Job Description:
We are currently looking for one part time teacher and one full time teacher to work with us for the next school year and beyond. The part time teacher would work from 7:00 – 8:30 AM with an advance group of middle school students and the full time teacher would work from 7:30 – 2:00 with one group of 1st grade and one group of 3rd grade students.

Job Requirements:
-Native or very fluent English speaker
-Experience teaching the desired age group
-Availability during the entire 2012-2013 school year (from mid-August 2012 – July 2013).
-Desire to work closely with other teachers in a learning community
-Knowledge of socio-constructivist theory

Additional Information: Loyola is a progressive school based on socioconstructivist learning theory and students taking an active role in their education. We seek to form responsible, creative, and reflexive individuals who are empowered to make a difference in their community.

Contact Information:
Name of Company: Loyola Comunidad Educativa
Job Location: Dzodzil Norte (close to the Gran Plaza and Liverpool)
Name of Contact: Jessica Robertson, coordinator of the English department
Phone Number: +52-999-941-5454
Email Address: jrobertson [at] serloyola [dot] edu [dot] mx

Company Website: www.serloyola.edu.mx/

If you need any additional information about the school, please let us know!

Name of Applicant: Chris Anne Strickling, Ph.D.
Email Address: cstrickling [at] austin [dot] rr [dot] com
Phone Number: USA 512-585-6155

Type of Work Desired: Teaching business writing. I want to teach Mexican business people how to write effective letters and proposals in English. Instruction would include writing, composition, editing, formatting, etc.
Job Location Desired: Merida (building a house in Izamal)
Resume or Qualification Description: I have spent two years teaching Business Writing in the states. I have a Ph.D. in English, 4 years teaching English at the college level in Texas, and freelance editing experience.
Any Additional Information: I have intermediate level Spanish skills, but not good enough for translation (yet)!

YL: When did you move to the Yucatan and from where did you move?

Steve: We are originally from Vancouver and bought a place in Chelem 2 years ago and moved here full time in February 2012.

YL: Why did you move?

Steve: We love the climate and we love the Yucatecan people.

YL:  Why did you choose the city you now live in over other places in the world?

Steve: I like the relaxed pace. There’s no rat race to speak of. In my former life, I traveled the world extensively and almost everywhere else was unfriendly and impersonal. Yucatecans are the opposite of that: warm and polite. Plus I like the ocean breezes you get living on the beach.

YL: Did you buy a house right away or rent first? Do you think you made the right decision?

Steve: We bought a place right away. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and the place we bought seemed to be smiling when we saw the pictures of it.

YL: Are you doing now what you intended to do when you moved here? If not, why not?

Steve: Not really. I intended on retiring, but I guess I just can’t sit still or I would be bored. So when an opportunity arose to create Aerocretos de Mexico, I went for it. Now I am not bored and sure as heck not retired as I had planned.

YL: What are the most interesting things about living here for you?

Steve: Learning to speak Spanish or at least getting my thoughts across in my version of Spanish. The one thing I found is that everyone appreciates that you are trying and everyone seems glad to help you out.

YL: What do you absolutely love about living here?

Steve: I love the politeness of the people here. It is a flashback to the way things used to be where we come from, with people actually greeting each other with a “good morning” instead of ignoring each other when they pass on the street.

YL: What do you miss from your "former life"?

Steve: I miss some friends and family, of course, but modern jet travel is wonderful. I also miss our sailboat and sailing.

YL: What don’t you miss from your "former life"?

Steve: The busy streets of Vancouver and waiting at just about every airport in the known universe for planes that are late.

YL: What is your favorite local food?

Steve: Do I have to pick a favorite? It all tastes good to me, especially the Yucatecan Pork.

YL: What is your favorite time of year here and why?

Steve: April and May are a tad hot, but the pool is nice and warm. December and January are cooler and very nice with the odd norte now and then. In the winter, the pool is a bit nippy, to say the least.

YL: Where do you take guests who visit you here to show them something really special?

Steve: Depends on the guest, but we usually show them the Malecon in Progreso just to show them the tourist side of life. Then we take them to Xcambo or Dzibilchalutun to get a taste of the Maya culture before the Spanish arrived.

YL: The last time you went out to dinner, where did you go and why?

Steve: It was yesterday and we went to La Playa in Chelem. It is close to home, the food is good and the ocean breeze is refreshing.

YL: How is the city where you live different for residents than it is for tourists?

Steve: Well not too many tourists come to Chelem really. As residents, we try to blend in and do what the locals do.

YL: Do you have friends from the local community or do you pretty much hang with the expat crowd?

Steve: Most of our friends are a blend of both Mexican and expat. I tend to avoid the expat-only crowd.

YL: If you are working or own a business, what is it like owning and running a business here or working here? How is it different from doing the same thing in your country of origin?

