Happy World Turtle Day!, Boatmen Take Break During Tourism Lull, Mayor Halts Sand Removal, Week Of Events For Navy Day, 19 Active Forest Fires Statewide, Mayan Journey Manana, New Fence For Tennis Court, Help Kids: Buy A Palm, Colombian Pop Star Shoots Video In Isla Mujeres News Thursday, May 23 Today's Articles: The Final Edition (finally!)

..This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte








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Colombian Pop Star Making Music Video
In an interview, Colombian singer Fonseca said that he and his production team began shooting video yesterday morning at 5am at the main beaches and attractions of Isla Mujeres. They have also shot scenes in Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen, for his new single "Si te acuerdas de mi" (If you remember me), on the album "Illusions". He explained that the song is about love and despair, but is intended to show the beautiful part of a relationship and recreate the good times in incredible landscapes, like those found in Isla Mujeres. Juan Fernando Fonseca is a internationally successful Colombian singer  whose is known for his mixtures of pop music and Colombian folk rhythms, for which he has won a Latin Grammy. He has been nominated for a Grammy. Source: Diario Q Roo/Manuel Valdez


This video of a performance by Fonseca was posted on YouTube a year ago today and has over 6 million hits.

Events Begin Monday For Navy Day June 1st

     Preparations are being made in Isla Mujeres to commemorate the 71st (LXXI) anniversary of National Navy Day ( Día de la Marina Nacional), which occurs on June 1, when there will be a ceremony at the Naval base before taking the flagship out to place a wreath at sea. That event begins at 10am, featuring civic and military officials, and the general public will accompany them from the Naval Base to the pier by the car ferry, to observe the wreath ceremony in memory of fallen sailors.
      Activities begin on May 27 at the "Futbol Rapido" field with a men's soccer tournament at 7pm, and on the 28th there will be a basketball game at 6pm at the court Jose del Carmen Pastrana (downtown by the square). There will be a volleyball game at the same location on the 29th, and on May 31st there will be open chess tournament there at 10am.  For cultural activities, there will be a grand ball where a queen will be crowned for la Marina Nacional 2013 on the town square on Thursday, May 30th at 8pm, that will bring together the families of Isla Mujeres.
     On June 1st there will be an "Aquathon" "Acuatlón” in which pairs will compete as a team to run 4 kilometers along Rueda Medina and swim 250 meters from the Posada Beach to the municipal pier (el muelle fiscal) and back. This race is open to all genders and ages. There will be recreational competitions such as sack races, sand sculpture contests, and "palo encebado" (Greased pole?). The schedule for these activities will be announced after the wreath ceremony. Family activities will take place at the Posada Beach beginning at 2 pm. Source: Diario Q Roo/Manuel Valdez  



Mayor Intervenes & Halts Controversial Sand Removal

In response to reports of alleged illegal removal of sand in the area of the subdivision "Francisco Javier" on the mainland area of Isla Mujeres (la Zona Continental), Mayor Hugo Ivan Sanchez Montalvo ordered the work discontinued as a precaution against any alleged irregularity. After the president of the homeowners association, Carlos Augusto Castell Galleti, publicly presented a document dated May 16th, complaining to PROFEPA about "facts constituting crimes" at the 11th kilometer of the road Isla Blanca at the terraceria in Santa Fatima, on lote 18 of the subdivision of Francisco Javier, the local officials took action. The mayor said this is within his jurisdiction, and a request is being made to the federal authority to conduct a review and investigate the crimes alleged by the homeowners association. Source:: Diario Q Roo/Manuel Valdez 

Olvidio Lopez/El Quintanarroense reports:   Carlos Castell, president of the Asociación de Colonos of Isla Blanca (homeowners association) said removal of sand had resumed Tuesday night when they saw 14 trucks, owned by Arco Vial de Cancún, taking sand from Isla Blanca to Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya. He said he personally saw people giving orders for the removal and transfer of sand with pick up trucks (the photos show large dump trucks, so I think "camiones pick up" means trucks with beds for cargo) at the road leading to Isla Blanca. The president of the HOA, Castell Galletti, is also a member of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development of the Municipality of Isla Mujeres,
    The members of the HOA allege the man responsible is Hector Da Silva, whom the report alleges is a South American "with a history of environmental damage in the area". Neighbors took pictures and videos on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and allege that this man and another tried to intimidate them. The work stopped Saturday night and they thought the problem was resolved, until they saw the trucks on Tuesday.
    In a document (el escrito a Menchaca) Castell Galletti, wrote that they had seen the entry of a excavating machine at kilometer 11 of the road to the terraceria in Santa Fatima, approximately one kilometer from the police building (casera de policia) at the lots of the American called "Larry" for the intention of removing sand to transport it to Tres Rios. The first incident occurred five years ago and on January 17, 2008 a complaint was filed with PROFEPA.

