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

.

The "Morning Edition" has translated headlines & newspaper photos. This Afternoon Edition has translations of the articles, Daily Events & Live Music Schedules & the "Around the Internet in the Past 24 Hours" section including photos & info from individuals & local businesses ....Daily In Isla Mujeres. There are always links to the original articles in Spanish.

Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Entrepreneurs concerned about possible loss of Tourism Promotion Agency

Cunde la incertidumbre

Sábado, 26 de Octubre de 2013 21:24

Entre empresarios, ante posible desaparición de fideicomiso turístico

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de octubre.-

Leer más...
Gerardo Magaña Barragán, member of the Tourism Promotion Agency Advisory Board of Isla Mujeres, (integrante del Consejo Consultivo del Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística de la ínsula) is concerned about the future of the Tourism Promotion Agency (Dirección del Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística). He says, "Isla Mujeres has been experiencing a four year long crisis in the number of visitors, and the disappearance of the Tourism Promotion Agency would worsen the situation." He says the situation on the island is so severe that the peak season for hoteliers, which is from Dec. 20 to March 30, is like regular season, the regular season is like low season, not to mention the low season which is from September to November.
In the lead sentence, the reporter characterizes the influx of visitors to Isla Mujeres as "in a tailspin", (According to statistics from the Port Authority, the number of visitors monthly and annually has increased compared to last year, and the year before.) and says it would be terrible and catastrophic if the Tourism Promotional Agency disappeared. (There was an article a week or two ago about a possible municipal restructuring to incorporate the Tourism Promotional Agency into the Tourism Department. It did not suggest the Promotional Agency would be discontinued.)

Port closed for small boats

Cierran el puerto

Sábado, 26 de Octubre de 2013 21:20

Mal tiempo provoca parálisis en las actividades comerciales y turísticas

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de octubre.-

Leer más...
Due to strong winds and rain, the port remained closed and sales by merchants were negatively affected. Many stores remained closed since they anticipated very few visitors arriving for the day from Cancun. The only businesses that enjoyed a moderate amount of activity was the golf cart rental agencies, but not at the level they wanted.

Hoteliers say rental houses are unfair competition

Casas en renta, “coco” de hoteleros

Sábado, 26 de Octubre de 2013 21:17

Ante competencia desleal

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de octubre.-

Leer más...
Gerardo Magaña Barragán, member of the Tourism Promotion Agency Advisory Board of Isla Mujeres, (integrante del Consejo Consultivo del Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística de la ínsula) says the rental of houses by foreigners causes unease among hoteliers and tourism service providers, because they do not pay the same fees and taxes, which gives them a competitive advantage. He says the tourism service providers are complaining because some foreigners include scooters or golf carts, and they are not being regulated.

Tvisla Mujeres

Noticias de Quequi......

Port remains closed to small boats

CLIMA

Continúa cierre a la navegación menor

0 26 de octubre de 2013

Por Carlos Gasca .-

0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

Mobile Vendor Complaints

Urgen venteros quitar cotos de poder en playas

Domingo 27 de Octubre de 2013 13:51 Jesús Molina DIARIO RESPUESTA Mobile venders who have been selling for over 15 years are complaining about newer vendors, and alleging that the new people are not to be trusted. The unnamed vendors complained about an unnamed married person from Chiapas who holds more than fifteen permits. They say they have complained to the mayor. It is noted that the number of mobile vendors increased during the last two administrations.

Fished to live...Lives to fish

Pescar para vivir…vivir para pescar

Domingo 27 de Octubre de 2013 13:50 Fidel Villanueva DIARIO RESPUESTA This article is by the town historian about an 80 year old fisherman, Dionisio “Polo” Velázquez Pastrana, who now has trouble with his eyesight. He formerly fished for a living, and now he lives to fish. His parents, Pablo Velázquez and Leopoldina Pastrana Fernández were native Islanders.

He spoke about fishing for turtles and shark as a child, without fear. He explained there were enough shark that they could fish from the shore, throwing thick lines into the sea that were secured to the coconut trees. The old fisherman told a story about a Gynecologist who came from Cancun to fish, with a very nice fishing pole. "I politely asked him not to use it, because in my boat we only fished by hand, like men. The doctor agreed and set his equipment aside, but I regretted that because he caught more than I did!"

