Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Monday, March 16

The second issue of 
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
 to benefit Isla charities 
 is online, 
featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers!

  Here's a link to the Magazine 
Please share the charity document, patronize the supportive businesses, & enjoy the articles, photos, & videos! If you'd like to donate $15 to your favorite charity to have an ad in this 2015 issue, contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles

Seven Cuban balseros rescued: Adrift near Isla Contoy

Rescatan a siete balseros

Estaban a la deriva en una embarcación "hechiza" cerca de Isla Contoy

Lanrry PARRA
Personnel with the Navy rescued seven Cubans who were adrift in a homemade boat 55 miles from the southern tip of the Yucatan peninsula, in the Mexican Caribbean, in the vicinity of Isla Contoy. The Harbor Master of Cancun, who was advised of a boat sailing adrift near Contoy, notified the Navy, and the rescue took place Saturday afternoon. 

     In a statement, the Navy reported the Cuban refugees had left the Isle of Juventud, at the southern part of Cuba, nineteen days before, and were traveling in a homemade boat made of corcho (cork?),  with a sail. The seven people were in good health.
ISLA MUJERES, 15 de marzo.-

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Increasing stay of tourists: Objective of City to increase economic benefits for the island 

Ampliar estadía de turistas

Objetivo de la Comuna para incrementar la derrama económica en la ínsula

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 15 de marzo.-

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The municipal Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, said in upcoming months they hope to increase hotel occupancy from three to seven nights and strengthen Isla Mujeres as a tourism destination.
     He said that at this time, the average person spends about three thousand pesos, and last year 1.7 million tourists visited Isla Mujeres. So far this year, the average has been about 6000 visitors daily, who spend about 3000 pesos during their visit on food and beverages; rental of golf carts, scooters, or bicycles or use of local transport; and purchases of souvenirs.
   He said the average income of islanders is 2.3 times the minimum daily wage, allowing for a life that, if it is not comfortable, is peaceful for the families. (The minimum daily wage in Q Roo is 66.45 pesos x 2.3 is 153 pesos/day. At an exchange rate of 14.5 that is ~$10.50/day. Divided by eight hours is ~$1.30/hr.)
    The official said they are currently working to position the name of Isla Mujeres in the national and international tourism markets through various actions, such as the Blue Flag certification of the beaches and the included services, and to receive Pueblo Mágico designation, which has involved improving the image of the island, and removing the vendors for the boardwalk and beaches.
     In general, 87 percent of the islanders are involved in tourism, and the hotels, restaurants, and businesses with nautical recreational activities have been developed as major sources of employment in recent years. The Director concluded by saying the average annual occupancy is 65 percent and they want to reach 100 percent during the rest of this administration.


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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (you can join this FB page at this link)







You are invited to attend on March 20th at 8pm to enjoy the Symphonic Orchestra of Quintana Roo
Les invitamos este 20 de Marzo a las 20:00hrs a disfrutar de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Quintana Roo.
¡No se lo pueden perder!

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From Tvisla Mujeres (You can join this fb page at this link)











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Noti Isla Mujeres (you can join this page on FB at this link)

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles

 

Cultural activities this week

Jornada cultural para esta semana[+] Ver mas

The information about these two events is in the events section below. This article notes that the Orchestra of Quintana Roo, who will present "Scent of a Woman" on the Town Square on Friday at 8pm, has performed recently in Chetumal, Bacalar, and Jose Maria Morelos. It is led by Ricardo Corona and will feature special presentations by artists Liem Chaviano, Sofía Lych and Laura Chuc.
    The exhibition and dance performance " "Art and Dance; Ixtabay, living legend " will be presented at the Punta Sur tourist center on Wednesday at 5pm. Both are free of charge. These types of events will continue throughout the year as part of a cultural program for the social and economic sectors, to promote cultural traditions, and especially because tourists like these types of events.

