Yucatan Living

Merida Events: Spring Book Fair & More

Khaki Scott — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:20:07 +0000

The Spring Book Fair

Everyone is invited to La Feria del Libro de Primavera. The inauguration of the Spring Book Fair will be held in the Portal de Granos (across from the Museum of the City of Merida) on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 through Wednesday, May 21, 2008. Pianist Ligia Cámara will provide the evening’s entertainment. You can read about her here and watch her here. The Spring Book Fair is a joint effort by the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) of Merida, the Asociación Maldonado Editores del Mayab, the Dirección de Literatura del Instituto de Cultura de Yucatán, and the Asociación de Bibliotecarios del Sureste, A.C. (Bisac). The Book Fair hopes to draw in readers from around the state by providing a significant number of titles that are location specific and of interest to those in outlying areas. During the Book Fair, Sara Poot Herrera will moderate two evenings of discussion. The first is on Thursday, May 15. The topic is the Heritage of Civil Protection. The second discussion evening will be on Saturday, May 17. The topic that night is quite exciting because it deals with "Who was reading - and what they were reading - during the time of Sister Juana." Sister Juana (1648 - 1695) was a nun who wrote about women’s rights and became one of Mexico’s most beloved philosophers. Both discussion events will begin at 7:00 PM. An evening of entertainment by Dayron y su Boom will close out the Book Fair on Wednesday, May 21st.
Location: Portal de Granos (across from the Museum of the City of Merida)
Times: Listed with events throughout the description

Admission: Free, with an invitation to all to attend

Monday (Lunes) May 12, 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

The State of Israel After 60 Years of Independence
This event will include an opening speaker, as well as a documentary about the migration of the Jewish Community to Mexico.
Location: Museum of the City of Merida, Calle 58 at 65
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) May 13, 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

Tuesday of Trova: Los Condes
Under the direction of Rosendo Palomo. You can preview their albums here.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miércoles) May 14, 2008

The Spring Book Fair Begins
Don’t forget that tonight’s performance is by the outstanding pianist Ligia Cámara
Location: Portal de Granos (across from the Museum of the City of Merida, Calle 58 at Calle 65)
Times: Assume 9:00 PM
Admission: Free, with an invitation to all to attend

Jazz Night at Mercer Cigars
Mercer Cigars is now opening its bar for Jazz every Wednesday night. Enjoy cool live jazz in Merida’s ultimate hip lounge setting.
Location: Prolongacion Montejo 85-3, 15 y 17, Colonia Mexico (next to La Parilla)
Time: Jam starts at 8 PM
Phone: 944-3647

Wednesday in Concert: Maria San Felipe Contigo
Under the direction of Pedro Carlos Herrera.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Live Jazz at Jazzin’ Merida
Tonite, Don’t miss this Wednesday’s Jam Session.
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 15, 2008

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 Cinema Double Feature: Day of the Teacher Series
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 at Calle 61
Admission: Free

First Feature: El Brigadista
(Cuba, 1977) The Cuban national film industry artistically confronts the historical effects of U.S. domination and aggression.
Time: 6:00 PM

Second Feature: The Blue Angel
(Germany, 1930). This is the film that made Marlene Dietrich famous. This Josef Von Sternberg film, based on Heinrich Mann’s novel PROFESSOR UNRAT, made Marlene Dietrich a star and began a tumultuous relationship between star and director that spanned Sternberg’s most creative period. The film stars Emil Jannings as Dr. Immanuel Rath, a provincial prep school teacher who becomes incensed when he learns his boys have become infatuated with Lola Lola (Dietrich), a cabaret singer. Heading to the Blue Angel, a nightclub, to catch his pupils, Rath instead becomes bewitched by the sensuous Lola himself, beginning an obsession that drives him to the depths of despair. Visionary, haunting, and emotionally unrelenting, THE BLUE ANGEL stands as Sternberg’s crowning achievement. Filmed in both German and English simultaneously, the German version is considered superior to its English language counterpart. Review from Cine-23-Cine.
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 the talented Steel 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

