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| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From the City....
Yesterday, the Isla Mujeres anthem was made official by the City Council at the event commemorating the Encounter Between Two Cultures with the arrival of the first Spanish expedition 503 years ago, who also named the isle. The lyrics and music were written by Ramón Iván Suárez Caamal and Marco A. Ramírez Canul, respectively, who also wrote the state anthem. The event was attended by various officials, including the Mayor and the Governor.
The Mayor, Governor and Chief of Police inaugurated the C2 unit which will monitor the video cameras being installed at various points around the island, with coordination between the municipal government and the state government, with connection to the C5 unit of the State Police. On the island 34 strategic points were determined for the placement of posts to hold up to 4 cameras each, one of them being a PTZ type which can rotate 360 degrees.
The island will host the National Open Water Championship 2020 on March 27 & 28 with national and international athletes, which will also promote this destination at a worldwide level for this important event. This is a major competition for Mexican athletes including those who are qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.
At a press conference, the mayor spoke about the coordinated work being done between the state and municipal governments to promote all types of sports. He also announced that this Pueblo Magico will have a semi-Olympic pool in the near future to encourage swimming among the island youths. About 600 swimmers are expected to participate, during the six hours of competition, over the 1250 meter course.
The municipal, state and federal governments are working together in response to health alerts concerning the Covid-19 virus, noting there are no cases in the state, and therefore none in Isla Mujeres. The Mayor led the Installation of the Municipal Standing Committee in Ecological Health Phenomena 2020. He said, "In this municipality we are ready to provide support with professionalism in each of the stages of comprehensive risk management", noting they will implement prevention strategies and monitor any situations that could occur. He said, "With the installation of this important committee we are joining the national and international strategies to respond to this new health phenomenon Covid-19 in a coordinated and responsible manner." Names & titles of committee members are given.
March 3rd was International Wildlife Day
Promotion for the free pet sterilization campaign on Thursdays at Isla Animals by Marina Paraiso
On Monday in Cancun, a presentation was made of the "Swapp Cloud" application for taxis in Cancun, which was developed by University students in Yucatan and involves an investment of 1.2 million pesos, including advertising. This will allow them to compete with platforms such as Uber. LINK
Swapp has operated in two cities, with more than 1,500 taxi drivers operating and more than one million trips registered to date. The user can receiv a cost quote before requesting service and compare prices. They can pay with credit or debit cards and receive digital receipts instantly, even for trips taken on the street.
GPS allows the user to follow the taxi route in real time from the moment they request it until they arrive at their destination, in the same way the drivers will have the maps of the city to avoid traffic and follow the most efficient route.
The application has an integrated panic button for the user which is activated by shaking their phone while using the service, which will link them to the city's security system (911) and will offer the option to share their location throughout the trip. The user can rate the service of drivers, make reports, and track lost items.
The application is now available for smartphones with Android system in the Google Play store and will be available for IOS in mid-April.
VIDEO with caption about business owners requesting that Aguakan intervene concerning an overflow of wastewater on Rueda Medina. LINK to article.
Photo with caption saying it's the first rental of electric motorcycles in Isla Mujeres.
Taxistas in Isla Mujeres will receive training about prevention of Coronavirus LINK
The cabbies will not only receive talks about good tourist attention and service, they will also be trained by Community Hospital staff, because there has been a lot of misinformation about this disease. The union leader commented after the Governor's statement that everyone should contribute and support these prevention measures. A course will be held on Thursday, which should be attended by all the taxi drivers, although other courses can be held as necessary.
Pruning and cleaning work continues in Isla Mujeres LINK
The "Surada" has not prevented tourists from reaching Isla Mujeres to enjoy the best beach in Mexico. (photo)
The XVI Legislature of the State of Quintana Roo approved the creation of a special transitional commission for the attention of Sargazo in Quintana Roo. The commission will manage resources before the Union Congress for the attention of this problem. LINK
Tuesday morning the port was closed for all boat travel to Isla Contoy, and for the coastal fishermen and sports fishing. In the bay, travel was only allowed for boats over 40 feet, including the ferries, but not for any recreational activities in the lagoons and area of Farito, and extreme caution was advised due to the effects of the Surada. (southern winds).
