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| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Here are the new taxi rates that were officially published on Thursday by IMOVEQRoo, which are the basic rates for Isla Mujeres residents. The resident rate between downtown & the colonias increased to 20 pesos, so is likely to have increased to 40 pesos for tourists, but there has been no official announcement, that I've seen. (Historically, tourists paid twice the resident rates.) The buses are supposed to start running next month, according to estimates by City officials, who haven't announced those fares yet.
The island consists of seven zones (Article 6, p 74):
1. From North Point to the Middle School (Secundaria)
2. From the Middle School to Playa Indio
3. From the Health Center (Centro de Salud) to Playa Indio's
4. From Playa Indio's to Punta Sur
5. The western area between Pescador Restaurant and Marbella Restaurant
6. Between the Pescador Restaurant and Zama
7. From Zama to Sac Bajo
From Zone 1, Isla Norte to...
Zone 1 Isla Norte 20p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 22p
Zone 3-Los Pescadores 62p
Zone 4-Playa Indios 92p
Zone 5-Biology Station 62p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 62p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 98p
From Zone 2 Rueda Medina to...
Zone 1-Isla Norte 22p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 20p
Zone 3-Pescadores 22p
Zone 4-Indios 55p
Zone 5-Estacion Biologia 25p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 31p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 49p
From Zone 3-Los Pescadores to...
Zone 1-Isla Norte 62p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 22p
Zone 3-Pescadores 20p
Zone 4-Indios 31p
Zone 5-Estacion Biologia 25p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 31p
Zone 7 Aquarama Marina 49p
From Zone 4-Playa Indio's to....
Zone 1-Isla Norte 92p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 55p
Zone 3-Pescadores 31p
Zone 4-Indio's 20p
Zone 5-Estacion de Biologia 35p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 37p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 55p
From Zone 5-Estacion de Biologia to...
Zone 1-Isla Norte 62p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 25p
Zone 3-Pescadores 25p
Zone 4-Indio's 35p
Zone 5-Estacion Biologia 20p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 35p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 42p
From Zone 6-Sac Bajo to..
Zone 1-Isla Norte 62p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 31p
Zone 3-Pescadores 31p
Zone 4-Indio's 37p
Zone 5-Estacion Biologia 35p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 20p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 37p
From Zone 7 -Aquarama Marina to...
Zone 1-Isla Norte 98p
Zone 2-Rueda Medina 49p
Zone 3-Pescadores 49p
Zone 4-Indio's 55p
Zone 5-Estacion Biologia 37p
Zone 6-Sac Bajo 37p
Zone 7-Aquarama Marina 20p
RadioTaxi at night 12a to 6a in the city-
+ fee for service in Zones 1, 2, 3 9p
+ fee for service in Zones 4, 5, 6, 7 14p
RadioTaxi daytime 6a-12a in the city-
+fee for service in Zones 1, 2, 3 5p
+fee for service in Zones 4, 5, 6, 7 11p
Hourly service in all of the island $258p
Waiting time in parked vehicle + service fee at current rates $209p
Service around the isle with two hours waiting $529p
Note--From Gran Puerto/Puerto Juarez to the Airport is 324 pesos (page 10)
Source: LINK
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Free clinic for Islander diabetics at the Senior Citizens Club on Nov.6th from 9a to noon providing glucometers, supplies, education, and free reading glasses.
The City continues to work to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue
A workshop was held with teenagers from the high school to raise their awareness and understanding about breast cancer. About 300 students attended, who asked pertinent questions and learned about the importance of knowing the early warning signs for early detection and other important information about this disease.
Environmentalist, journalist & underwater photographer Ramon Bravo Prieto was born on Oct. 21, 1925, in Piedras Negra, Coahuila. (A monument in his honor is located at the entrance to Sac Bajo.)
This year, the Festival of the Living for the Dead & the traditional candlelit Catrine-Catrina procession from the cemetery (up Hidalgo) are on 31st & on the Town Square!! The procession departs at 6:30p & the dance troupes will start performing around 8p. Earlier announcements said there will be an Hanal Pixan altar exhibition on the Square. The Jean Piaget school usually sets up an altar exhibition representing different regions of Mexico & sponsors a Catrina competition as part of the Festival. Also on Thursday the 31st, (Halloween) many families will be bringing costumed kiddos to Hidalgo to "Trick or Treat". Will be a cultural mash-up and plenty of fun!