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 16, 2008

Giuseppe Verdi’s "La Traviata"
This will be one of the most important performances of the year! The soloists for this event are Russian soprano Nina Vitol and two of Mexico’s finest operatic voices - tenor Arturo Martin and baritone Jesus Suaste. La Traviata translates as "The Lady Who Strayed" and is based on "The Lady of the Camelias," a novel by Alexander Dumas. This is the first time this opera has been presented, in its entirety, in the State of Yucatan, so we strongly urge our readers to get your tickets as early as possible!
Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras
Time: May 16, 20, 22, and 24 at 9:00 PM, May 18 at 6:00 PM
Admission: $350, $300, $250, and $150 MX

Inauguration of the Exposition: Phases
Presented by: Mtra. Eugenia Cortes
Location: Centro Cultural Jose Marti / Parque de las Americas, Calle 20 at Avenida Colon
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Baila Merida (Merida Dances)
We’ve been missing this dance for several months and are glad to see it back. Tonight: Grupo los Autenticos
Location: Colonia San Sebastian, Calle 77 x 72
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

MEL-O Nights
This event takes place on the third Friday of every month and is a chance for Yucatecos and expats to meet in an informal garden setting. It is a night when new friendships are made and old friendships are renewed. There is a cash bar and great botanas. Everyone is invited to join in and, as always, donations of appetizers are appreciated. For more information, you may call the Library at: 924-8401.
Location: Merida English Library
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Quinceanera
Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland. Starring: Jesus Castanos, Araceli Guzman-Rico and Emily Rios. Synopsis: As Magdalena’s 15th birthday approaches, her life is complicated by the discovery that she is pregnant. We’ve seen this movie and can highly recommend it.

Location: Videosala of the University Cultural Center
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Tiempo de Morir (Time to Die)
(Mexico, 1965) Directed by Arturo Ripstein. Synopsis: After spending 18 years in jail for killing a man, Juan Sayago returns to his village to live in peace. This does not sit well with the children of the murdered man.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 6:00 PM and 8:00 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 17, 2008

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

Virtual Conference: Conditions and Possibilities for Life in the Universe
This should be quite an interesting conference.
Location: The Planetarium in the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
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

Theater: The Importance of Being Earnest
A favorite since 1895, this Oscar Wilde play is directed by Raquel Araujo from an adaptation by Jose Ramon Enriquez.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Admission: General: $60 MXP, Students and INAPAM $30 MXP

Movie: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
(Italy, Spain, 1966). The very definition of spaghetti Western, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef. What a great walk back in time!
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

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 18, 2008

A Play Date for Dogs
The popular play date for dogs is getting very popular! Last week, we had TEN dogs all getting to know each other (we call that ’socializing’ and it’s very important for dogs… ) Come and join Zoe, Pepper, URL, Mali, Ms. Kitty, Champ, Popcorn, China, Manny and more… and of course, bring your four-legged and most loyal friend. We know it’s hard to get up early on Sunday, but once you see those puppies playing, you’ll decide it’s all worth it. 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: Alien Planet 2
This should be a great documentary for all ages!
Location: Museum of Natural History, Calle 59, just east of Avenida Itzaes
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Matinee Movie: Sinbad 3-D: The Legend of the Sea
An animated adventure sure to hold the attention of children of all ages.
Location: Videosala of the University Cultural Center
Time: 10:30 AM
Admission: Free

The International Day of Museums
Today, at the Museum of the City of Merida, there will be guided tours, workshops, and "many surprises." With all that has been going on at this museum lately, we cannot even imagine what a special day this will be!
Location: Museum of the City of Merida, Calle 58 at Calle 65
Time: 9:00 AM to 7:00 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

Concert: El Regreso
A performance by the Camerata Academica de Merida under the expert direction of Mtro. Jose Luis Chan Sabido.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

You Might Be Interested In:
UADY: Continuing Education Classes (in Spanish)
For a complete list of continuing education classes at UADY, along with location, tuition, and contact persons, visit Cursos Educaion Continua FIQ - UADY. It caught my eye because of the chemistry, but then discovered that UADY has something for everyone. If you speak Spanish, UADY is a great place to continue with your life-long learning experience.