It says--Initiation of operations of the Command and Surveillance Center (C2) of Isla Mujeres with 136 security cameras, located at 34 strategic locations, and interconnected with the C5 unit of the state police, and personnel have new equipment and top level armaments.
On Friday, March 6, officials will be at the Casa de la Cultura collecting information for a state Directory of Artists LINK
VIDEO of press conference for the open water swimming competition
VIDEO and photos of 503rd anniversary event with the Governor in attendance on the Town Square.
Photos with Governor, Mayor, Chief of Police and other officials with caption about coordinated work with security cameras & C2 and the municipal police force. VIDEO
VIDEO of Isla Mujeres anthem which was made official by the City Council at the Town Square event commemorating the 503rd anniversary of the Encounter Between Two Cultures yesterday.
Parents of the girls of the drill team of the Julio Sauri
primary school second shift, who were winners in the recent municipal drill team contest, are conducting bake sales to raise funds to attend the National competition in the state of Mexico. VIDEO
Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis announced that a semi-Olympic pool will be constructed in Isla Mujeres. VIDEO
VIDEO of the City Council event on the Town Square commemorating the 503rd anniversary of the Encounter Between Two Cultures.
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| Ixchel |
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| This was dug up at the Punta Sur temple when the Le Plongeons were visiting in 1877 & broken by the shovel. |
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| Punta Sur temple-observatory |
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| Boca Iglesia church near Cabo Catoche |
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| Establishing the town of Dolores on Isla Mujeres |
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| By LePlogeons-street scene |
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| The hotel located at the north end of Isla Mujeres, on the islet Yunque, was inaugurated on May 18, 1964, as the hotel Zazil Ha, with 32 rooms. |
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For many years, this boat transported supplies and passengers between the mainland and the island, owned by the Magana family.  |
The Isla Mujeres Community Hospital is prepared for any possible cases of coronavirus Covid-19
Hospital Comunitario de Isla Mujeres, preparado ante posible caso de coronavirus Covid-19
The Isla Mujeres Community Hospital drew up a contingency plan to prevent contagion due to a possible case of Covid-19, said hospital director Dr. Leily Guadalupe Osorio Mares. She said a special area has been designated in case someone arrives with symptoms that are suggestive of the disease, so that they don't have contact with the other patients.She said that the most effective prevention measures to block Covid-19's passage are hand washing, sneezing at the inside angle of the elbow, not going to crowded places and not greeting each other by shaking hands, kissing or huging, to avoid the means of contagion.
There have been no cases of the virus in Isla Mujeres nor in the state of Quintana Roo. after analyzing some suspected cases, which were ruled out. However cases have been detected in other parts of Mexico, and there is particular concern about the confirmed case in Chiapas, due its proximity and because many people migrate here from that state. She said with the island population, they are emphasizing preventative measures, because in spite of how many times the subject is addressed, people continue to cough into their hands and to greet each other with hugs and kisses.
The doctor said people should cough into the internal angle of their elbow and if they sneeze into their hands, they should go directly to the bathroom without touching anything and wash their hands thoroughly. She said the symptoms are cough, malaise, and in severe cases--difficulty breathing. If people have respiratory symptoms, they should avoid crowded places and consult a doctor, and stay at home once they have their medications and treatment.
She said they have a contingency plan at the hospital to separate any patients who have sypmtoms that are suggestive of Covid-19 in another waiting room and office. She said they haven't had any patients who are worried about Covid-19 and commented, "I think this is because we have no confirmed cases in the state, but once a municipality in Quintana Roo presents a confirmed case, I thing it could generate emotional reactions."