Our last hurricane, Wilma, was a category 5 before it landed on the islands & Peninsula on Oct.21st fourteen years ago, dropping over five FEET of rain on the isle (64.3 inches) and causing waves that hit the THIRD stories of mainland hotels (5-8 meters or >20 feet tall).
It was the third hurricane to hit the isle in 18 months, but Ivan (Sept 04) and Emily (July 05) weren't very significant compared to the historical damage & impact of Wilma.
Many new residents have moved to the isle in recent years & haven't yet grasped the "culture of hurricane preparedness" which is considered a tradition among islanders.
Within a month or so, Isla residents were sporting tee shirts that proudly said "Estamos de Pie"..."We're on our feet!" , after shoveling tons of sand off the streets and out of their homes & rebuilding, as you can see from the damage in these photos. It was impressive how quickly the isle was ready for tourists again, tho barely any came. Cancun took much longer to get back to normal. (photos on FB, album by Isla Mujeres al Dia in Recuerdos de Isla Mujeres LINK)
Photos from Sunday's Danzon event
The third annual Pink Race on Sunday morning was a success, with 1k & 5k categories.
Sunday. Oct. 20 at 6pm on the Town Square.
As part of their crime prevention program, the City provided a workshop for businesses to avoid internet harassment, how to detect it, and what to do about it if it happens.. In this case it was at Zoetry. They were also taught about social media and how to recognize a "pirate" page and how to tell if it is false or if it is safe.
From the firefighters Facebook page...
At 12:29 am Sunday morning, the firefighters received a call about a fire in a downtown restaurant and said they were able to put out the fire and prevent its spread to neighboring buildings because they were notified in a timely manner. Their phone number is (998) 877 0106 or 911. (It was Bobo's Grill and Bar, after they had closed, and was limited to the kitchen with no injuries.)
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"Coco"
taught millions about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This
article & short film explain how it's celebrated in Isla Mujeres, as
Hanal Pixan. (By Ronda Winn-Roberts)
"Los Pibis" are traditional tamales for this holiday & entice the souls of departed loved ones to visit during these special eight (!) days. In the wee hours of November 1st (after midnight of Oct. 31st) the souls of the children return, with the adults following during the early hours of Nov 2nd. Villages are filled with odors of copal incense, boiling corn, atole (a traditional corn-based beverage), and pumpkin candies. Paths are lit with candles to help the souls find their way home, where altars await them, offering their favorite foods & objects.
Mayas celebrate "Hanal Pixan" (Food for the Souls) and believe the souls of their loved ones stay until November 7th. During these eight days, called "Ochovario", women shouldn't embroider for fear of sewing the skin of a spirit. Men shouldn't go hunting for fear of shooting the soul of someone who was a hunter when they were alive. Black threads may be tied around the wrists of newborns to protect them from the evil spirits that haunt these days. On the eve of these celebrations, it is believed that the fine rain that often falls is used by the dead to wash their clothes before coming to the earthly homes that have been prepared for them.
Mayan ancestors believed humans were endowed with a soul or spirit, called "Pixan", which determined the vigor and energy of individuals, as well as their behavior. At death, the soul travels to a place that corresponds to their conduct in life. They believed the worlds of the living, of the dead, and of the gods were interconnected by snake-like roads used by Pixan/souls to travel to heaven and to return each year to be alive for eight days.
The souls living in the highest, most paradise-like 'heaven' were those of warriors, women who died in childbirth, priests, those who were sacrificed, and members of the highest social class. In contrast, the lost souls traveled to Mitnal, descending through thick roots of a ceiba tree to a cenote leading to the bowels of the earth where the shadows fade.
