Yucatan Living

Merida Events: Mother’s Day & Yucatones

Khaki Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:09:01 +0000

Cinco de Mayo, Día de la Madre and a Note about the Symphony

First of all… there will be no Symphony Orchestra Performance this week. The Symphony will be back next week, with four more performances in the last two weeks of May.

And of course… today is Cinco de Mayo, the day that the Mexican Army defeated the French in Puebla in 1862. We were surprised when we moved to the Yucatan that this holiday is not much celebrated here, because they sure make a big deal about it back home in California. Whether it is because it was a defeat of the French, and the Yucatecans like France, or because it wasn’t important… quien sabe? All we know is it isn’t a big holiday here. Even Wikipedia quotes a scholarly paper that says "The holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico." It goes on to say that the holiday has taken on additional meaning in California. To show you how important Mexico thinks it is, let’s just say the banks are open all day.

And most importantly… Saturday is Mother’s Day in Mexico. Regardless of the day of the week, Mother’s Day is always May 10 here. If you want to eat out with your mother or someone else’s on Saturday night, be sure to make reservations earlier in the week. It’s a very busy day for restaurants!

Monday (Lunes) May 5, 2008

Yoga Class
This lovely colonial home in the Centro has regular yoga classes, as well as a small giftshop and a garden for deep breathing after class.
Location: Calle 68 #470A x 55 y 57, Centro
Time: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 9:30 AM. Wednesday and Friday, Noon to 1:30 PM with Claudia Guerrero. Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 PM to 9 PM with Joan Sibila Burckle.
Admission: $75 pesos per class or $560 for 8 classes

Advanced Yoga Class - Garcia Gineres
Claudia Guerrero teaches yoga class to students who want to deepen their practice. She has studied in Italy and Mexico City and is a student of Vijana yoga and Orit Sen-Gupta in Israel.
Location: Calle 11 # 206 x 24 y 26 in Garcia Gineres
Time: 8 AM to 10 AM
Admission: Call 920 5361 for information

Conversaciones con Amigos (Conversations with Friends)
Practice Spanish or English with friends. Membership not necessary. The library really needs English-speaking participants, as word is getting out that this is a great place to learn English. It also happens to be a great place to learn Spanish, too, and to make some friends outside of the expat community. Come and participate!
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission: Small Donation

Vaqueria Folkloric Ballet
The signature dance of Yucatan, featuring the Jaranera Orchestra and the City Folkloric Ballet & Trova Yucateca.
Location: Ground floor of the Ayuntamiento in the Plaza Grande (the building with the clock).
Time: All Mondays 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) May 6, 2008

Yoga Class - Garcia Gineres
Claudia Guerrero teaches yoga class to beginning and intermediate students who want to deepen their practice. She has studied in Italy and Mexico City and is a student of Vijana yoga and Orit Sen-Gupta in Israel.
Location: Calle 11 # 206 x 24 y 26 in Garcia Gineres
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Call 920 5361 for information

Remembrance Musicals
This weekly dance has been held every Tuesday night since Valentine’s Day, 1984. Come on out and listen to the Big Band sounds of the 1940s, performed by the wonderful Jaranara Orchestra. Best of all, this is a great place to practice your chachachá and your mambo, or to just sit and watch the people of Merida enjoy dancing under the open skies.
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 at Calle 59
Time: Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

The Yucatones!
They’re baaaack! Just in case you didn’t get enough last time (and really, how could you?) The LEGENDARY Yucatones will be appearing again. Don’t miss your chance to become their biggest fan!
Location: Jazzin’ Merida, Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Movie: Civilian Victims: Butterfly’s Tongue
This Spanish movie was directed by Jose Luis Cuerda in 1999. Commentator: Mario Helguera Bolio and Raul H. Perez Navarette. It’s a magical coming-of-age story about a little boy in Spain during the Spanish Revolution. It won many awards in Spain and other countries when it came out in 2000.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday of Trova: Trio los Bohemios
Under the direction of Armando Carrillo… yet another night of lovely trova music!
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Classic Guitar Recital: Eduardo Cervera and Martha Colin
This young guitarist won an award as the best guitarist in Mexico. You can read more about him in Spanish on this article. Martha Colin is a well know flute player from the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra.
Location: Daniel Ayala Theater, Calle 60 x 61 and 59
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Unknown

Concert: Chamin Correa and Los Juglares
This is a young quartet that has been playing music together for almost 20 years - since they were small children, initially encouraged by their parents. Today, they are the most internationally traveled of all the musical groups in Yucatan. Chamin Correa is a very famous singer and guitar player. Listen to his music here.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 63 and 59
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Unknown

Wednesday (Miércoles) May 7, 2008

Wednesday in Concert: Flores de Otono (Flowers of Autumn)
Under the direction of Rosa Maria Herrera Sosa
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Mercer Cigar Jazz Nite
This Wednesnay at Mercer Cigar, Jazz Jam Session.
Location:Prolongacion Montejo 85-3, 15 y 17, Colonia Mexico (next to La Parilla)
Time: 8 PM

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida
Tonite, Romeo Rodriguez Band. Don’t miss this fabulous Jazz Trio.
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Thursday (Jueves) May 8, 2008

100th Anniversary of the Ex- Federal Palace and the Post Office
We now know this lovely old building in its new life as the Museum of the City of Merida. However, it has a long and illustrious history and everyone is invited to come and share in celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Tonight, the opening of the photographic exhibit: Historic Panorama will take place and visitors will be treated to a performance of “Tertulia 1908" by the Provincial Ballet Company, under the direction of Victor Salas.
Location: Museum of the City of Merida, Calle 65 at Calle 58
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Yoga Class - Garcia Gineres
Claudia Guerrero teaches yoga class to beginning and intermediate students. She has studied in Italy and Mexico City and is a student of Vijana yoga and Orit Sen-Gupta in Israel.
Location: Calle 11 # 206 x 24 y 26 in Garcia Gineres
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Call 920 5361 for information

To Remember is to Live
This is a dance that begins early and ends at a reasonable hour. Music is provided by the Jaranara Orchestra with their signature Big Band sound.
Location: Parque Zoológico del Centenario (The Zoo), Calle 59 at Avenida Itzaes
Time: 4:00 PM
Admission: free

AA Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 7:00 PM

Classic Foreign Language Cinema Double Feature
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 at Calle 61
Admission: Free