Steve: Well paperwork here is always fun to figure out. What is required seems to change from day to day or minute to minute, in some cases. But on the other hand, you don’t have the mass of regulations that make small business fail north of the border.

YL: Do you find it more or less difficult to make a living here than in your country of origin?

Steve: Well that remains to be determined! I suppose I can always retire yet again.

YL: Are your work habits different here?

Steve: Yes! I keep joking I will have to go back to work in Canada to relax. We are in the middle of importing a Bobcat loader and it has been a paperwork learning experience, with a steep learning curve.

YL: Did you speak Spanish when you moved here? Where did you learn Spanish (if you did)? Is the language barrier a problem for you in your daily life?

Steve: No I don’t speak Spanish really at all. I am learning as I go, a word or two at a time. It does create problems, but Google translate is my friend.

YL: What interesting Spanish word or saying have you learned lately? What does it mean and how did you learn it?

Steve: I can swear fluently… does that count? I also learned not to say “Tengo pesos” (I have pesos) when out to dinner with friends.

YL:  Are you a Mexican citizen? Do you plan to become one?

Steve: Not yet. That might be a plan down the road.

YL: Have you traveled much within Mexico? If so, where and what has been your favorite location to visit? What did you see there that you liked so much?

Steve: I traveled a lot on the West Coast but I found it too Americanized. We drove down when we moved and the mountains north of Puebla were stunning.

YL:  How are you treated by Mexicans? Do you feel resented or welcome? 

Steve: I am a firm believer that if you treat people in a fair and honest manner, then you get the same treatment in return. Most of the Mexicans I have dealt with have been eager to help out, especially if you try to communicate in Spanish or in some cases Mayan. I really have not come across anyone that showed resentment.

YL: How do you feel about the economic prospects of Mexico? Of the Yucatan?

Steve: I think it is the land of opportunity. What I do not like are people who come down here from whereever and try to push the local business folks aside. They do so without the proper working visas. If you are here as a guest in Mexico, the least you can do is respect the locals and follow the rules. This is a sore point with me. That is why I have a Mexican business partner.

YL: What are some changes you are hoping for in the city in which you live? Do you see any progress towards these changes?

Steve: Being selfish for a moment, I hope it doesn’t change, but I know that is unrealistic. I just don’t want to live in a mini-Cancun. The one thing that drives me nuts is the garbage strewn everywhere. Just because it is not your yard doesn’t mean you can toss bags of garbage into it.

YL: What are your plans for the future here?

Steve: Since retirement didn’t seem to stick, I plan on getting Aerocretos de Mexico up and running and hopefully self-sufficient. We have good workers and I would like to see them prosper as we grow.

YL: What is the one most important piece of advice you would give someone buying property and/or planning a move to the Yucatan?

Steve: Do your homework and pick a realtor you can trust. The best way to find someone you can trust is word of mouth and to read everything you can on Yolisto.com.

YL: If you could say something to all the people of Mexico, what would you say?

Steve: Don’t change! Continue to be the friendly and polite people that you are today.

Steve Creagh and his Mexican partner own the concrete stamping, cement spraying and concrete finishing business called Aerocretos de Mexico.

Type: Coffee Shop
Neighborhood: Fracc. Francisco de Montejo
Telephone:999-289-5583
Address: Calle 43 #176x 40 local 15, Plaza Altana, Col. Pinzon
How to Get There from the Centro: Take Calle 60 North to Avenida Tecnologico. Continue on Avenida Tecnologico until you see the Chedraui North store on your left and Gran Plaza on your right. Before the underpass and BEFORE Chedraui, at the Y in the road, veer to the left. At the signal, cross over the southbound side of Avenida Tecnologico and immediately get into the right lane and merge over onto Calle 51. Chedraui will now be on your right. Continue on and follow Calle 51 going west (the street changes names many times). Le Cafe De Bruxelles is in Plaza Altana, which is the first mini-mall on your left. Bodega Aurrera will be on your right. Parking is in front.
Parking: Lot in front
Air Conditioned: Yes
Outdoors: Yes
Drinks: Coffees, teas and frappes
Payment: Cash
WiFi: Yes
Facebook: yes
Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Closed midday. Reopen evenings, 6:00 to 11:00 PM. Closed Mondays

Notes:

Le Café De Bruxelles is owned and operated by Belgium born Caroline Aebi. She brings a bit of her home country to Merida by way of Mexico City. Her desire to share some of her home country’s tasty delights are represented in the café’s breakfast and evening menu. The menu features two styles of waffles: the deep Belgium waffle (Bruselas) & the traditional waffle (Lieja), prepared with a variety of fresh toppings. The menu also includes house-made quiches and postres, such as tiramisu and chocolate mousse.

Locally crafted Ki’xocolatl chocolates are a key ingredient in her house-made postres, hot chocolates and coffees.