Phillip Geerts, Physical Trainer in Merida

Working Gringos — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:05:47 +0000

YL: When did you move to the Yucatan and from where did you move?
Phillip: I moved here to Merida on January 9th of 2007. I moved from a small city in Florida called Punta Gorda.
YL: Why did you move?
Phillip: My parents moved here 3 years before I did. I came to visit them on vacation in October 2006 and found Merida an interesting place.
YL: Why did you choose the city you now live in over other places in the world?
Phillip: Well, it’s quite funny. I believe many gringos who have never been to Mexico have the wrong image of Mexico and fail to see its real beauty. My parents called me from Belgium, where they were living at the time and told me they were moving to Mexico. I asked them “Whaaatt are you crazy??”. The things I had seen of Mexico (other than Cancun) were not very pleasant and I had heard it wasn’t safe. My parents told me "No, it’s just like home… they have a WalMart and everything." So I came on vacation and decided to get away from my "normal" life and try Merida for a change. Little did I realize how great it was going to be.

YL: Did you buy a house right away or rent first? Do you think you made the
right decision?
Phillip: I am currently living in an apartment behind my parent’s house. For now it is the right decision for me. I enjoy living with them. I had many years without them in Florida, so it gives me a chance to catch up.
YL: Are you doing now what you intended to do when you moved here? If not, why not?
Phillip: Well I am a personal trainer and when I first came here I thought I could find work easily. I worked as an independent contractor for the WW gym and had little luck with clients. So I ended up purchasing a gym here to run myself. Not exactly what I had planned to do, since I am only 23.
YL: What is different about training and keeping in shape here, versus where you came from? Are there special things to take into consideration in this culture and/or in this climate?
Phillip: Well the most important thing is to keep hydrated. Training in any climate you should always keep well hydrated but here it is extremely important. I also recommend sunblock. Sometimes we forget because we are not going to the beach. We think a short run around the block a few times will be fine, but not here!
YL: Do you find the climate a lot different from Florida?
Phillip: Well the heat here is very intense. From May to July it is just scorching outside. Florida also has its heat but it is nothing compared to here. But I think the humidity is a lot worse in Florida. We seem to get a lot more rain there and it sits on the surface a lot longer.
YL: Where do you think are the best places to go out at night here? Where is
the best "nightlife"?
Phillip: Well that all depends on your age and what music or atmosphere you fancy most. For some loud and exciting Latin salsa dancing, I always recommend that newcomers go to the Mambo Cafe. For the younger generation, I usually send them to Tekila or El Cielo. The Centro on the weekends gets to be fun too. There are live bands playing and lots of people around having a good time.
YL: What are the most popular sports in the Yucatan among people your age?
How are sports different here than in the US?
Phillip: Soccer, of course, is one of the largest sports here and then baseball. The Yucatecans love their baseball! Sports are not so much different here. The athletes train the same, and play the same games. Mixed Martial Arts is now a large uprising sport in the US and is becoming popular here. I train in Mixed Martial Arts and train a few combat athletes here now as well.
YL: What do you absolutely love about living here?
Phillip: For me, it’s the great friends I have made along the way. I have met so many people here in the last year, it’s incredible. The nightlife in Merida is incredible. I love the outdoors here. I am close to all that I love to do. I can drive 30 minutes and I am on the Gulf Coast, and in 4 hours I can be in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. I also love diving in cenotes and camping in the rough terrain of the Yucatan.
YL: What do you miss from your "former life"?
Phillip: I miss my family and friends mostly, but also the access to anything without a hassle. Sometimes you can not always get what you need down here.
YL: What don’t you miss from your "former life"?
Phillip: How small my town is. Where I grew up, you can’t drive to the grocery store and back without seeing 10 people you know!
YL: What is your favorite local food?
Phillip: I am big dieter but sometimes I slip away for a panucho or salbute here and there.
YL: What is your favorite time of year here and why?
Phillip: I am going to have to say the winter because it’s the only time it gets cool. Also the holidays are great. Christmas is amazing here. Merida does a spectacular job with all the lighting and decoration.
YL: Where do you take guests who visit you here to show them something really special?
Phillip: I take them to the Gulf Coast to eat fish… that is a must in my book. Also, I take them around the Centro on a Sunday for Merida en Domingo.