New Fence For Tennis Court
 Ricardo Gaytan Puerto said tennis players have raised 20,000 pesos to improve the tennis court, and have received their building permit from the city, to replace the mesh fence that has been damaged by the winds. The reporter found two construction workers at the site, who said they had begun on Monday and expected the work to be completed by next week. Source: Diario Respuesta/Jesus Molina

Youth At Risk In Self Help Group
Gibran Mex Pinzon works with at risk youth, leading a group of 20 young people, working within  the parish of the Catholic Church “Inmaculada Con­cepción”,  and 10 more under 16 in another group. He said with the assistance of the self help group, two young people have recently walked away from drugs, but there are many others dealing with this issue who fail, without their parents realizing. He says debauchery, bad examples and lack of values at home are a breeding ground where problems multiply, in the midst of the impotence of many. Source:  Ovidio Lopez/Quintanarroense 


Five Boats Of 30 Offering Tours
The boat tour operators of the Trabajadores de la Sociedades Cooperativas de Turismo Náutico union are operating at about 15 percent, with only five of their 30 boats offering tours to tourists daily. Although the cost is very low at 250 pesos per person, there is currently not sufficient demand to keep them all working. The are performing maintenance work on their boats and implementing these austerity measures to save fuel. In July, with the summer vacation season, they will be offering one hundred percent of their services again. Source: Por Esto  


Goal Of 100,000 Turtle Eggs
The Municipal Committee for the Protection of the Sea Turtle 2013 reported that eight beaches are being monitored for nesting turtles, where workers, volunteers and supporters are working in shifts of up to 12-hours, to assure that fewer are captured for sale and consumption.  This project is the responsibility of the municipal Department of Parks and Museums. The management plan for turtle protection aims to preserve and increase the turtle population, as well as seeking to raise awareness among the community by conducting environmental activities in the schools and for the general public. They began recovering eggs late last month and they hope this year's total will exceed 100,000 eggs.  (Or they may be expecting 100,000..."espera" can mean either one. Generally, the turtles only come ashore late at night, in 'la madrugada' .) The beaches being monitored include: playa Media Luna, Piedra Rota, Bachilleres, Chiapanecos, Acapulquito, Rastro, Punta Sur and Barrancos.  Source: Por Esto  


Official Start To Dental Health Week
On Wednesday, Dr David Valenzo spoke at the official opening of the Second National Oral Health Week, saying they had been working since Monday and were nearly halfway to their goal of helping  ~7500 patients.They are applying fluoride, teaching flossing & brushing techniques, and using detection tablets to demonstrate plaque and cavities. They are advising parents to take their children to the dentist at least once every six months, and encourage good oral hygiene to avoid cavities and infections.  This program "Building a Happy Smile" ends Friday and also provides free care at the health centers. Source: Por Esto  


19 Active Forest Fires Statewide: Includes Balam Preserve
In State news, SIPSE/Edgardo Rodriguez  reports there are at least 19 active wildfires in the state, according to the most recent report by the National Forestry Commission. In the municipality of Jose Maria Morelos, volunteers are helping 56 brigades from the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and the Forestry Institute of Quintana Roo (INFOQROO) who are working to extinguish a fire that has damaged 800 hectares of forest. They are requesting support from the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) because the only way to enter the area is by helicopter. The ecological preserve "Ka'aax Balam is embraced by the flames, which includes areas of mature trees and shrubs. The director of INFOQROO submitted a report on May 21 that the damaged area was approximately 250 hectares, and yesterday it became known that the fire had advanced and more than doubled. Strong winds caused the rapid progress, spreading the fire to a wide area.  There are no roads in this area,. Source: SIPSE/Edgardo Rodríguez

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View from rooms

Small room

Large room

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 or Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or visit restaurants, bars, & beach clubs; 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 pharmacy and variety of other stores and small local restaurants

Sunrise this morning from MVC B&B

I slept thru it! Capt.Tony took photos of it...below

Bruce  :Sunset at Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres yesterday.

 On the internet in the past 24 hours...


Update to Fenix's Live Music Schedule:

Thurs: Latin Jazz w/Fabio 8-10
Fri: La Guera & Willy's Blues 8-10
Sat: Tropical Groove Latin Reggae & Cumbia 3-5
Latin Jazz w/Fabio 8-10
Guest DJ & Fire Show 10pm-2am
Sun: Hula Hoop Class w/Rebeca 1 pm
Cuban Salsa - ¡Asere Que Bola 3-5 pm

Aqua Adventures Eco Divers Isla Mujeres  
Video at their link...if you can't see it..befriend or "like" their FB page.

Always great seeing Jair freedive, especially with whale sharks! Thanks to Steve for the great video! May 21 2013

Tony Garcia

sunrise 23 mayo 2013 (13 photos)

Buy a palm from LYSH! They still have plenty left! Fifty pesos each or you can donate more. Coconut palms about 5 feet tall.

Thanks to Dave Hochmier for these 150 palm trees donated to the little yellow school house. Lysh will sell them to raise money. They are all shoulder height and more, all at bargain prices. Stop by the school ( next to the new big church) visit us and buy a tree or 2. Thank you Dave !