Program of pruning implemented in schools and public spaces
Implementan programa de poda en escuelas y espacios públicos municipales en Isla Mujeres
The pruning and cleaning work was coordinated by different municipal departments and the schools included the Andres Quintana Roo Elementary school and the Gabriela Mistral Kindergarten, as well as various public areas. The public areas included the walking path behind CENDI (nursery school) and the areas and streets near the Community Hospital and the downtown Cemetery. They will continue pruning and removing brush in the other schools and public areas in an ongoing manner. Municipal departments who are participating include Civil Protection & the Firefighters, Public Services, and Urban Development & Ecology.Removing accumulated trash before Easter vacations cause increased amounts
Desalojaran toneladas de basura previendo el aumento con las vacaciones de Semana Santa
The Trash Transfer Facility is currently receiving 55-60 tons of garbage daily, which will increase to 70-75 during the Easter holidays. There has been 1700 tons of accumulated trash. On Monday, two large transport trucks were obtained which will work all week, in addition to the City-owned unit to removed an average of 80 tons daily starting on March 9th.Maritime Terminal expansion should be completed by March 13th
Ampliación de la terminal marítima, al 95% en Isla Mujeres
The expansion of waiting area at the Maritime Terminal is 94% complete and expected to be finished by March 13th, providing the weather cooperates. The construction has involved an investment of 5.4 million pesos and three commercial spaces had to be removed, but it hasn't interfered with the operation of the terminal.During 2019, the number of passengers using the terminal increased about ten percent, compared to the previous year. The expansion included the opening of a corridor to join the main room with the one located behind the terminal, and a roof was installed to protect passengers from the weather, allowing a wider space to accommodate crowds of waiting passengers.
Isla Mujeres will be promoted at the Tianguis Turistico travel fair in Merida
Isla Mujeres será promovido en el próximo Tianguis Turístico en Yucatán
This information has already been translated. This article notes that this Mexican Travel fair has now become the most important in the world because the travel fair in Berlin has been suspended over concerns about the coronavirus.Daily convoy of old trucks transporting workers on Isla Blanca is causing traffic congestion (on the mainland)
Cadena de camiones viejos hacia Isla Blanca provoca congestionamiento vehicular
Each morning and afternoon, a convoy of about 52 old trucks move more than 2500 workers to an from construction sites on Isla Blanca along the road from Punta Sam, causing traffic congestion and air pollution. Trucks transporting construction materials also contribute to the problem, which provokes complaints from the taxi drivers who transport tourists to the luxurious hotels that were recently constructed. Construction companies use these trucks to move people rather than building camps near the construction sites, which makes a better impression, but complicates the traffic situation. There is a single lane section along this access road to Isla Blanca, and expanding the road would reduce the problem.Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
March 2-- The port was open for general navigation on Monday, although the wind was increasing with the arrival of a new "Surada", which could close the port on Tuesday (except for the ferries).On Monday around noon, there was a new overflow of sewage along the Rueda Medina sidewalk, near the Harbor Master's building and the Naval Club, which occurred with an interruption in the Aguakan pumping network. There are concerns about this wastewater contaminating the sea, as well as offending visitors and residents.
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MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach
Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white
sand beach and
the beautiful Caribbean sea, with
kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale
neighborhood of Bachilleres,
convenient to downtown
or
the colonias, yet
separate. Quiet & Private.
.jpg) |
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 out of the pic at left.    |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe, Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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| At Sunset--March 9 7:09p (sets 7:07a) March 10 8:13 March 11 9:17 March 12 10:20 March 13 11:22 This is the second of four supermoons for 2020. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth while full, causing it to appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. Sunset 6:52-7:02pm (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~7:07-6:40am Painting by Pamela Haase at MVC |
March Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Thursday afternoons ~3p-8p Artist Fair on the Paseo de la Triguena off the Town Square at the malecon by the food trucks.
Sunday's at 1p there may be baseball games at the stadium in front of Chedraui. There are two teams, the Pescadores & the Cockteleros, who are in Category A & Category B of the same league, which is currently having the playoffs for the season championship.
Occasionally, Sunday evenings 8p on the Town Square "Noches Magicas" performances
Fishermen in this region are banned from catching grouper, lobster and octopus during March LINK
Sunday, March 1--At 1p at the Pescaodores baseball field the Isla Mujeres Pescadores will play the Rockies of Cancun, after losing the first game in their three game series in the semifinals. If the Pescadores beat the Rockies twice, they will win in Group B category of their league. The Isla Mujeres Cockteleros won the Group A category & are waiting to see who they'll play from Group B for the league championship. LINK
Monday, March 2--On the first Monday of each month, there is usually a civic ceremony in the morning, often on the Town Square.