Altars vary by region, but in general, they're covered with an embroidered cloth and include a cross and images of saints, as well as photos of the deceased ones, candles, yellow 'mum' flowers, and incense. It is presumed the souls are thirsty and hungry, and will enjoy the essences of their favorite beverages and foods. Offerings for children include marzipan candies in special shapes, cookies, chocolates, seasonal fruits, pastries, and toys. For souls who have no one to remember them, a small table may be placed beside the family altar, with a candle, water, and a plate of food, or a basket may be hung at the home's entrance with offerings inside. (The source for this information was Isla's town historian, Fidel Villanueva Madrid).
Hope you enjoy the video! The audio is in Mayan, but the subtitles are in English. Warning--it's a tearjerker. Pibi tamales are sold on the island during this holiday--check "Merca Isla" in several days. Pibil means cooked underground in Mayan.
"Los Pibis" are traditional tamales for this holiday & entice the souls of departed loved ones to visit during these special eight (!) days. In the wee hours of November 1st (after midnight of Oct. 31st) the souls of the children return, with the adults following during the early hours of Nov 2nd. Villages are filled with odors of copal incense, boiling corn, atole (a traditional corn-based beverage), and pumpkin candies. Paths are lit with candles to help the souls find their way home, where altars await them, offering their favorite foods & objects.
Mayas celebrate "Hanal Pixan" (Food for the Souls) and believe the souls of their loved ones stay until November 7th. During these eight days, called "Ochovario", women shouldn't embroider for fear of sewing the skin of a spirit. Men shouldn't go hunting for fear of shooting the soul of someone who was a hunter when they were alive. Black threads may be tied around the wrists of newborns to protect them from the evil spirits that haunt these days. On the eve of these celebrations, it is believed that the fine rain that often falls is used by the dead to wash their clothes before coming to the earthly homes that have been prepared for them.
Mayan ancestors believed humans were endowed with a soul or spirit, called "Pixan", which determined the vigor and energy of individuals, as well as their behavior. At death, the soul travels to a place that corresponds to their conduct in life. They believed the worlds of the living, of the dead, and of the gods were interconnected by snake-like roads used by Pixan/souls to travel to heaven and to return each year to be alive for eight days.
The souls living in the highest, most paradise-like 'heaven' were those of warriors, women who died in childbirth, priests, those who were sacrificed, and members of the highest social class. In contrast, the lost souls traveled to Mitnal, descending through thick roots of a ceiba tree to a cenote leading to the bowels of the earth where the shadows fade.
Altars vary by region, but in general, they're covered with an embroidered cloth and include a cross and images of saints, as well as photos of the deceased ones, candles, yellow 'mum' flowers, and incense. It is presumed the souls are thirsty and hungry, and will enjoy the essences of their favorite beverages and foods. Offerings for children include marzipan candies in special shapes, cookies, chocolates, seasonal fruits, pastries, and toys. For souls who have no one to remember them, a small table may be placed beside the family altar, with a candle, water, and a plate of food, or a basket may be hung at the home's entrance with offerings inside. (The source for this information was Isla's town historian, Fidel Villanueva Madrid).
Hope you enjoy the video! The audio is in Mayan, but the subtitles are in English. Warning--it's a tearjerker. Pibi tamales are sold on the island during this holiday--check "Merca Isla" in several days. Pibil means cooked underground in Mayan.
Hurricane Wilma occurred fourteen years ago on Oct. 21 LINK
The hurricane caused losses of water and electricity which were quickly restored, especially considering how many electric poles were blown down. There was only one death of a Cuban fisherman, but extensive damage to homes and other buildings. Authorities say that the culture of prevention and the experience of what to do before, during and after these natural phenomena, is what has helped the islanders face these hydrometeorological events. Hurricane season officially ends November 15th.
Work by City to recover beach LINK VIDEO
The municipal Director of ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone agency), Kerem Pinto Aguilar, explained that the work being done on the north side of the Mia pier-bridge is for the purpose of sand recovery to relocate sand that eroded from the beach. This affected access as well as some palm trees, so a crew of workers with the Marenter company is using a submersible pump to recover about 1300 square meters of beach. The project is expected to take about two weeks, working eight hours per day. It is noted that all the permits have been obtained from SEMARNAT.