YL: The last time you went out to dinner, where did you go and why?
Phillip: Kon Sushi! I live for sushi and this place does it the best, for those of you who enjoy sushi.
YL: How is the city where you live different for residents than it is for tourists?
Phillip: To be honest, you really need to live here to understand the way the culture works in Merida. You need time to adapt and learn how to get around this busy city. Most of the tourist do not make it out of the Centro to see the other parts of Merida.
YL: Do you have friends from the local community or do you pretty much hang with the expat crowd?
Phillip: Most of my friends are locals. There are not many young expat kids here my age.
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?
Phillip: Well, income is much different, that’s for sure! The problem I find here in the business I run is the lack of motivation in the people to train. I own a gym and am a very active person myself. Where I lived in Florida, people were very into fitness. I have a hard time finding motivated people here who want to continue training.
YL: Do you find it more or less difficult to make a living here than in your country of origin?
Phillip: It’s much more difficult here for me because the people pay less and my bills are through the roof!
YL: Are your work habits different here?
Phillip: Yes, in some ways. I am a little more laid back here because that’s the way people live here. I am not pressured by time so much and it allows me to focus on my business more.
YL: What interesting Spanish word or saying have you learned lately? What does it mean and how did you learn it?
Phillip: Si como no which means “Yeah, right” in English. I was taught it by my girlfriend!
YL: Are you a Mexican citizen? Do you plan to become one?
Phillip: No, I plan to return to Florida one of these days. I am young at the moment and if I have kids I would like for them to grow up in the States.
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?
Phillip: I haven’t been far out of Merida. I like to go diving in cenotes in Cuzama. I made my way to Playa Del Carmen a few times and haven’t had a bad memory from there, that’s for sure.
YL: How are you treated by Mexicans? Do you feel resented or welcome?
Phillip: There are many types of people here. By mostly I am treated very well and welcomed. I get along great with everyone here.
YL: How do you feel about the economic prospects of Mexico? Of the Yucatan?
Phillip: For me, it’s of no concern right now. I am more worried for the future of the United States!
YL: What are some changes you are hoping for in the city in which you live? Do you see any progress towards these changes?
Phillip: Well, I would like to see more bus stops put in and more rules enforced upon them. They drive like maniacs here!
YL: What are your plans for the future here?
Phillip: If I do decide to stay for good, I am very interested in opening another gym or expanding the one I have now.
YL: What is the one most important piece of advice you would give someone buying property and/or planning a move to the Yucatan?
Phillip: Take your time and get to know the entire city. Don’t just stay in the Centro. Experience everything the city has to offer.
YL: If you could say something to all the people of Mexico, what would you say?
Phillip: Vive Mexico!!!

Phillip Geerts is the new owner of Pure Fitness, a gym and performance center located near the Salvador Alvarado Sports Field on Calle 60. He is also a personal trainer and Mixed Martial Arts practitioner.

Yucatan News: Gas Prices & more!

Khaki Scott — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:15:06 +0000

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Gasoline Prices in Mexico
For those of our local readers who may have forgotten the pain of the gas pump north of the border… and for our north of the border readers who may be considering a move here…. Working Gringo has calculated the cost of a gallon of gasoline in Mexico for February 2008 and for May 2008. This is for two reasons. First - so everyone will have an up to date "relative" price for gasoline in Mexico - and second - so that everyone can have a concrete example of the falling purchasing power of the U.S. dollar in other marketplaces. We have two grades of unleaded gasoline in Mexico: Magna (Regular) and Premium. The price of gasoline is controlled in Mexico and is the same throughout the entire country. The current 2008 price of Magna is $7.05 MXP per liter and the price of Premium is $8.77 MXP per liter. In February, 2008, the exchange rate was about $11 MXP to $1 USD. Magna was $2.42 per gallon and Premium was $3.02 per gallon. In May 2008, the exchange rate is now $10.5 MXP to $1 USD. This means that Magna is now $2.54 USD per gallon and Premium is $3.16 USD. …all without the price of gasoline changing in actual pesos. We are beginning to see stories of American truckers crossing the border to fill their tanks and American tourists who are finding that a driving vacation is still affordable, so long as they vacation in Mexico. While even $2.54 USD per gallon seems like a great price to most folks who live north of the border, it is a signal to retiree expats that they may need to watch those pennies a little more carefully for a while.