First Feature: Lili Marleen
(Germany, 1980) The story of love and intrigue in Nazi Germany is one of the most famous from that time. The cast includes Mel Ferrer, Hanna Schygulla, and the movie’s director is Ranier Werner Fassbinder.
Time: 6:00 PM

Second Feature: Las Brujas (The Witches)
(Italy, 1967) This film consists of five stories about witches, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Vittorio de Sica and others. Mostly Italian actors, with one notable exception: Clint Eastwood. Probably in Italian with Spanish subtitles.
Time: 8:00 PM

Poker Night at Mercer Cigars
Thursday night is poker night at Mercer Cigars. Everyone who participates gets a free Cuban cigar. Complimentary refreshments will be served, and beer, wine, food and cigars are available. Call for more information or to reserve your spot!
Location: Prolongacion Montejo 85-3, 15 y 17, Colonia Mexico (next to La Parilla)
Time: 8:30 P.M.
Phone: 944-3647

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida

Tonite’s performance is by Sergio Aguilar and the Fusion Power Quartet.
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Yucatan Serenade of Santa Lucia
This is the defining serenade of Merida and has been performed every Thursday night for over 40 years. Parque Santa Lucia is the center of Merida’s romantic heart – and has the alter to prove it. If you are a visitor, make sure to get to this particular serenade. It is well worth being part of your first memory of Merida.
Location: Parque de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 at Calle 55
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) May 9, 2008

The Children’s Choir of Wallis sings “These Voices are for You”
This performance is by a children’s choir that we usually see only in the Spring and early Summer. Their talent makes this the “must see” event for the night.
Location: Jose Marti Cultural Center / Parque de las Americas, Calle 20 at Avenida Colon
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Three Kings of Belize
(Canada-Belize, 2007) In a small Central American country with a population of 270,000, three veteran musicians share moments of their daily lives with us.
Paul Nabor, 79 year old fisherman and legendary Garifuna composer has played the same guitar for 53 years. Even though he has forgotten most of his songs, his spirit remains strong. Florencio Mess, a Maya harp player, spends his solitude making traditional violins, guitars and harps as he awaits for his next trip outside his small village. Creole accordionist, Wilfred Peters, is proud to have played for the Queen of England, his ineffable charm and humor is his ideal antidote for the old age.
Location: La 68, Calle 68 # 470a x 55
Time: 9 PM
Admission: $20 pesos

Movie: Rio Bravo
(United States, 1959) Famous Western starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Ricky Nelson. A small town sheriff enlists the help of a cripple, a drunk, and a kid.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida
Tonite’s music features Rene Monte Rosa, local jazz pianist that is developing quite a local following. He plays both standards and originals.
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Saturday (Sabado) May 10, 2008

Mother’s Day
Today is Mother’s Day in Mexico, where it always falls on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. Look for everyone carrying flowers to give to every mother they know, not just their own. And if you want to eat out tonite, we hope you made reservations earlier in the week!

Children’s Story Hour
MEL is always in need of additional volunteers for the Children’s Story Hour on Saturday mornings. A time for reading children’s books in English and Spanish.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 10:00 AM Every Saturday morning
Admission: Free

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)
Each Saturday night, there is a performance on an outdoor stage here, often from a musical or dance group from another part of Mexico . Chairs are set up for the audience, but there is often standing room only. Booths selling food and handcrafts are set up in the park. The purpose of this performance is to bring all of Mexico to Merida and to our tourists from all over the world.
Location: Beginning of Paseo Montejo, Calle 56 A between 47 and 49
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Children’s Art Show and Contest
Today, as part of this week’s 100th Anniversary festivities, the Museum of the City of Merida is hosting a children’s art show and contest. These works are described as drawings. We have been to other children’s drawing expositions and they were spectacular.
Location: Museum of the City, Calle 65 at Calle 58
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: El Dorado
(United States, 1967) Another great Western movie, starring (who else?) John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and James Caan. A veteran gun-for-hire drifts into a small town to work for the local cattle rancher. Instead, he decides to team up with the local sheriff, who is an old friend of his.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Sister Helen
(EUA, 2003) Sister Helen is not your average nun. In fact, there is nothing average about this story. After the death of her husband and two sons, Helen got herself sober and joined the Benedictine order of nuns. Though in her late sixties, she opened a private home for recovering addicts and alcoholics in the South Bronx, where she lives, along with twenty-one men.
Location: La 68, Calle 68 # 470a x 55
Time: 9 PM
Admission: $20 pesos

En El Corazón de Mérida(In the Heart of Merida)
Live music, including jazz, salsa and trova, held on various stages around the Plaza Grande. Many of the streets leading to the Plaza are closed to all but foot traffic, and the restaurants and bars put their chairs and tables outside in the streets. This is a night designed for that Saturday night date, but they’ve got all of the shops open for business too.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: Saturday nights, from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Admission: Free

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida
Tonite Toriya Mareya again graces the stage with her unique brand of Latin Jazz. Don’t miss the chance to see this world-renowned jazz musician who has chosen to spend a few months in Merida… lucky us!!
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Sunday (Domingo) May 11, 2008

A Play Date for Dogs
The popular play date for dogs is getting very popular! Last week, we had eight dogs all getting to know each other (we call that ’socializing’ and it’s very important for dogs… ) Come and join us, and of course, bring your four-legged and most loyal friend. Have a neighbor with a dog that is shut in all the time? Offer to bring the dog (and the neighbor!). Its hot outside, and we have some shade, but don’t forget to bring water for you and for your dog.
Location: Calle 75 #507 between 62 and 64 (behind a big metal door, that now has a sign…knock!)
Time: 7:30 AM
Admission: Free for now. We’re going to discuss a future dog park!