Navy rescues Cuban balseros at sea
Armada rescata a balseros en altamar[+] Ver mas

The seven undocumented Cubans were several miles northeast of Isla Contoy National Park when they were rescued and they were taken to Puerto Juarez, given medical care and food, and then turned over to Immigration. The incident occurred about 30 nautical miles from Isla Mujeres (about 55 kilometers), after a call for assistance was received from the Harbor Master in Puerto Juarez concerning Cubans aboard and adrift in a homemade boat. The Naval Search and Rescue unit (ENSAR) departed in a rescue boat (Class MLB zarpe) and found "a boat made of corcho (cork?) with a sail with seven Cuban aboard" who reported they has sailed from the Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, 19 days ago. They were in good health.


Victim of dispossession seeking legal recourse
Víctima de despojo sin ser atendida en el MPFC [+] Ver mas

Carlos Cervera Peraza says he went to the Ministerio Público de Fuero Común (Public Ministry of Common Law) twice seeking to file a complaint concerning the destruction of his palapas on North beach, without success, because they allege he is not the owner.
       A group of over 20 people allegedly arrived after 10pm at his two palapas and began to destroy everything. Facing opposition from the workers, they were not able to achieve their purpose of total destruction. There are concerns about the lack of response from police, or from the Navy, since this occurred in the Federal Zone, although there allegedly were insistent requests for assistance.
     Some of those involved have allegedly been identified. A legal expert commented that the video tapes of the Port Authority terminal and of Ultramar could be requested to identify them, since they crossed on the ferry. Sr. Cervera said he will use legal means to seek compensation for the damage.
     Sr. Cervera that he plans to continue his  litigation involving former mayor Jorge Cardenas concerning use of this area of Federal Zone.  He claims to have all the evidence needed to resolve this original problem, and that his rights are firmly secured. He recalled that all the area now occupied by the Nautibeach condominiums was the property of his father who sold it at that time. He says he is aware that people are accustomed to native islanders being removed from the Federal Zone, but that he has had a permit for this concession since 2002, when all his documents were processed by SEMARNAT. He alleges that the existence of conflicting documents are the tools of influential people trying to rob people in areas with high values.


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  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.

March Events

Sunset ~6:50

Moonrise over the Caribbean
March 5, Thurs.    7:01    Full Moon   
(a 'minimoon'...the most distant moon of 2015)

March 6, Fri.         7:50
March 7, Sat.        8:39
March 8, Sun.       9:28
March 9, Mon.      10:19
March 10, Tues    11:10

Sunrise ~7am
From Time & Date

March 5 , Thursday Town Square Artist Fair 4-9 & Taste of Isla 5-7
March 8 Daylight Savings Time begins in US. Isla is on EST year round, not observing DST.
March 8 International Women's Day
March 16, Monday: Day off for March 21, Birth of Benito Juarez. 
March 17, Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day  (Celebrated in some bars)
March 18 Oil Expropriation Day (an observance, no closures)



You are invited to attend a dance and exposition "Ixtabay, living legend" on Wednesday, March 18. Free admission. It says "Art & Dance...at the Punta Sur/South Point palapa at 5pm"

 Friday, March 20 8pm Catholic Church on the town square downtown Symphonic Orchestra

March 20 Equinox   Total Solar Eclipse
March 21 Benito Juarez's Birthday
March 26 Bus Booze Cruise benefit for Isla Seniors & Friends (Sold out)
March 29 Palm Sunday
Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.

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


 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 (By band & location)

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..

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo 
Mon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin 
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge


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  ~1p~4p   Live music at the beach in the afternoons including  Chucho (Jesus Campuzano) on Wednesdays, the Cuban musicians Thursdays, La Guerra & Pao & others on Fridays, someone on Saturday, Cuban musicians w Barbie playing Salsa on Sundays. Tuesday might be reggae.


Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music at night on Hidalgo 
Fayne's: 10:30-12 (see above)
La Terraza: 9 or 10-12 
Morgan's:  7 or 8 - 9 or 11 (see above)
El Patio (see above)

And at Poc Na Hostel: 9:30-11

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
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Tuesday -  Fenix live music 1-4
Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Wednesday - Fenix live music (Chucho?) 1-4
Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Thursday -Fenix  live music 1-4
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Friday - Fenix- 1-4 La Guera & band
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

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

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


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 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.