Ultramar launching new App and Smart Card LINK
The Ultramar ferry company announced that starting next week (or in two weeks?), they will issue new cards that allow customers to be individually identified and permits them to purchase tickets online, so that at the time of departure, they only need to swipe them through equipment installed at the terminals. Invoices can also be issued instantly.
The new cards will be available in two more weeks and will offer discounts at 4000 establishments. There is also an application called Press Reader, which gives access to thousands of magazines and newspapers around the world.
Employees counting passengers will now be equipped with electronic tablets. Customers can access an App, which tells them the number of other credits (tickets), as well as their accumulated points, which can be exchanged. In this manner, the Ultramar company is using new technologies for the implementation of its new services.
In the state of Quintana Roo, 355,815 doses of vaccine against influenza will be given between Oct. 15 and March 31st to persons in the categories on the graphic, including children between six months and five years of age, adults 60 and older, pregnant women, health personnel and people with illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes, morbid obesity, respiratory illnesses, serious heart problems, immuno-suppression, cancer and HIV.
Did you know? The flowers of Cempasuchil guide the souls to their altars with their color and scent. (Mexican marigolds). From the municipal Institute of Cultura & Arte
Voting Institute personnel will be on the island Oct 23-25.
From Por Esto :
Maritima plans to resume providing cargo service to Punta Sam
En pie, planes de regresar de MarÃtima Isla Mujeres
The Maritima company, backed by Marina, has met with the Port Authority (APIQRoo) regarding their plan to resume operations providing cargo service between the island and Punta Sam, with the "Sergio Graci Aguilar" boat. This ferry can transport 180 passengers and about 40 compact cars. A date hasn't been given, but they hope to be in service by high season.A company representative confirmed that they have acquired the mechanical parts to repair the ship, which caused a considerable delay. They apparently still owe about five million pesos for use of the APIQRoo facilities, and liquidated all their staff when they stopped operations, claiming bankruptcy. Marinsa is supporting them as the majority shareholder.
Threat of rain caused decreased tourism activity on Sunday
Poca actividad turÃstica en la isla por la amenaza de lluvia
Due to the threat of rain throughout the day on Sunday, only half the golf carts were rented and the beaches were half-empty. Fewer recreational boats came to the isle and restaurateurs complained of slow sales. There were no problems caused by the winds from the south, and boats from Puerto Juarez were able to arrive.Drivers are reminded to watch out for a herd of mapaches (raccoons) that live on the southern part of the isle by the coastal road, because two of them were hit and killed.
Fishermen's huts on Isla Contoy need attention
Rehabilitarán chozas de pescadores
Now that the "norte" winds are beginning to arrive, the fishermen's huts at Isla Contoy need urgent attention, particularly the four huts located on the lower part of the camp, where sand has seriously eroded and water is entering the buildings during high tide. The president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives of Quintana Roo, Baltazar Gómez Catzin, said he will have to use the reserve fund to attend to this immediately, because there are no governmental resources available.The cooperative "Justicia Social" is ready to maintain three huts located several meters above sea level, so their members can camp there this fall and winter to capture lobster using nets, now that the "norte" winds are beginning. The cooperatives "Caribe" and "Patri y Progreso" also camp there and it is noted that all the huts are well-made, but the roofs need rehabilitation, which is a relatively minor investment.
Mr. Gomez Catzin explained, "The cooperatives provide the material to the camping members and they do the work, as part of a community effort, now that there are no municipal, state or federal resources." He said about 10 huts will be occupied this season.
He was leaving for Mexico City to defend the need for resources for the fishing industry, now that the Legislature is finalizing its preparation of the 2020 budget.
Fishing Research Center closed
Cierra el Centro de Investigación Pesquera
The Fishing Research Center was inaugurated in August 1981, and was open for three decades, monitoring species with high commercial value and generating conservation recommendations. They also conducted a two-decade-long study of the behaviors of sea turtles, which included research on fertilized females captured with nets at Punta Sur of the three main species that nest in the region, greens, loggerheads, and hawksbills.The Center also issued recommendations for conservation of the Queen Conch and about the capture of lobster, grouper, snapper, several species of sharks, shrimp and rock shrimp, in addition to other species.