Documentary: Title TBA
This week’s documentary is yet to be announced, but each film is always relevant and well worth attending.
Location: Museum of Natural History, Calle 59, just east of Avenida Itzaes
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

The Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta begins early, at 8:00 AM, though we see them setting up as early as 7:00 am, and ends at noon. The route usually begins in Ermita, but there is construction there right now, so we’re guessing it starts in San Juan, passes through the Centro up Calle 60 and then travels down Paseo de Montejo, to include Fiesta Americana. If you want to play chess, go to the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo de Montejo at 9 am and pick up a game! There is a complete listing of activities, including sports, music, and craft events on the Bici-Ruta website
Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, through the Plaza Grande and Ends at the glorieta on Prolongation Paseo Montejo (by Burger King).
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Mérida en Domingo
Sunday downtown is a spectacular tradition in Mérida. Start at the center of town, where booths are set up all around the Plaza Grande. Inside the plaza, you can find huipiles, guayaberas, honey, dolls, bags, tee-shirts… and everything is made for sale by the local people of the Yucatan. The outer ring of booths are selling food: marquesitas, tacos, cochinita, ice cream (try the coconut), fruit, drinks, etc. If the crowd starts to get to you, wander up Calle 60 to Santa Lucia Park (at Calle 55), where you can also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. At that lovely park, there is also live music, lots of dancing, and great food.
Location: In the Centro Historico: Plaza Grande, Parque Santa Lucia (Calle 60 x 55) and MACAY Museum (Calle 60 between 61 and 63)
Time: 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM
Admission: Free, of course…

Sunday Art on Paseo de Montejo
Every Sunday there are artists displaying and selling their fine art along Paseo Montejo. There are usually 20 or more artists showing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and more. This is your chance to meet the artists, see what’s new and maybe pick up something great for those big empty walls in your new renovated home in Merida or that house by the beach.
Location: Paseo de Montejo in front of VIPS (on the southeast corner of Avenida Colon, across from WalMart)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free

Sunday at the MACAY
There is a musical concert in the garden at the MACAY Museum, just off the Paseo de la Revolución next to the main cathedral. If the Merida en Domingo crowd starts to get to you, go to the museum (entrance is free). Sit around the fountain or walk through the galleries and listen to the live music.
Location: In the Garden at the MACAY (next to the Cathedral)
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free

Yucatan News: Flowers, Fire & Koreans

Khaki Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:49:40 +0000

Notice: U.S. Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting

The American Citizen Services Department of the U.S. Consulate in Merida will be holding a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 10:00 AM at the Palacio de Gobierno (Governors Palace) in Progreso, Yucatan. With hurricane season on the horizon, the U.S. Consulate is teaming up with Yucatan state officials to use this meeting to bring Civil Defense and emergency preparedness information to American citizens. Consulate officials will provide tips on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. In addition, Yucatan’s Civil Protection agency will brief participants on potential emergencies, as well as on the local alert system used to communicate with the public. Tourism officials will be on hand to answer questions. American Citizen Services cordially invites everyone to attend and asks that this invitation be passed on to other American citizen residents and U.S. tourists. Yucatan Living will continue to bring you news of future Town Hall Meetings held by American Citizen Services. For this Town Hall Meeting, please RSVP: meridacons [at] state [dot] gov

English Language Newspaper

The News is a daily Mexican newspaper, published in English in Mexico City. It was defunct for awhile, but began publishing again last October. It is sold at the newspaper stand that’s just down from the door of the Olimpo. The paper’s website requires a subscription, but does not deliver in Yucatan. Perhaps getting in touch with the paper’s local contact will ensure an ample supply of papers, or even local delivery. He is: Manuel Fernando Magaña López (Calle 120A No. 357 x69 y 69 C. Fracc. Yucalpetén 97238).

Mark Bittman Defines Yucatan

We’ve never heard it said any better! Merida’s own David Sterling, owner of Los Dos Cooking School, recently had a visitor - Mark Bittman, best selling cookbook writer and author of the "Minimalist," which runs weekly in the New York Times. Mr. Bittman defined Yucatan perfectly: "The Yucatán, which feels as Caribbean as it does Mexican, is to Mexico as Alsace is to France, as Sicily is to Italy, as Hawaii is to the United States: formally a part of the union, but culturally quite distinct, and with a well-preserved sense of identity."

If Mr. Bittman is that intuitive about our state, then his cookbooks must be spectacular! Order locally from Amate Books or order Mark Bittman’s books here from Amazon (supports Yucatan Living).

Yucatecan Fusion Cuisine

Speaking of defining Yucatan, we also ran across a blog by another of David Sterling’s visitors, Deborah Pankey, Food Editor at Chicago’s Daily Herald. She has a great article about Yucateco food and cooking that includes recipes. In her article, the esteemed owner of Los Dos Cooking School is quoted as describing the food found in Yucatan as beginning with a Mayan platform and piled high with European "stuff." Ms Pankey notes that this is the definition of "fusion" and must mean that the food in our state should be renamed "fusion cuisine." We whole-heartedly agree!

Fiesta and Tulips in Holland, Michigan

In our Internet travels, while researching "Flowers For Sale" (at the end of this column), we ran across the lovely little city of Holland, Michigan. Holland is not only home to 6 million tulips, a huge Tulip Time Spring Festival and Working Gringa’s aunt Myra, but it is also the home of Fiesta, one of the longest running events in Western Michigan. The two festivals take place at the same time so anyone in the area of Holland the first week in May is missing a grand time if they miss this double-dipper, 8 day event. In addition, Holland is home to Latin Americans United for Progress. Yucatan Living salutes Holland, Michigan, for its devotion to building a truly multicultural community.

Mexico’s Answer to Paris and Nicole

We should have seen this one coming. If you have begun to believe that the word "Mexico" is actually defined as "richer, prettier, bigger, better, faster, more fashionable, and generally more-more-more," you are probably not far off the mark… and now Mexico is going to have its own answer to Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. The reality show’s name is "Glam Girls" and will star 4 wealthy socialites and 2 of their "less fortunate" friends. Just one more example of Mexico not only coming up on the outside fast, but passing everyone else at about 200 mph. The show starts in June and is going to be pay-per-view. We’re just going to have to watch… at least once.

**A Quinceanera for 300 in D.F.**

A bit of cultural schizophrenia must be floating through the air in the offices of Yucatan Living. After lamenting the creation of "Glam Girls," we received an article about a quinceanera (15th birthday/coming out party) for 300 young ladies in Mexico City. Our immediate response was "How precious!" and "We need something like that here!" Then, we stopped to consider the issue. Do we really want our young ladies to grow up thinking of themselves as "princesses?" Like true Yucatecos, we want all of our boys and girls to feel as if the whole world is theirs and that all they have to do to claim it is study as much as they can and work as hard as they can. If they are willing to take the world we have left them and move it forward into the future, they should all have a quinceanera. It is a right of passage… the stuff of dreams - and they all deserve to have their dreams come true.