Victor Manuel Cervera Cervera  near Casa Havana

amigos y contactos hoy ,la naturaleza ,nos volvio a dar otra sorpresa,una tortuga cahuama,subio a desovar ala playa ,aqui atras de la casa,increible .....feliz.

John Cain  This week playing at:

Tonight, 7 to 9 pm at La Palapa Belga, Cancun with Wayne Keenan, Sax/Flute
An evening of Jazz and fine dining. https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Palapa-Belga/169401086428651?fref=ts

Friday, 630 to 830 at Iguana Bar Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres, Solo, singin' and playin'...love this place!

Tony Garcia  lion fish hunters on isla mujeres.mexico.

Katie Cain  No sweat exercise this morning! POOL YOGA MOVE at 9AM-Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres.

We had some awesome gazpacho and smoked fish at Iguana's last evening, while enjoying live jazz music, and Gabby's fine cocktails...and pleasant company. And one fellow who enthusiastically dislikes this paper. (Ok that part wasn't as enjoyable, but we just moseyed on.) First we'd stopped by the Soggy Peso for cold beers. Their ratio of tourists to expats has shifted a bit & it's easier to find a spot at their bar these days.

In Playa del Carmen
Link to more photos & info about the beach for disabled folks


This visionary project offers shade, showers, drinking water, assistance and special amphibious apparatus for those who require additional help to enjoy the warm tropical water of the Caribbean ocean and the powdery white sand of the Riviera Maya.


Max the Wonder Dog now lives NOB....(north of the border)

Rick Melase shared Max the Wonder Dog of Isla's photo.

I got cold last night, so Auntie Mere put a blanket on me....

Rob Herrin  at Rolandi's.

Lobster season resumes July 1

I fucking love scienceMore information: http://n.pr/12ysgJj

Happy World Turtle Day!  (and yeah, there's a facebook page for that...HEREhttps://www.facebook.com/WorldTurtleDay)

Happy World Turtle Day from MarineBio!Photo Credit ~ Troy Mayne

Find out more about sea turtle conservation and how you can help here: http://marinebio.org/oceans/conservation/organizations_species.asp#9

XCARET's photo.

Tomorrow 300 oarsmen will sail in 30 canoes to Cozumel to honor their fertility goddess: Ixchel → http://bit.ly/mayan-journey     

Excerpt from this site:

May 23: In music, dance, flavors and colors we will live the prelude to the crossing with the interactive Mayan market in the archaeological zone in Xcaret at 5:30 pm.

The maize god, Hun Nal Ye will be present to perform the opening ritual while the oarsmen receive a message from mother Ixchel.

May 24: With the first rays of sun,  the oarsmen will depart from Xel-Há to the Island of the Swallows (Cozumel) after a blessing ceremony.

The oarsmen arrive in Cozumel at 1:00 pm where they will be greeted with dances. The supreme commander Halach Uinik welcomes them to Chaankanaab.
At night, the oarsmen will visit the sanctuary to bring their offerings to Ixchel to culminate the celebration with dances of fertility and abundance.

May 25: In the morning, the oarsmen will prepare to sail the turquoise sea to return to Xcaret with their message of hope.

Aqua Adventures Eco Divers Isla Mujeres's album: Whale Shark tour May 21 2013.

2013 Whale Shark Season....already amazing!!!

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a privileged place with a unique natural and cultural wealth in Mexico. Come and see it!
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Isla Mujeres es un territorio privilegiado con una riqueza natural y cultural única en México. ¡Ven y conócela!

Carlos Espíndola shared a photo.

This is what we ate last evening....it was fabulous!

TODAY SPECIAL!!
MIXED TAPAS PLATTER + 2 GLASSES OF WINE OR BEER=$200 PESOS

*2 SMOKE TROUT MONTADITOS
*2 CHISTORRA MONTADITOS
*PINCHOS MORUNOS
*GAZPACHO ANDALUZ

NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

NOAA issued its first outlook for overall seasonal activity in the Atlantic basin today. The outlook calls for an active or even extremely active season, with a predicted range of 13-20 named storms, 6-11 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes. These are all above the seasonal averages of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Factors influencing this forecast are an expected lack of El Nino this year, warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, and a continuation of the generally favorable conditions that have prevailed since 1995.

It's important to remember that there is no skill in forecasting the number, location, or effects of hurricane landfalls this far in advance. Coastal residents should prepare each and every year - regardless of what the seasonal forecast says.

For more information on NOAA's Atlantic basin outlook, please visit: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2013/20130523_hurricaneoutlook_atlantic.html

Last 24 hrs "Time Lapse" of Playa Norte Webcam:  LINK  

  Playa Norte now in real time in Isla Mujeres   

  The Early Edition with the newspaper photographs and headlines is usually published around sunrise.
This Final Edition with the translated articles, plus original photos including the sunrise and the "Around the Internet in the Past 24 Hours" section usually publishes around noon.
Both blogs always have links to the original articles.
 Usually if an article is "missing",  it may have been published in another paper recently, and translated.in a previous post.
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