On our visit we ordered the morning’s Belgium Waffle Special ($65), and the Belgium Waffle with fresh berries ($55). Promptly served our coffees of choice, we enjoyed the café’s coziness inside. About ten wooden tables and chairs occupy the space with open bench seating along one wall. The counter has a display of the days’ quiche, desserts and chocolates (some for diabetics) for sale. Out front, covered patio seating is available. Our meals arrived quickly. Beautifully presented and even better tasting, the flavorful and crisp Belgium waffles were scrumptious. The special was prepared by creating two mini-rounds of Belgium waffle, each topped with a poached egg and bacon, along with a side of fresh sliced fruit. The Belgium waffle with Berries was prepared with two large squares of Belgium waffle, topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries and blackberries all set on top of a berry coulis, with a light powdered sugar dusting. The nice touches in the food preparation, the café’s decor such as the waffle-design napkin ring, and Caroline herself… all work together to make this a delighful location for a light breakfast, cup of tea or dessert out on the patio.

Editor’s Note: We got an email asking us to publish this, yet another survey about the interest in a ferry from Florida to the Yucatan. We know there is a lot of interest, so we’re publishing the inquiry. We are exceedingly aware, however, that this ferry has been promised for years on end and has turned out to be nothing more than that… promises. Still, hope springs eternal, and maybe one of these days, they really will bring it back again. We can dream… and so can you. If you want to fill out the survey, please be our guest!

We Want To Hear From You About the Ferry

The past year has not brought a lot of forward momentum with the ferry project in spite of the interest of three different ferry companies and many false start dates. The scandals which precipitated personnel changes at the Progreso Port Authority certainly didn’t help the situation. However, things have been happening behind the scenes and from what I understand a number of feasibility studies have been done in the Tampa area showing the ferry project is viable. So far, the inability to complete a feasibility study within the expatriate community continues to be a stumbling block, especially with investors.

Hopefully, we have learned from the mistakes of the previous ferry services in the area and responses from the previous expat surveys, and we have modified the original plans. Super high speed ferries are now being considered to shorten the crossing times. Other ideas include frequent user plans, and even free vehicle bonuses. A year round weekly crossing schedule with frequency based on use patterns and peak seasons is also being considered. As this service will take some years to become profitable, investor backing will be the key to success.

We know many of you have already completed one or both of the previous surveys but United Caribbean Lines is asking for your input once again. The results will directly influence investors and the more responses the better. Please forward this email and ask everyone you know who may travel this direction to answer the questions and forward their responses to United Caribbean Lines. If you have access to expatriate websites, blogs or travel groups, please have all your members respond and forward the questions on to any other websites and blogs you use anywhere in Central America. Even if you have no interest in using the ferry service please respond. We need to establish how many expats live in the Yucatan and Central America.

If you are comfortable letting UCL know how to reach you, they would like to extend some special courtesies, goodies, discounts and upgrades for helping them, when the ferry service begins. Just put your email address and mailing address in Central America on your answers to the questionnaire so UCL can reach you with the offers when they get started.

Please copy the following questions with your answers in an email and send your responses as soon as possible to Bruce Nierenburg at United Caribbean Lines.

BNIERENBERG [at] AOL [dot] COM

Questionnaire for Expats living in Central America for new Ferry Service of United Caribbean Lines

• Where in Central America is your current home?
• How many family members reside in your Central American home?
• Do you maintain a second home in the U.S. or Canada?
• When you travel to go to the U.S or Canada to visit friends family etc. What is your destination?
• How many times a year do you make this trip?
• If you have more than one place you travel to in the U.S or Canada please list those additional destinations
• How often do you travel to these secondary destinations each calendar year?
• When you go do you drive or fly? If both what is the approx. % for each?
• Do you have pets? Do you take them when you return to the U.S or Canada?
• When you return to the U.S. or Canada do you shop for supplies etc. For your home in Central America?
• When you travel from your home in Central America to the U.S. or Canada are there times of the year you do most of the travel? If so, when?
• Do friends and family come to Central America each year to visit you? If so how often?
• Do you own an RV in Central America?
• Would you take it on the ferry?
• What would be the most important reasons you would take the ferry to Florida?

Please number the following reasons in order of importance for using the ferry. Number 1 is the most important and Number 10 is the least.

• Go back to other homes in U.S. and or Canada ____
• Visit family and friends ____
• Shopping ____
• Vacationing in Florida  ____
• I can take my car or RV ___
• Go to Florida to use airports for further travel ___
• Go to Florida to get on a cruise ____
• Just to get away for a short trip ____
• Travel for medical purposes ___
• Other ( please name ) ______

Additional comments or things you would like us to know to help serve you better with our new ferry service:

Your Name and address in Central America:

Your email address:

Thank you from all of us at United Caribbean Lines

—Tamara Magnusson