"Life's a Beach"

One of the advantages of having our children in both of the Waldorf Schools in Playa del Carmen is that we get to participate in two different festival schedules. El Papalote held their Posada for the preschool earlier this week and, last night, Ak Lu'um celebrated the Winter Solstice with a spiral garden and candle lighting ceremony. ...

Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. For better or worse, families in Playa del Carmen, Mexican or otherwise, seem to have adopted a decidedly “Americanized” version of this holiday. This year, more than ever, the stores are jam packed full of fake Christmas trees, ornaments, tiny ...

Every November, closely following Dia de los Muertos, the students of El Papalote School participate in a traditional celebration of San Martin. This festival, also known as Martinmas, recognizes Martin, originally a soldier in Roman army in the 4th century. The legends tells that one freezing winter night ...

Most people, knowing my disinterest in Halloween, are confused to learn that I really enjoy the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. As a matter of fact, this is my favorite holiday in my new home country and I look forward to it every year! Commonly known as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this is actually two holidays celebrated on the first ...

I'm not big on Halloween. There. I've said it. I wish I was like all my pals in Playa who plan and prepare their costumes 364 days a year in anticipation of October 31st. I love looking at all the pictures from the parties and marvel at the creativity of the costumes and make-up effects. I am envious of the imagination necessary to concoct ...

Pinche Gringo's Sports Bar provided the perfect venue for the Fall fundraiser for Ak Lu'um International School. Given the time of year and the incliment weather, we had no way of anticipating what a huge turn-out we would have for this event! Every seat in the house was filled with standing room only! We actually SOLD OUT all of our ...

Our great friend, Deb, managed to make a last minute trip from Oregon to Playa del Carmen just in time for the "alien invasion that wasn't" and her Birthday! What better way to celebrate another fabulous year than with a night of music and merriment at Bad Boys Beach Bar. Gal pals Diane and Tina made the trip south of the border as ...

Come one! Come all!!Jimmy Brown has kindly offered to allow us, the members of the Ak Lu’um Community, to hold a fundraiser at “The Pinche Gringo Sports Bar” on Friday October 24, 2008. I am hoping that you will all come on down for a night of music and fun to support this wonderful young school. Local musicians will be sharing ...

Well, the rain finally let up enough to allow Sarah and Adam to make their vows on the beautiful beach of the Sian Kaan. We met the newlyweds and their entourage later in Playa for an after party at Brad Ryans' place, The Mojo Zone. I was lucky to meet and talk to many of their close friends and relatives who came so far to share in their ...

This week, Dr. Taco celebrates five years in Playa del Carmen, serving up some of the best and freshest fast food in town! In the recently innaugurated space on 10th Avenue, Carlo, Cecilia and the whole crew threw a raucous party on Saturday night with copious cold cervezas and a dj spinning great tunes. There were lots of ...