However, now there are no researchers, the cubicles and offices are empty, and all the work is being done at the Puerto Morelos Research Center. The results of the research about growing lobster in pools and open waters isn't know in detail, but unofficially it is presumed that feeding lobsters under these conditions would be a costly alternative.
There was a module, that is now closed, for tourists to learn about the biology, behaviors, and habitats of lobster, in the beautiful corals of the seabed. Conservationists say these tours raised awareness about caring for this and other natural resources, especially among children who need to know this, and who take advantage of frequent visits to the Tortugranja aquarium.
Road closure affecting tourism at southern part of the isle
Bloqueo de Punta Sur perjudica al turismo
Two kilometers of road have been affected for three weeks by introduction of large pipes for the wastewater network at Punta Sur, which was expected to be completed within 15 days. Aguakan is installing 12-inch pipes at a depth of 4.2 meters between the treatment plant and Playa Lancheros, but rainy weather has slowed the progress of the work, which began on Oct. 1st. The section that is closed is between the treatment plant and the "Casa del Bombero". The work may be completed by mid-November, which is having economic effects on businesses in the area.Prevention campaign begins
Arranca campaña de prevención
The municipal program, Empresa Segura, launched a campaign to prevent cyberbullying, through courses taught by specialists. They also spoke about the use of social networks and detecting a pirate or fake page. There is a joint state and municipal plan to provide information to companies about prevention of computer crimes, which includes providing workshops so they know how to detect this problem and what to do if they are victims.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left. |
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts
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| Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me. |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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October 13 6:39 October 14 7:14 October 15 7:52 October 16 8:32 October 17 9:16 October 18 10:04 October 19 10:58 October 20 11:55 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~6:35-6:10p (start-end/mo) Sunrise ~6:35-6:45a (start-end/mo) |
October Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Wednesday nights at 8:45p, the group "Isla en Bici" bike around the isle, meeting at Juarez & Abasolo. Lights required, helmet recommended. LINK
In October, fishermen in this region are banned from catching Conch, and Shrimp until the 15th. LINK
The new date for the Women's Fishing Tournament "El Dorado del Caribe" still hasn't been announced.
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| By Diane Daniel |
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| Incubation pen |
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| Nests & tracks at MVC B&B |
Isla Mujeres celebrates the Month of Quintana Roo
Sunday 6th--Town Square 8p Noches Magicas with two folklorico dance troupes and a singer
Monday 7th--Town Square 9a Monthly Civic Ceremony
Friday 18th--Casa de Cultura Esplanade 7p Concert Electone Arte en Movimiento
Thurs 31st-Town Square 8p Presentation of Hanal Pixan altars & the Festival of the Living for the Dead
(The events on the 14th are at schools on the mainland and on the 21st
at the City Council room is a contest of oral presentations in Spanish)
Oct 8-9 Draconid Meteors peak (with some interference from the moon)
Oct 9-10 Southern Taurids peak (with some interference from the moon)
Friday, Oct. 18, at 7p, you're invited to experience the sounds of an entire orchestra from one musician on one instrument. Free at the Casa de la Cultura, on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo (in front of the "Isla Mujeres" photo op sign).
Sunday, Oct. 20--the 3rd annual Pink Run to raise awareness about Breast Cancer prevention will be held starting at 7:30a by Playa Centro & the Fishermen's Monument in front of the Posada.
Sunday. Oct. 20 at 6pm on the Town Square, two dance troupes will perform.
(On the 21st at the City Council room is a contest of oral presentations in Spanish)
Monday night, Oct 21-22 Orionid Meteors peak
Thursday Oct. 31st-Town Square 8p Presentation of Hanal Pixan altars & the Festival of the Living for the Dead
Thursday, Oct. 31-Halloween is celebrated on Hidalgo street with foreigners & businesses passing out candy and small items after dusk.There's also a procession thru the colonias.
Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos There's usually a candlelit procession around nightfall from the cemetery down HIdalgo to the Casa de la Cultura where there is usually a Catrina contest and displays of altars from different regions of Mexico. The procession participants are dressed in black and white, or catrina-garb, or regional clothing.
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Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
LINK to NHC
