In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, January 8

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! 
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.     Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks! 

  Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

City responds to complaints by residents: Abandoned vehicles removed from various streets

Atiende Comuna demanda

Ante queja de vecinos, retira vehículos abandonados en diversas vialidades

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 7 de enero.-

Leer más...

In response to complaints by residents, and to improve the image of this vacation destination, the Department of Public Safety towed several abandoned vehicles from various streets to the municipal impound yard. This included two 'remolques' (trailers?) from vacant land in colonia Amplification la Gloria and Meteorologica.
      It is expected that more vehicles could be towed in upcoming days since this can be done at no cost to the Department of Public Safety, who now have a tow truck. Previously they had to pay a private company. Owners of vehicles left in the public roads are notified that they should be moved or relocated so they do not pose a problem for the neighbors and do not present a poor image for visitors arriving to this vacation destination.

From Tvisla Mujeres









Expecting closure of port for navigation by small boats due to the new cold front
Prevén cierre de puerto a la navegación menor por nuevo Frente Frío http://t.co/UsHG8WlslF

The Harbor Master expects to close the port on Wednesday night or Thursday morning due to the arrival of a cold front #23, with gusts of wind up to 50kph.He said it was fortunate that the weather was mild and cooperative for the tourism service providers during the holidays, but this front is likely to affect them tomorrow.
    Regarding the holiday monitoring operations, only four boats were given assistance for minor problems, and two boats were found to be over capacity. They were with the cooperatives “Opca” and the cooperative “Puerto Juárez”. There was constant surveillance at the beach and dock areas, and although the operation concluded yesterday, they will continue to keep a close watch on the beach area.


Prolongation Rueda Medina has no completion date. 
The company "Eagle Construction of the Southeast" failed again in their terms ...

http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/…/prolongacion-rueda-medin…/

Tv Isla Mujeres | Prolongación Rueda Medina sin fecha para concluir!

Isla Mujeres. – La empresa “Águila Constructora del Sureste” incumplió nuevamente en sus plazos...

tvislamujeres.com.mx

The company “Águila Constructora del Sureste” was expected to complete construction on prolongation Rueda Medina on January 15th, and it was announced that they would resume work on Jan. 2nd. The road was opened up during the holidays to avoid traffic congestion. Taxi drivers are concerned because the work is only 40% complete. Some sections have been completed and others are compacted dirt, and the rain and truck traffic has caused the street to be bumpy and full of potholes in these areas. (They have resumed work when I was over there yesterday, and traffic is still allowed to pass through)

From the Municipal Facebook site.....









Free English courses begin Monday Jan. 12th at the Community Center in La Gloria. Info available from the Economic Development office during office hours

Este lunes 12 de enero iniciaremos los cursos de inglés. ¡Totalmente gratuito!

An invitation to anyone interested in registering for these courses offered by CECATI
Invitamos a todos los interesados a inscribirse en los cursos que ahora ofrece el CECATI.

From Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

 
From  por esto

 

Tortillas: Under pressure

Tortillas, bajo presión+] Ver mas

In June, the price of masa flour fell 30 percent, according to GRUMA, but this reduction was not passed along to the small businesses in the industry, who are constantly absorbing increases costs of freight, propane, electricity, and municipal taxes, according to local businessman Roman Collis. He has worked in the industry for various years, and manages three tortilla businesses. He says business is difficult because there were formerly five, and now there are nine, for the same number of consumers. He said if before they were processing 30 'bultos' of masa flour, now they are reduced to half of that volume, which generates little income. He said this is a depressing reality for the three tortillerias that he manages, requiring other sources of income to bring more money home. He said, "I have learned to seek alternative sources of income since I was a child. I would dive for coins thrown by tourists, and I washed yachts." And now times are harder with the arrival of more competition, especially the big chains, he explained. He said the cost of  ? el pago de flete  increased from 425 pesos in early 2014 to 582 pesos currently. He admitted the price of masa flour went down, but has gained ground and is now higher than it was a year ago.  According to the regional industrial group GRUMA, on June 6 2014 the price of a ton of corn dropped from 295 dollars to 222 dollars. This decline was not passed to consumers and the tortilla prices did not decline.

Good sales from foreign tourism

Buenas ventas con el turismo extranjero [+] Ver mas

Although the holiday period for national tourism has come to an end, there is a good influx of foreign tourists, especially from the US, which is generating good economic activity around the island. Many visitors are observed around the isle enjoying the nice weather, and businesses are reporting good sales. Even the fishermen were selling out of products and one jeweler, Javier Ortiz, said his sales were better than at Christmas.
   The lancheros report they are taking tours nearby, as well as to Isla Contoy National Park, where there is a large bird population. There are also several boats going out for tours to swim with the sailfish, about 40 miles north of the island. There are also tours for sport fishing for sailfish, but reports indicate reservations are fewer than last year.
   On the eve of the arrival of cold fronts 23 & 25, there was some drizzling rain at sundown, which could be a prelude of the effects of these northerly winds, with some forecasts of rain.  The Harbor Master advised precaution, and noted that the weather may cause closure of the port for small boats on Wednesday evening, if the winds increase.
   Representatives of the General Hospital confirmed that a Canadian tourist, Jerry Gagne, 38, died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday after he had arrived at the ferry terminal and just walked a little ways down Rueda Medina. He was with his wife, Masha, when the problem occurred, and while they waited for the Red Cross ambulance to arrive, she decided to take him to the hospital via taxi. They were unable to revive him at the hospital.

 

  This blog is brought to you by....

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 & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   

 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

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.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.   Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for 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

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 traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the 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.

 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a

 John Cain's schedule  
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm   ElPatio Sol Rockers 
Thurs 9-11 El Patio 
Sats. El Patio 630-830 
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

 El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -
 Tuesdays  9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers /  DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
 Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130 
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00  (I'm not sure if this is still current) 
  

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


Fenix  Sun 1p  Salsa 


You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30

Tuesday -
  Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Wednesday - Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00

Thursday -
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12

Friday - Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30


Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EVENTS

December-January
 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, ~Dec~April.  

 Magic Show at PocNa Mondays at 8:30 Free (tips encouraged) 2x1 cocktails 50p














This magic show is at Fenix on Friday & Saturdays 8p
Sunset ~5p

Moonrise over the Caribbean
Jan. 4  at 5:10p Full Moon
Jan. 5 6:02
Jan. 6 6:53
Jan. 7 7:43
Jan. 8 8:53
Jan. 9 9:21
Jan. 10 10:10
Jan. 11 10:58

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.

Upcoming holidays!

 Monday, February 2, no school/day off for February 5th (Constitution Day). (And if you got the baby in your rosca on Kings Day, you're hosting a tamale party on 2/2.Candlemas) 

We're celebrating Carnaval ~Feb 12-17. whoot whoot!! 

 Monday, March 16th is day off for March 21, (birth of Benito Juarez). 

 Fri March 27 - Sun April 12=Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.
  April 2 & 3 are Bank holidays. 

Friday, May 1=National holiday (Labor day). 

The kids summer vaca starts July 14th.

Island Time Fishing Tournament

 Sail fishing Tournament February 3-7 2015 register online @ islandtimefishingtournament.com info@islandtimefishingtournament.com
To benefit the The Little Yellow School house Isla Mujeres