi had grand plans for a beach house. Then they were "bit" as they say, by the "monkey bug" and the house on the beach turned into a home on 20 acres of jungle interwoven with cages and bungalows. During this time, the monkeys are sizing us up, listening to our voices, watching our body language and becoming accustomed to our presence from the shelter of their cage.

Heidi gave me some tips on successful herb gardening.

Connor says "hello" to a new furry friend.

Joel introducing Cole to the group.

Birdie bottle feeding the new baby.

Finally, it was time to enter the enclosure. Joel took the lead and calmly guided Rob, Birdie and Cole into the large habitat set up for the female spider monkeys. I chose to stay outside and document the encounter and poor Connor, battling "la gripa", was not allowed prolonged close contact with the monkeys. The primates can catch whatever virus we may introduce but have no way to battle the illness and may ultimately die from a simple cold. It is also dangerous for the monkeys to come into contact with many of the chemicals used in sunscreens and insect repellents. While Heidi does provide a wonderful all-natural bug cream, she has also painstakingly planted the entire property with naturally repellent plants like lemon grass which keeps their home and the monkeys' cages mosquito free! We never saw a single bug during our visit. These monkeys are quite obviously happy and healthy. One of the females gave birth last year to their first "baby" conceived on-site. Spider monkeys, much like humans, mate by choice. The mother will tend to her off-spring diligently for the first 4 years, shunning all advances from interested males.

Birdie anticipating a "dive bomb" from above!

It amazed us all how clean the monkeys were. Even in this close proximity, they had no odor at all. Joel showed us how they "bathe" themselves using the oils from lime leaves!

I can only hope that my pictures tell the story because to say that this experience was magical does not come close to doing it justice. Rob and the kids were in the enclosure interacting with the monkeys for over an hour! The smile on my husband's face as these playful creatures climbed him like a jungle gym, eventually falling asleep on his shoulders and in his arms, was priceless. The monkeys seemed to regard Birdie and Cole as one of their own and busied themselves trying to untie shoe laces and remove hair-ties from their new friends. The children were instructed to try not to show their teeth when they smile as this is perceived as an act of aggression (one we would see later while visiting the males). Sweet Birdie couldn't help but grin ear to ear and spent most of the time with one hand firmly clamped over her mouth!

Connor looking on with Heidi and Linda.

Peanuts, yum!

It was easy to see who was voted Mr. Popularity in the monkey set. Handsome even without the prehensile tail!

Then, just as suddenly as they had attached themselves to Rob and the kids when they entered the cage, the monkeys retreated to their respective areas in the enclosure and settled in for a mid-day siesta, leaving the humans to chat about daily life and routines at The Jungle Place, where all of these monkeys came from and how they could possibly support such a huge endeavor on donations and bungalow rentals. Heidi and Joel were thrilled to find out that we are friends and supporters of the Peanut Animal Shelter in Playa del Carmen, and we promised to put them in touch with Andy and Jen to help build their network of supporters. The lifespan of these fragile creatures is 30-40 years and they have no chance of survival outside of the care of Heidi and Joel and the security provided by The Jungle Place. This endeavor is truly a lifetime commitment.

Connor saying goodbye with the secret monkey handshake.

After a bit of conversation and exploration of their amazing palapa home we went to visit the male monkeys. Many of these poor creatures had been so abused and malnourished that they will never fully recover emotionally. It was interesting to see the vast differences in personalities and mannerisms and be able to clearly pick out which ones are "not all there", so to speak. Despite repeated warnings to stay out of the reach of long monkey arms, one of them, Chucky, managed to get ahold of my hair. Unlike the playful females who may tug at your hair out of curiousity, the males are aggressive, strong and they are playing for keeps. My scalp is still tender today!

One of the enclosures is over 30 feet tall.

More of the labyrinth of cages and chutes.

The "unfinished symphony" . A building project that took a backseat to cage repairs after hurricane Wilma. Funds raised from visitors will go a long way toward finishing this remarkable guest cottage.