Two Colorado Girl Scouts Earn Gold Awards in Mexico

The Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts. Two Evergreen, Colorado, young ladies have earned their Gold Awards with service to the people of Mexico. Kelly Drumright translated several pages of hearing aid-related documents from English to Spanish and interpreted for audiologists while on a medical mission trip to the Yucatan for the nonprofit organization "A Chance to Hear." Devon Swanson spent her Spring Break in Mexico, teaching English to 15 local children and helping to paint their library. We would like to congratulate both girls, their parents, and the community that produced them. We hope other Girl Scouts will want to come to our state and build even more relationships between the young people of the U.S. and Yucatan.

Butte County, CA, Firefighters Teach in Quintana Roo

American firefighters, many from Butte County, CA, just north of Sacramento, have come to the Mayan Riviera for the past seven years to train local firefighters. This year training concentrated on emergency medical services, heavy rescue/vehicle extrication techniques and fire apparatus maintenance and repair. The problem, say the American firefighters, is booming growth due to tourism, and an inability of smaller cities and towns to keep up with the needs created by such rapid growth. Some of the fire equipment in Quintana Roo has been donated by U.S. fire departments. Fire and the risk of fire are taken quite seriously in the State of Yucatan which, thankfully and due to weather patterns, has only a little more than half the risk of fire that is present in Quintana Roo. However, our risk for fire does still exist and is usually precipitated by out of control agricultural and/or trash burning. Toward protecting the citizens of Yucatan, there are more than 40 fire brigades located throughout the state.

The fire department in Yucatan asks that citizens please comply with the following rules in order to keep us all safe from the risk of fire:

Do not throw lit cigarettes or matches on roads or in paths
Use precaution when using matches, candles, fuel and fireworks
When driving by a fire, please slow down and turn on your lights so others can see you through the smoke
Do not throw bottles or glass objects on roads or in vacant lots
Do not overload electrical outlets
Please weed your land and courtyards

In addition, those involved in agriculture are asked to check with their nearest police station to find out when they can conduct agricultural burning, and are also asked to keep both their neighbors and the police informed as to when they have actually decided to conduct such burning.
The toll free numbers for reporting a fire are: 066 or 01-800-685-8989 or (from a cellphone) Send 118.

Ninos y Crias Bulletin and Camp

The new bulletin, just in from Ninos y Crias, is all about preventing forest fires this month. It also has an article about the Yucatecan Wren and, for the little ones, a precious page of wrens to color. You can print it here. For you older "kiddos" (at least 16 years of age), Ninos y Crias has a camp that might be of interest to you. They ask that you be able to devote at least 3 weeks to the camp. Activities will include keeping data on flamingos, banding flamingos, and reforestation. Activities are located in the Ria Largatos area. The overall program runs from the 15th of May until the 15th of October each year. More information can be found on the Ninos y Crias website (in Spanish).

Mexico Will Avoid Food Shortages

Global warming, the increasing demand for ethanol and who knows what else are causing food shortages around the world, as well as the violence that comes with starvation. Winters are too cold and summers are too hot. Rain is turning to floods and lack of rain to full-blown droughts. Using food crops to produce ethanol has already become catastrophic for the poor (see Ethanol Controversy). The Director of the United Nations World Food Program says this combination of factors is the equivalent of a "quiet tsunami" and has the potential to end in starvation of 100 million people around the world. The Mexican Government has announced that the yellow caution light is on in Mexico, but that they are taking steps in advance to ensure that it never turns to a red alert. Grain reserves are being increased and more resources than ever are being poured into rural agricultural development. What can we do to help? We can buy as much as we can directly from local producers so that our pesos go directly back into the support and development of our own agricultural sector. It isn’t much, but its a start and we will try to find other ways for expats to help and bring those to you as well.

Bats, Birds, Caves, & Histoplasmosis

Did you know that there are a total of 55 different kinds of bats in the State of Yucatan? After long years of public education about how good bats are for the environment, many have forgotten that there is also a significant risk of contracting a very serious lung disease from inhaling air that contains the dust from large quantities of bat or bird droppings. In 2001, as Japanese researchers began exploring the caves in the southeastern part of our state, a researcher and her husband returned to Japan with acute pulmonary cave-associated histoplasmosis after spending three weeks in caves where bats roost. With the increase in tourism and eco-tourism certain to turn attention to caving in Yucatan, individuals new to this type of tourist experience should be careful to avoid caves where large numbers of bats or birds roost.

No Private Beaches in the State of Yucatan

This is the end of the story of what happens when someone tries to create a private beach in the State of Yucatan. According to reports, three years ago, a restaurant that sits virtually on a beach in the State of Yucatan decided to rope off the section of beach closest to it on cruise ship day. In the first place, all beaches in Mexico are public beaches and the path of the people is not to be hindered. In the second place, no matter what happens in other parts of the nation, the State of Yucatan will enforce all laws concerning its beaches. After three years of going through all of the proper channels, the people of Yucatan once again have an unhindered path along their own public beach - even on cruise ship day.

Korean Yucatecos: 100 Years of History

Did your ancestors come to the U.S. or Canada from somewhere else? Does that make you any less American or Canadian? Of course not, and the Koreans in Yucatan are as much Yucatecos as any other ethnic group here. In 1905, Korea’s government was unstable and Yucatan’s henequen plantation owners were working Mayans to death faster than their birth rate could replace them. A slave trader, disguised as a businessman, went to Korea and tricked 1,033 Koreans into thinking they would be working on sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. In fact, they ended up as slaves on henequen plantations in Yucatan. If such a thing is possible, they were treated even worse than the Mayans. In 1909, with the help of a Korean-American attorney, they won their freedom but could not go home because Korea had been taken over by Japan and they were refused entrance. There was no other place for them to go, so they stayed and continued to work for the haciendas under even worse conditions than before. During their captivity, a Methodist church in California sent them a Methodist Korean missionary, Whang Sa-Young, who rode his mule throughout the state and brought the Korean people hope for a better future. On May 9, 1909, Whang Sa-Young and another Methodist minister, Bang Hwa-Jung, helped the now free Koreans of Yucatan form their own chapter of the Korean National Association in Merida. Life has not been easy for Koreans in Yucatan because, as slaves, they began on the lowest rung of the social order. Many are still stuck in rural poverty, but others have made their way through all levels of Yucateco society and their names are now recognizable at the highest levels of the arts, business, and government. As Korean-Yucatecos begin a year-long celebration of their 100 years of history in this country, Yucatan Living would like to congratulate them on a job well done! To read a short paper about Korean history in Yucatan, click here, and here for an article about their minister, Whang Sa-Young.