Food Prices to Stop Rising in Mexico
"We can’t sell it if people won’t buy it" is the official and final opinion of Mexican food distribution companies, concerning the recent trend in rising food prices in Mexico. Therefore, the distributing companies have decided to hold food prices where they are. They are right. The people of Mexico and Yucatan will, at some point in time, simply stop buying in supermarkets and return to a completely local economy. There is almost nothing we could want for our kitchen that we cannot find grown right here in Yucatan - and at a much cheaper price than food that is shipped in from either Mexico or from the U.S. We have long been advocates of buying "Yucateco" and continue to encourage our readers to do so as much as possible.

United Airlines Recognizes Casa Catherwood
HEMISPHERES, the inflight magazine for United Airlines, is running a wonderful story on Merida’s own Casa Catherwood. United flies 2,700,000 passengers each month! The article is online and you can read it here! That’s quite a coup for a relatively new gallery! Yucatan Living congratulates Casa Catherwood and everyone who has worked so hard to make it a success.

Trotter’s Wine
Last month, the Trotter Group, which owns Pancho’s, La Tratto and Trotter’s restaurants here in Merida, announced their own wine label. A private party was held at Trotter’s restaurant to introduce a few hundred locals to the wine. After an introductory glass of champagne to get everyone in the mood, the two wines were paired with delicious food designed to enhance their flavors. Trotter’s white wine is a Sauvignon Blanc and the red is a Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Merlot blend. In addition to a few short videos explaining that the wine comes from Argentina and that the project was done in conjunction with Covi, a local liquor store chain, the evening included instruction and entertainment by a female sommalier from Mexico City. Wearing a Madonna-like headpiece for her microphone, dressed all in black, the very attractive sommalier worked the room like a Las Vegas entertainer, educating and explaining about wine in general and these wines in particular.

The two wines are definitely worth drinking, and are available not only at the three restaurants mentioned above, but also at all Covi liquor stores (located throughout Merida and the Mayan Riviera. They even recently opened a storefront in the town of Tulum!).

Salud! Chin-chin! and all that! As refugees from California Wine Country, we’re excited to see the Yucatan palate expanding it’s horizons to include good wine.

Update: Chichen Itza International Airport at Kaua
For a long time, the new airport at Kaua, on the road between Valladolid and Chichen Itza, was considered to be a white elephant. Work continued on it, but no one seemed to be in a hurry to finish it and it began to fall into a state of disrepair. Then, Chichen Itza was voted one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and there was renewed interest in what was billed as the soon-to-be new international airport at Kaua. …and that was the last anyone heard of it. Now, the State of Yucatan is buying 24.7% of the airport so they can get this long awaited and much needed project completed. So far, there have been two grand openings for the "new" airport at Kaua: April 12, 2000 and August 2007. Perhaps the next grand opening will finally give tourists a way to get into the interior of Yucatan without having to come in through Cancun or Merida and still face a long ride to their final destination.

Yet Another New Resort on the Mayan Riviera
The multinational corporation ING, according to Forbes.com, is getting ready to partner with Groupo Carrousel and Operadora Punta Maroma to build a $150 million dollar resort on Bahia Maroma on the Riviera Maya. There will be 86 villas, an ultra-luxury hotel with 127 rental units, an 18 hole Rees-Jones signature golf course, and a 10,000 sq ft clubhouse. The $150 million dollar price tag does not include the price of the waterfront property. No mention was made of how they propose to reduce the effect of such a massive footprint on the environment or how they plan to incorporate community development in their plans.

Hurricanes: Count Our Blessings
Every time we have a hurricane, we extoll the virtues of the Department of Civil Defense in Yucatan. This week, we found an MSNBC article that compares our hurricane experience with that of Myanmar, where tens of thousands of people died this past week - and more are starving with no way to reach clean water or food. That article specifically states that the reason we seldom, if ever, have a death during a hurricane in Yucatan is because our government has preventive measures in place at all times - and that the reason so many died in Myanmar is because their military government simply did not even warn them that the storm was coming. Our hearts go out to the people of Myanmar; and we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of those who work so tirelessly for our safety during hurricanes.

Red Cross Rescue & Cenote Ecotourism
This past week, the Red Cross put on an exhibition in Peto in which interested persons were shown how to rescue someone who has been injured inside a grotto or cenote. This is a timely subject because of our growing ecotourism and the sheer numbers of tourists who now enter geographical formations with which they may not be familiar. The exhibition included showing potential rescuers how to rappel down a "cliff" and how to use the equipment necessary to bring an injured person to safety. In this case, the "cliff" was the side of the Church of the Assumption in Peto, but the effect was the same. We want all of our tourists to feel that they are safe in Yucatan and that, should any emergency arise, qualified help is available.