Thursday, March 5--There is usually a ceremony commemorating the arrival of Francisco Hernandez Cordoba in 1517, who is credited with discovering the Yucatan and what is now Mexico, after landing on Isla Mujeres. The expedition of 110 men in 3 boats sailed from Cuba and around the coast, battling with the Maya, until all but one were injured, and over 50 had died. Cordoba died after returning to Cuba.
Sunday, March 8--International Women's Day
Monday, March 9--Full Moon, which is the second of four Super Moons in 2020, meaning it is at its closest approach to the Earth while full, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
Monday, March 16--Day off in honor of the birthday of Benito Juarez on March 21st.
Tuesday, March 17--St Patrick's Day
Wednesday March 18--Observation of Oil Expropriation Day (not an official day off--businesses & schools will be operating normally). Commemorates the nationalization of Mexico's oil fields on this date in 1938.
Thursday, March 19--Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 19--Dia de San Jose, which MAY be celebrated with a dance on the Town Square.
Tuesday, March 24-- Venus reaches its greatest eastern elongation of 46.1 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset. Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation of 27.8 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. New moon--lack of moonlight is the best time to observe galaxies & star clusters.
Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28-- About 600 swimmers are expected to participate in the National Open Water Championship 2020 which will be held in Isla Mujeres on March 27 & 28. The winners of the 10 kilometer competition will represent Mexico in Tokyo during the pre-Olympic match for the Olympic games. The top 20 swimmers in the categories of 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19 divisions, in the categories of 5k, 7.5k and 10k will qualify for the National Conade Games 2020.
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
BUS INFORMATION
The buses operate from 6a to 10p. The overhead digital display indicates whether they're going to the Tourism areas or the Colonias.The bus numbers don't indicate the route, they're numbered 1 thru 10.
The main downtown stops are just south of the Maritime (Ultramar) Terminal & across the street from it. In Centro, the buses stay on Medina, except they turn around near the Convention Center, behind the downtown Mercado. Outside of town, there are no designated stops & you flag them. Exit thru the back door, first pushing the red button nearby so the driver knows to stop.
Pay the driver 38 pesos/$2usd (or $9/175p for an all day pass). The front seats are for seniors, disabled & pregnant women. The 32 passenger buses have air conditioning & security cameras. (State residents pay 10p, INAPAM card holders & local students pay 5p.) LINK to bus company page on FB.
COLONIA ROUTES-1 & 2Route 1 goes down the western side on Rueda Medina and returns northward on the east side via Jesus Martinez Ross. Its west-east transit is Paseo de los Peces in colonia La Gloria.
Route 2 goes down the eastern side on Jesus Martinez Ross and returns northward on the west side via Medina. Its east-west transit is also Paseo Peces.
Routes #1 & #2 aren't exact opposites.
#1 takes J.M. Ross northward all the way from Peces to downtown, traveling thru Salina Chica,
#2 going southward turns left/east just before Salina Chica, leaving JM Ross & taking the Caribe Coastal road thru Meteorologico. I've heard it turns right/west back into the colonias by Madera Food & Art.
TOURISM ROUTES-3 & 4
Now the company advises riding #3 to Sac Bajo and #4 to Punta Sur.
Route 3 goes to Sac Bajo, down the western side of the isle on Medina.
(It was originally advertised as also going to Punta Sur. Then they said it only went to P.S. when that was the destination of passengers aboard, and otherwise after routing thru Sac Bajo it turned east on Paseo Peces & returned via the Caribbean Coastal road, Payo Obispo.)
Route 4 goes to Punta Sur & Garrafon down east side on the Caribbean Coastal road and returning northward on Medina to town.
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| This isn't a bus route map, it's a street map, showing how Jesus Martinez Ross follows the Caribbean coast until becoming the main street of Salina Chica and going on to La Gloria, while the Caribe Coastal road (aka Payo Obispo) follows the coast. The east-west transit, Paseo de los Peces, is shown, but not labeled, between colonia La Gloria and the Mundaca Hacienda. |
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