Flowers For Sale

The southern part of the State of Yucatan is home to many commercial horticulture and ornamental growers. However, there are also a number of housewives who raise flowers for sale at their homes.
These side businesses add to the income of the housewife-growers’ families and gives us an opportunity to know that our pesos are going directly back into the economy of Yucatan. Here are just two of these talented ladies and their wares.
Producer: Clotilde Cano Quijano, Calle 33 x 46 y 48, Tzucacab
Available Plants:
lirios (Iris - variety unknown)
Orquideas Amarillas (Yellow)
Palmeras Kerpis (Adonidia Merrillii)
Tulipanes (Tulips)
Palmera Real
Ficus (variety unknown)
Adelfa (Oleander)
Cinta
Cica (Sago Palm)
Copa de Oro (Cup of Gold climbing vine)
Cuna de Moisés (great "filler" plant inside or out)
Narciso (Narcissus)
A variety of rosas (roses)
Dalias (perfect for a cut flower garden)
Flor de Noche Buena (Flower of Christmas Eve - Poinsettia)
Cola de Gallo (Rooster Tail, aka Bird of Paradise)
Galan de Noche (Gallant at Night, aka Night Blooming Jasmine)
Producer: Cristina Valladares Barbosa, Colonia San Víctor, Oxkutzcab - 3 km out of town on the short road between Oxkutzcab and Loltún. Plants are guaranteed.
Available Plants:
12 colors of Kalancho!
Despeinadas ("messed up hair" aka Mexican Ponytail Palm)
Galanteo (Gallantry) which opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon
Belén ("Bethlehem" aka Impatiens - in various colors, including a pink variegated - priced up to $50 pesos)
Cuna de Moisés (great "filler" plant inside or out)
Pino Dorado (Golden Pine - prices begin at $350 pesos)

Tulipanes (Tulips - Imperial and Japanese) {By the way - Did you know? Holland, Michigan celebrates both Latino and Dutch cultures: Fiesta! and the world-renown Tulip Time.}
Pluma del Indio (Plume of the Indian)
Groto (an orchid - usually blue)
Arboricola (Schefflera)
Violeta (African Violets - $80 pesos)
Helecho Japonés
Hoja del zopilote (large leaf mahogany), green plants used for shade, Japanese ferns,
and bougainvillea in all the colors
This grower also sells hoja del sapito(leaf frogs), salamandra (salamanders), and mariposa (butterflies).

When we first read about these two ladies in El Diario, we had to smile when one of them said "It was previously believed that only huaches (the local expression for people who moved here from Mexico City) would buy these kinds of ornamental plants." Over the course of the past five years, we have watched in amazement as all of Yucatan has come alive with gardening in every area of interest. We doubt that any population has ever embraced gardening as Yucatecos have. For those who are interested, there are quite a few garden clubs in Yucatan, including rose and orchid societies.

Death in A Foreign Country

Working Gringos — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:04:47 +0000

We’re lucky enough to be good friends with two of the three women who did the research for a new brochure about preparing for your death in a foreign country. Lorna Gail Dallin was the manager of the Merida English Library when we first moved here, and our neighbor at the time. Martha Lindley has only lived here for a little over a year, but she was our neighbor when we were renting, waiting for our house to be finished. We don’t know Cheryl Caddy, but from the story she told about why she got involved in this project, it seems we also have some things in common. While death isn’t a popular topic of discussion, it is an important one (especially for those of us far from loved ones), and these three women have brought their thoroughness, practicality, organization, and sense of humor to bear on this subject, for the benefit of all of us.

The Final Adios is the name of this small pamphlet (or a PDF file downloadable here) that outlines what preparations you can make to prepare your survivors for dealing with the monton (huge pile) of paperwork that will be required in the event of your death in what is to you a foreign land. The group presented the pamphlet and the information in it to the Merida Men’s Club, the Merida English Library and to the International Women’s Club in Merida, where we joined them for their final presentation.

Cheryl stood up first to explain why they had researched this subject in the first place. She and her husband live here in Merida, but their daughter and heir lives in the United States. As she put it, one day Cheryl had a disturbing vision of her tear-stained daughter’s face as she arrived in Merida after she and her husband had both died unexpectedly. In her waking dream, her daughter had come to take care of matters. Cheryl’s daughter doesn’t speak Spanish, she doesn’t know how to get to their house, she didn’t have the keys if she did know and she didn’t know in which bank they kept their money. Suddenly, Cheryl realized that if she loved her daughter, she must do something to make her daughter’s work in the midst of her grief just a little bit easier. Listening to her that morning, we identified with this vision, as our own daughter had called us just a few months ago, worried about the same possibility.

To understand what needed to be prepared, Cheryl joined with Lorna Gail and Martha to investigate. Early on, they agreed that once they had the information, they would share it with the local expat community in Merida. The three of them spent countless hours talking with government officials (Mexican, American and Canadian), visiting funeral parlors and talking with others who had gone through the experience. They distilled what they learned into The Final Adios, a short document about dying in the Yucatan that tells you everything you need to know to prepare for your death.

Martha and Lorna Gail presented the document, mentioning a few important points, such as the need for an apostille (a special seal) on official documents for Americans, and the importance of having all documents translated into Spanish by an official translator (all this is covered in the document). They also reminded us of some things we might overlook, like preparing our survivors for the shock of dealing with a different culture. Martha suggested we tell our loved ones that the workers in the funeral parlor will probably be dressed in t-shirts, not tuxedos, and that is not a sign of disrespect nor an indication of their abilities. Instead it is an indication of how much a part of daily life they consider death to be here in Mexico.

For those of us who live here, but whose families live "there", what they have prepared is a valuable roadmap for a project we should probably all undertake. It is also a good synopsis to have on hand for your successors. It includes instructions on who to call depending on where the person in question died, what to expect from a funeral parlor, who in Merida are the official document translators, what documents need to be collected and translated and more.

If you live here, no matter how old you are, we encourage you to read it and then do the work. As Lorna Gail reminded everyone, if you don’t do it, everything will happen anyway. With all the paperwork in order, your survivors might be able to dispose of your body within 24 hours. Without the right paperwork, it can take up to a week or more. It might take years for judges to decide what to do with your Mexican property if you don’t leave instructions, but with the right paperwork, it will happen a lot faster.

If you do your homework now, however, you are leaving a final gift for your survivors, making their days after your death that much easier. As the title suggests, whatever preparation you have done beforehand is, from you to them, the final Adios.