Education, Unicef, and Mayan Traditions
Do you have a not-so-great educational system that seems to be falling apart? Why not adopt a new pattern, based on the quite successful educational traditions of the Mayans between the years 250 AD and 900 AD. Yucatan’s Mayans did just that, with the help of the State and UNICEF, in 2001. The result is schools in which parents are extremely active and children who now speak not only Spanish and Mayan, but English as well. A full 60% of our population is Mayan, 24% of our people speak only Mayan - but 30% of our schools now teach both Mayan and Spanish. As a result of the "Child-Friendly Schools" program, each year, the number of Yucateco children who do not complete primary school is cut in half and the number of Yucatecos who grow up speaking Spanish, Mayan and English increases. Ethnic pride, community involvement and - most of all - parental involvement are responsible for these successes and we congratulate everyone along the way who recognized that this return to ancient, successful Mayan traditions in education would be the key to the future for the State of Yucatan. Who knows what the future will hold for these now bi- and even tri-lingual children - but we are willing to bet that theirs is going to be an amazing life!

Our Readers Asked About: Lebanese in Yucatan
Did you know… By 1948, there were 380 Lebanese families in Yucatan, along with 10 Syrian families and 6 Iraqui families?

We have been asked "How did the Lebanese get here and why did they come?" In order to answer that question, it is necessary to understand a little about the location of Lebanon and the political and religious situation in that area in the early to mid-1800s. First, we look at a map and find that the entire western border of Lebanon is on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. That was pretty important during an era in which all transportation depended on caravans and ships. Whoever controlled the coast of the Mediterranean controlled the world, or at least that part of the world, and all that came in and out of it. Enter the Ottoman Empire, the Druze, and the Maronite Christians. The Ottoman Empire consisted of Muslims, Christians, and Jews - but, no matter their religion, the Ottomans all had an eye toward controlling the entire Mediterranean coastline, all the way to Jerusalem and beyond. The Druze were an offshoot of Islam and wanted to control Lebanon - but the Maronite Christians were gaining economic and social control in Lebanon. For a time, the Druze and the Maronites lived peacefully together in Lebanon.

Have you ever heard the old quote: The enemy of my enemy is my friend? That’s what happened in Lebanon. The Ottomans pitted the Druze and Maronites against each other. The British supported the Druze and the French supported the Maronites, in keeping with the 1638 French promise to protect all Catholics in the Ottoman Empire. The situation worsened from 1840 until 1860 when full scale civil war broke out in Lebanon. The French finally stepped in and stopped the war, but not before over 10,000 Maronites lost their lives. Although still in a majority in Lebanon, many Maronite Christians were not satisfied with the new government and chose to migrate to the Americas. The greatest migration of Lebanese to Yucatan took place between 1880 and 1930, with many coming after that to join family members already here.

Today, we hardly think of Yucatecos who have Lebanese ancestry as being somehow "different," but such was not the case with the first generation here. To Yucatecos, all Lebanese were "Turks" and to the Lebanese, all Yucatecos were "Indians." That was all destined to change. The Lebanese easily converted to Catholicism because it was such a close parallel to their Maronite beliefs and practices. They also sent their children to public school and practiced the same level of loyalty, honor and family values that continues to be so dear to all Yucatecos. While the first generation tended to marry within their own group, the next generations did not. Soon, there were no more Turks and Indians. There were only Yucatecos.

The first Lebanese immigrant to Mexico was Father Boutros Raffoul, who came to Veracruz in 1878. The first Lebanese immigrant to Yucatan, in 1879, was Santiago Sauma. Almost all of the Lebanese immigrants to Yucatan were Maronite Christians who settled in the City of Merida where they excelled in commerce and demonstrated a considerable level of social mobility. By the mid-1900’s, the descendents of Merida’s Lebanese immigrants had risen to the middle and upper classes of Yucateco society, where they remain today, peppering life in the Yucatan with names like Chedraui, Chapur and Siqueff.

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

Tuesday (Martes) May 6, 2008

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.