We reluctantly bid our farewells, promising not only to return soon, but to get the word out, in our own way, to as many locals and visitors as possible. If you have children, this is an experience not to be missed. Even if you don't have children, if you love the Riviera Maya for all of its exotic flora and fauna, this is an opportunity to preserve a small piece of that unspoiled beauty and support a worthy enterprise. Looking for a way to take in the natural resources of this region? An outing that is more authentic and economical ($15 dollars per person) than Xel Ha or Xcaret? Why not spend a morning with the spider monkeys, take a dip in the nearby cenote Xunan Ha, grab a delicious pizza to go at Leo's Pizza in Chemuyil and then spend a lazy afternoon on one of the most beautiful and remote stretches of beach in all the Riviera Maya, Xcacel. I guarantee you will come away with the feeling that you really experienced some of the best of what Quintana Roo has to offer its more inquisitive and adventurous visitors.

Chan Chemuyil Price Increase - March 1, 2008

435836 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:17:00 GMT

This just in from Bill Mabra and BG Realty in Chemuyil.

Greetings from sunny and warm CHEMUYIL MEXICO!

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

March 1, 2008 Chan Chemuyil homes will have a price increase from $39,900usd to $49,900usd

Now before everyone gets their (you know whats) in a wad--we are going to this price so that we can INCLUDE many things that everyone pays separately for right now.

The new price will include ALL closing costs ($5000usd) and also will include the following items:

-Water heater installed and hot water line run to the kitchen

-Gas tank, gas lines installed and gas tank filled and ready for connection to stove and connected to water heater

-Electric conversion to 220v

-Water deposit paid and city water turned on

-Electric deposit paid and electricity turned on

-Home cleaned, repaired if necessary, and power-washed

-Screens installed for all windows

When you add everything up we are only really having about a $2500 to $3000 price increase and now when someone buys they only have to purchase furniture, appliances, and AC if they want it to move in. This is truly a MOVE IN price as a person could literally move in when we are done.

SPREAD THE WORD---March 1, 2008 the new price goes into effect

Any contract in, either in person or via scanned/emailed and dated PRIOR to March 1, 2008 will obviously be honored. Any contract dated March 1, 2008 or later will be at the new price without exception.

Until next time . . .

Kind Regards,

Bill Mabra

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A Quiet, Cloudy Day in Chemuyil

435836 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:32:00 GMT

Rob and I were working with a Buyer yesterday in Chemuyil and rather than rush back to the office, we decided to take our time and stay for lunch. Here are some photos of the beach and the town of Chemuyil.

I love Xcacel beach on days like this. It reminds me of Rhode Island and makes me a bit homesick.

The guard shack at the entry to Xcacel. The beach is open to the public for a small donation which supports the caretakers of the property and the beach. They do not speak English but are very friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Help keep our turtles safe and coming back every year! For all of our new home owners in Chemuyil, your dogs are welcome, just 10 minutes or so north, on the beaches in Akumal. Just be sure to clean up after them so that privilege is not taken away.

A bench overlooking one of the cenotes in the Chemuyil subdivision. A nice quiet place to sit and watch the fish.

A lot of clean up work has been done in the areas in and around the two onsite cenotes. Here, at the second cenote, a small retaining wall has been built and the area laid with gravel.

The path through the jungle to the highway is now clearly cut in, allowing faster access to the beach.

Walking in from the path into the neighborhood.

Having missed lunch, we went into the town of Chemuyil to grab a quick bite. This sleepy little town practically shuts down during siesta.

La fruteria.

La Palapa Cockteleria.

Chemuyil Preschool.

One of the things I find unique about Chemuyil is the attention paid to both public and private green space. There are small seating areas and parks with shady trees and flowering bushed scattered throughout the town. Every home and restaurant has dozens of potted plants decorating their entrances and front yards.

Leo's Pizza was open for business, so we stopped in for a light lunch.

Totopos, fresh out of the deep frier and tangy salsa.

Fresh bread topped with mushrooms and melted manchego cheese.

Grilled chicken sandwich with all the fixin's and crisp fries.

The best sopa de mariscos I have ever had and an enormous, fresh naranjada.

The food was absolutely delicious and the staff could not be more friendly. All you lucky new homeowners in Chemuyil will really enjoy having this lovely town as your neighbor. Nice local restaurants, mini-supers, produce stands, video stores, bread makers...what more could you ask for.

Chemuyil Update Jan. 2008

435836 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Chemuyil Update Jan. 2008

435836 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Chemuyil Update Jan. 2008

435836 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:58:00 GMT

Chemuyil Update Jan. 2008

435836 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:57:00 GMT

Chemuyil Update Jan. 2008

435836 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:57:00 GMT