Editors Note: The Final Adios brochure will be available at the Merida English Library while they last. Now and ever after, it will also be available as a downloadable and printable PDF right here on Yucatan Living. We encourage anyone who has useful information on this subject to leave their comments to this article for the edification of the whole community.

Download and print The Final Adios (4.2 MB PDF)

Download and print the Emergency Info Form (4.1 MB PDF)

Merida Events: May Day & Children’s Day

Khaki Scott — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:48:35 +0000

Cinco de Mayo

This Wednesday is the official Children’s Day, which is not an official holiday and everything should still be open. International Worker’s Day is May 1 and it is a big day in Mexico. All schools, banks, government offices and many stores will be closed. Actually, school is closed all week!

The three event notices just below have not, as yet, listed performance dates. Sometimes, these announcements come just days before the events take place. We also roll over into a new month this week, so it will be mid-week before state and city announcements reach us. We will make dates and times available as soon as we know them, so please check back often for updates.

May 1 - June 1: Music Festival of May: A Tribute to Luis Demetrio Este
Concerts will be held throughout the state and will include Rock, Jazz, Sacred, and Alternative Music. While you might think you do not know this award winning Yucateco songwriter, think again. His work was a favorite of Eydie Gorme, Billy Vaughn, and Dean Martin. Demetrio began his musical career playing the harmonica at the age of 3 and was a nationally recognized composer at the age of 12. After that, there were 50 years of songs and international awards. This festival should give us some wonderful memories of this most talented favorite son of Merida and Estado de Yucatan.

May 1 - May 5: 14th Seminario Latinoamericano de Educacion Musical (LatinAmerican Seminary of Music Education)
This conference is about the integration of Latin American music into musical education, with the citizens and visitors of Yucatan as the beneficiaries of several wonderful performances. In addition to workshops and conferences, there will also be free concerts from the 1st through the 5th of May in cultural theaters and centers throughout the state.

May: XIV International Festival of Avant Garde Contemporary Dance
This festival is designed for the creation and presentation of the many styles and expressions of contemporary dance both in Mexico and throughout the world. Performances will take place throughout the month of May.

Monday (Lunes) April 28, 2008

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro
This restaurant serves food for everyone, including vegetarians. Enjoy live trova performances all week long. Best of all – great food and no cover charge! Tonite, Luis Caballero sings.
Location: Calle 59 x 60 and 62
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Son, Bolero and Rock and Roll
What is it? We’re not sure! But it must be big, because it’s at the Peon Contreras. And it must be fun, judging by the poster. Are you up for an adventure?
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 9 PM
Admission: $70 and $50 pesos

Tuesday (Martes) April 29, 2008

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro

Tonite Luis Caballero serenades the diners at Restaurante Amaro. but you don’t have to eat to enjoy it. This restaurant serves food for everyone, including vegetarians. Enjoy live trova performances all week long.
Location: Calle 59 x 60 and 62
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday of Trova: Trio Trova Nova

Always a favorite, Trio Trova Nova can be expected to provide audiences with an excellent evening of
entertainment.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miércoles) April 30, 2008

Children’s Day
Today is the actual Children’s Day, but if you live here, you’ve already been seeing activities put on by the city and state for entertaining the little ones. We expect they will go on all this week and throughout next weekend too.

Wednesday in Concert: Trio Sur (Jazz)
This trio is under the direction of Carlos Rodriguez, whose name is synonymous with Jazz in Yucatan. To give you a hint of what is in store for you tonight, the slogan on this band’s website is "It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!" Their schedule can be found here.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro
Tonite, Fito Haro brings live trova to the outdoor courtyard. This restaurant serves food for everyone, including vegetarians.
Location:Calle 59 between 60 and 62
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Free

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida
Tonite, Jazzbe, a local trio with Jeff Kipperman and Arturo Guzman. Don’t miss it!
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Thursday (Jueves) May 1, 2008

Worker’s Day
The United States celebrates Labor Day. The rest of the world celebrates International Worker’s Day, or May Day. The celebration of this day, which is halfway between a solstice and an equinox, has been celebrated since ancient times with rituals such as Beltane in the Celtic world and Walpurgis Night in Germany. Now, as International Worker’s Day, the celebration originally commemorated the winning of the 8-hour day for workers in Chicago, but the United States gave up celebrating May 1 when the day was appropriated by the Soviet Union (or so they felt…). You can read more about it on Wikipedia and here. Mexico celebrates Workers Day mostly by not working. We just love this country!

AA Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 7:00 PM

Classical Thursday: Performer TBA
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at 62
Time: 9:00 PM

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida

Tonite Hugo Gutierrez and Romeo Rodriguez play together for the first time. They are both pianists and will play the best of their music together.
Location: Calle 56 #465 x 53 y 55
Time: Opens 8 PM, Live performances at 9 and 10:50 PM
Phone: 924-5628

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro

Tonite Fito Haro serenades in the central courtyard. This restaurant serves food for everyone, including vegetarians. Enjoy live trova performances all week long.
Location:Calle 59 x 60 and 62
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) May 2, 2008

Denis Lafoy’s TGIF
This is the party sponsored by Yucatan Trails Travel Agency that is held in La Hach Bar in Fiesta Americana on even numbered first Friday nights. It is a time to see old friends and meet new ones. There is nothing any prettier than the huge patio outside of La Hach, suspended between the stars and the lights of the city, in one of the finest hotels in Yucatan. Don’t miss this!
Location: La Hach Bar, Fiesta Americana Hotel, at the corner of Calle 60 at Ave. Colón
Time: Happy Hour is 6-9:00 PM, botanas (snacks) are provided.
Admission: Free (cash bar)

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro

Tonite Angelica Balado and Melina Ruz bring their female energy and beautiful voices for your listening pleasure.
Location: Calle 59 x 60 and 62
Time: 10 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Segundo Siglo (Second Century)
A comedy about a crew of Mexican filmmakers who make a pilgrimage through the Southern Highlands of Scotland, while carrying all their film equipment on their backs. Segundo Siglo includes an ironic touch with its own "making of" and reflections about the fleetingness of life, the sadness of death and the state of filmmaking as it moves into its second century. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Location: La 68, Calle 68 # 470a x 55
Time: 9 PM
Admission: $20 pesos

Gala concert: Venezuela en si (Venezuela Itself)

This special concert is part of the Musical Festival of May. Anatoli Zatin and Vlada Vassileva (pianist) present a tour of percussion instruments and dance from Venezuela. Tickets are on sale at the theater.

Location:Jose Peón Contreras Theater, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 8 PM
Admission: Unknown

Musical Ensemble Bells from Barquisimiento
This ensemble consists of players from Barquisimento, Venezuela and has been performing since 2001. They will perform alongside young singer-songwriters Gina Osorno, Maria San Felipe, Andres Tinoco and Hugo Borges, accompanied by the traditional dancers from Casa de la Cultura del Mayab.
Location: Casa de la Cultura del Mayab, Calle 63 between 64 and 66.
Time: 8:30 PM

Admission: Unknown

Saturday (Sabado) May 3, 2008

Contemporary Dance: Cecilia Colacrai
Dancer, choreographer and contemporary dance professor Cecilia Colacrai graduated from the Instituto Superior de Danza Isabel Taboga (Argentina). She teaches and dances in Spain. Now she is in Mexico has part of the Avant Garde Festival and presents her Dance-Theater show called Sola (Alone).
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 between Calle 59 and 61
Time: 7 PM

Admission: Unknown

Young Musicians from Artene

These musical children have represented Mexico in an endless number of congresses and artistic events outside of Mexico. They come from Artene Musical School in Mexico City. Tickets on sale at the box office.
Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theater, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 8 PM

Admission: Unknown

Recital: Horacio Franco

Horacio is one of the most successful Mexican classic musicians. Hhe plays old, folkloric, contemporary and popular music with a flute. Learn more about him on his website.
Location: Daniel Ayala Theater, Calle 60 between Calle 59 and 61
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Unknown

Live Trova at Restaurante Amaro

Tonite Fito Haro sings again. This restaurant serves food for everyone, including vegetarians.
Location: Calle 59 x 60 and 62
Time: 9 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Toro Negro (Black Bull)

Fernando Pacheco, aka El Suicida, is a young bullfighter who doesn’t fight in the great arenas of Mexico, but rather in the popular festivals of the small Mayan communities of the Yucatan Peninsula. With unbelievable, and at times disturbing, closeness, documentary filmmakers González-Rubio and Carlos Armella follow Pacheco’s life in and out of the bullring. In Spanish.
Location: La 68, Calle 68 # 470a x 55
Time: 9 PM
Admission: $20 pesos

Sunday (Domingo) May 4, 2008

A Play Date for Dogs
The popular play date for dogs is back! …but in a new location. We will now be meeting in a donated lot for this weekly gathering of canine friends. Come and join us, and of course, bring your four-legged and most loyal friend. Its hot outside, and we have some shade, but don’t forget to bring water for you and for your dog.
Location: Calle 75 #507 between 62 and 64 (behind a big metal door, that now has a sign…knock!)
Time: 7:30 AM
Admission: Free for now. We’re going to discuss a future dog park!

Contemporary Dance: Cecilia Colacrai
Dancer, choreographer and contemporary dance professor graduated from the Instituto Superior de Danza Isabel Taboga (Argentina). She teaches and dances in Spain. Now she is in Mexico has part of the Avant Garde Festival and presents her Dance-Theater show called Sola (Alone).
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 between Calle 59 and 61
Time: 7 PM
Admission: Unknown

Musical Ensemble Bells from Barquisimiento
This ensemble consists of players from Barquisimento, Venezuela and has been performing since 2001. They will perform alongside young singer-songwriters Gina Osorno, Maria San Felipe, Andres Tinoco and Hugo Borges, accompanied by the traditional dancers from Casa de la Cultura del Mayab.
Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theater, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 8 PM
Admission: Unknown

Coming Up Next Week

They’re Baaaack! Just in case you didn’t get enough last time (and really, how could you?) The LEGENDARY Yucatones will be appearing again at Jazz In Merida, at 9PM on May 6th. Come celebrate Seis de Mayo with the boys (the traditional "get over the hangover" night from Cinco de Mayo… we just made that up, but we think it’s gonna’ be huge) as Cleetus X and Client #9 (Dan Prescher and Gary DeRose) reek havoc on the music you’ve always loved. The ‘Tones promise both old favorites and new material will be delivered fresh to your table (sorry, no anchovies) within thirty minutes, or your time will be cheerfully refunded. If you missed the last show, you won’t want to be left out this time, because when you think about it, how long can they keep getting away with this? As always, the band will happily ignore song requests. Children under six months of age will be admitted free, but due to the mature content, must be accompanied by an adult. Those of us who attended last time really had fun, and we think the music was good too. Come join the growing Yucatones fan club!

Yucatan News: Mahajual & Planting Trees

Khaki Scott — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:23:11 +0000

Mahahual Update
This week, we heard from Caroline Van Santfoord, one of the owners of Maya Luna Hotel & Restaurant in Mahahual. Caroline has sent us an update on all that has taken place in Mahahual in the past 8 months (since Hurricane Dean). According to Caroline, Mahahual has changed completely. Nearly all businesses are up and running, and they have a brand new Malecon (boardwalk) with extended large beaches. We can only imagine the frustration of hotel and business owners as potential tourists Google the name Mahahual and all they get are pictures of last year’s disaster.

The hotel and business owners and citizens of Mahahual want everyone to know that all is well now and everyone is invited to come on over and visit. To dispel the lingering impression that they are still a disaster area, the hotel and business owners have put up a new (non-commercial) website called Mahahual After Dean. Oh Wow! Look at that reef! Now is the time to head for Mahahual and enjoy it before everyone else discovers it all over again!

Red Alert: Drought & Possibility of Forest Fires
Sadly, one tragedy often treads on the heels of another. Hurricane Dean left a lot of water behind - which contributed to an overgrowth of wild grass. Almost all of Mexico is now experiencing a drought; Yucatan seems to be getting only half the rain we should. This is resulting in reservoir capacity for the nation at only 54%, instead of the customary 63% for this time of year. Our overgrowth of dry grass now has the State of Yucatan on Red Alert for the possibility of forest fires. Please be careful. 20 hectares of pasture near Chemax has already burned, in only two hours, because children were playing while burning trash. The Cattlemen’s Association is reporting that many pastures are dead and the cattle that graze on them are already having to be fed.

Injured Horse Rescued by AFAD!
Recently, three little boys, all under the age of 14, were riding the family horse when it was struck by a bus. The bus driver claims the boys did not make the horse stop for the red light. The boys were not hurt, but the horse was injured and taken away by the police. AFAD monitored the horse until it eventually ended up in a clandestine slaughterhouse. Before the horse could be killed, AFAD rescued him and reunited him with his family. Thanks to AFAD for the determination to stick with this story long enough to write a happy ending!

Ready for Hurricanes
It is now April. Hurricane season does not begin until June 1. What is your community doing today to prepare for being hit by a hurricane? We’ve lived through a hurricane in Merida (Isidore), and it wasn’t as bad as we had been expecting, for various reasons (read our thoughts about hurricanes in Merida here). There is an good information (in Spanish) on the extensive Civil Defense website for the State of Yucatan. These days, we’ve noticed, towns and villages in Yucatan, especially on the coast, are not stopping with giving out great instructions. This week, both Progreso and Chuburna Puertos took delivery on portable water treatment plants and electrical generators. Now, should a hurricane strike here, Progreso can generate 140,000 liters of chlorinated water per day. We are expecting 15 storms this season, with 4 of them predicted to become hurricanes. With food pantries in place, along with a concrete roof on at least one room of every home, nothing is left to do but enjoy the summer.

Valladolid: Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers Plant Trees
This is one of the best stories this week. Toddlers and pre-schoolers, in Valladolid, are being taught not only why it is important to plant trees, but how to plant and care for their own trees. These children will truly inherit the Earth and, unlike generations before them, will actually know how to care for it. Yucatan Living congratulates not only the little tree-planters, but also their parents and teachers for understanding that these children really are the future of the world.

A Child in Immediate Need
Lizar Isidro Ucan Gonzalez is five years old and needs open heart surgery to repair a total of four heart defects. His parents are only 26 and 28 years old and live in Temozon. The immigrants in San Francisco, CA, have given a benefit for Lizar - as has the Cultural Department of Valladolid. However, open heart surgery is very expensive and Lizar is getting sicker rapidly. If you can help, please call Lizar’s parents: Jose Ucan and Lizbeth Gonzalez. Cell numbers in Mexico are (985) 102-2293 or (985) 109-0640 (from the US, dial 011-52 first).

Merida Supports Disabled Children
In the Municipality of Merida, a total of 533 disabled children are currently receiving physical therapy - paid for by the DIF of Merida. The parents of these children have low incomes and the children would otherwise not be able to continue with their therapy. We were pleased to see that physical therapy for disabled children is comprehensive and even includes equine-therapy. We were also surprised to discover that physical therapy for these children costs only $350 to $400 MXP per month per child. This has got to sound like a service opportunity to someone… is that someone you or a group to which you may belong?

Progreso to Get New Sewage Treatment Plant
Progreso got a new sewage treatment plant and, for a variety of reasons, it never opened. Now, a new analysis is being done to see if that sewage treatment plant can be fixed - or if they need a completely new one. Whichever decision is made, Progreso will have its new sewage treatment plant under construction by 2009 and completed, at the latest, by 2010. This will significantly improve quality of life in the port city and property values should also reflect the inclusion of a modern sewage treatment plant in the long list of positive characteristics concerning life in Progreso.

Yucalpeten Monument to the Anguish of the Fishermen
Sunday, June 1, is known here as the Navy Day and there is a wonderful festival, complete with a Queen, to celebrate the Armada that is stationed in Yucalpeten. In preparation for that festival, the monument to La Angustia del Pescador (the Anguish of the Fishermen) is currently underway. After the remodeling project is complete, there will be a garden area and a lighted esplanade to be dedicated to the memory of all the Yucateco fishermen who have died at sea.

New Mexican Consulate in New Orleans
This past week, the new Mexican Consulate office opened in New Orleans. The underlying reason for the placement of a consulate office in New Orleans is probably due to the need for services for the more than 30,000 Mexicans who have gone there to help with the rebuilding of the city. However, a Mexican Consulate office in New Orleans negates the need of Americans to get to and around in Houston when they need visas or other documents. For those who need their services, their address is World Trade Center Building, 2 Canal St., Suite 840, New Orleans, LA 70115. Their telephone number is (504) 522-3596 and their fax number is (504) 525-2332.

No Child Labor in Yucatan
This week’s international headlines exposed that many of our favorite chain stores are selling shrimp processed by forced child labor that often includes torture. The two countries noted for this practice, Thailand and Bangladesh, are repeat offenders who seem not to care what the rest of the world thinks of them. As a result, we have been asked if Yucatan uses child labor - and the answer is a resounding "No!" In fact, Yucatan’s labor laws predate the final acceptance of the Fair Labor Standards Act in the U.S. by about 30 years. Not to worry - when the children of Yucatan are not marching for the environment or world wide children’s rights, they are enjoying life in Yucatan to the absolute fullest.

Hunucma: Shoe and Craft Fairs Amazingly Successful
For the past several years, there have been craft and product fairs throughout the State of Yucatan and they have been gaining in popularity. This past week’s fair in Hunucma was so successful that they are having another one from the 23rd to the 25th of May. This fair will conform to the dates of the Festival of Corpus Christi. If you need new sandals - this is the fair to attend. Prices are running between $40 and $50 pesos for a pair. Who can resist that bargain?! The fair is expected to grow yet again, since the municipality is advertising to the artisans and craftsmen who have not yet brought in their wares. We’ll bet there are more than a few trucks with "full volume" announcing the upcoming event as well.

Clean Up, Fix Up, Paint Up is Contageous
As new roads fan out over our state, many of us have been concerned about the homes that seem to come almost to the edge of these new, wider, highways. Children, the elderly, and pets seem to be particularly at risk. But - village by village - that is all changing as old walls are remodeled or replaced. The concept of having "pretty streets" has taken hold in the countryside and, we believe, all of the State of Yucatan has the potential to become a wonderland of pretty streets. This week, this phenomenon came to the tiny town of Cenotillo, in Tizimin. Tomorrow, pretty streets may just appear in your village too.

Honey: Proving The Case for Zoning
As we all know, there are precious few, if any, zoning laws in Mexico. Now, success in one industry has brought danger to a neighborhood. The honey business is booming. Storage facilities are overflowing - and attracting bees. This is dangerous for individuals who are allergic to bee stings. With no zoning laws to protect the people of the area around Calle 44 x 43 y 45, Civil Defense and the police have had to be called. Sometimes, it is nice to have a pizza place down the block and a video rental store around the corner - but sometimes we remember that zoning has its place. Perhaps this will all be settled soon and to the satisfaction and safety of all concerned.