He talked about his years in the Navy, and leaving the Navy and returning to the Island; to his pregnant wife, and to fishing, because he did not want to be stationed in another location. His brother sold him a boat ("Dina") cheaply, which was 24 feet long, carrying four tons. This was at a time when lobster fishing was on the rise, and they obtained traps by paying for them with the lobsters they caught. But later when the traps began disappearing, this method of fishing became unprofitable.

He spoke about fishing with his wife and his daughter Dina, who once caught 11 large barracuda on one fishing trip and who is a strong woman who can pull heavy lobster traps from the deep, as well as filet large fish and cut up sharks, despite her petite stature. The author was struck by the love and veneration expressed between the parents and daughter, in person, and on social networks.

The old fishermen spoke about adventures at sea, describing the time their boat caught fire, and reminisced about his childhood. His mother died when he was a month old, and his father carried him through the village seeking a woman to breastfeed him. He says he owes immense gratitude to Senora Socorro Paz (RIP), who took care of him when he was an infant.

He married islander Aida Trejo Castilla, who brought five children into this world, but three died at birth, and their family of two children, Diana and Gregory, has grown to include nine grandchildren who are following in the footsteps of their grandfather. The author concludes with his wishes for this pescador isleño, who fishes and sees with his hands and his heart, that he will continue to have good weather and good fishing.

SIPSE

Diario La Verdad

por esto

Significant losses in tourism sector
Importantes pérdidas al sector turístico[+] Ver mas

The weather disrupted tourism activities and only a few catamarans over 40 feet arrived from the hotel zone of Cancun, and they only had a few passengers. It was a sad and lonely day for retailers, restauranteurs, and nautical tourism providers, who remained 'paralyzed' by the low numbers of tourists and the lack of revenue. To make matters worse, in the afternoon the few visitors were rushing for umbrellas and raincoats, although there were only small amounts of light rain. The reporter toured the streets and found very little commercial activity, almost no tourists, and the shopkeepers and restaurant employees were waiting idly and reading newspapers. The few tourists who entered shops appeared to be only looking out of boredom. The businesses who leased vehicles had a good Saturday, with demand at 30%, although when the weather if the weather was better they would expect about 50 percent. The restaurants experienced a low number of diners.

Idle time for small boats
Inactiva jornada para la navegación menor+] Ver mas

The winds and rains have paralyzed the activities of the fishermen and nautical tourism providers, who resigned themselves to another day of inactivity. The low pressure system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is interacting with remnants of cold front Number Eight, which is stationary over the Yucatan Peninsula. Both systems are provoking gusty winds from the east and northeast between 30 and 40 km/hr with gusts, and a 60% probability of squalls and rains, accompanied by electrical activity. (The sun is shining this morning, and it is windy with whitecaps. The clouds are increasing in early afternoon. )

Ironic politics of austerity
Irónica política de austeridad

An anonymous resident is quoted as complaining that there are some street lights that are lit for 24 hours, and some other street lights that do not work, 'lamenting' about neglect by the City, wasting of money for electricity, and the need for functioning streetlights for security. It is noted that the lights that are lit during the day are located on Martinez Ross Avenue, and the lights that are not working are located along the walking path around Salina Grande. Another housewife complained about the streetlights in Cañotal and along the Caribbean perimeter road (that is Martinez Ross) being on sometimes and off others, saying, "The citizens are the ones who suffer the consequences when we get the electrical bill, since the City does not pay for street lighting, they do not care." (? Residents are not directly charged for street lighting.)

This blog is brought to you by....
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.
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

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

Remaining October Events....
November Calendar of Events... coming soon .
The American holiday of Halloween is observed by the expats & a few candy loving kids, while the whole community observes Day of the Dead on November 1st & 2nd. The last day of Hanal Pixan is Nov. 8th. Special foods are available, and there is an Hanal Pixan altar contest in process, with significant cash prizes.

Summer Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday in Mexico
Set your clocks back an hour Saturday Night

¡A retrasar los relojes éste Sábado!
#IslaMujeres #ComunidadEnAcción

October 27 Time Change
Oct 31 Noche de Brujas/Halloween

Here is a LINK to an article I wrote about Hanal Pixan
HERE is the article I wrote about Day of the Dead in Isla Mujeres.

Next Thursday...

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31st

Next Friday.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Come out and join us for our annual Day of the dead party on November 1st. We will have live music, beer and drink specials, an all you can eat Mexican buffet for $150 pesos, costume contests and games. Make your reservations today to ensure the best seats! - www.casasuenos.com

Come out and join us for our annual Day of the dead party on November 1st. We will have live music, beer and drink specials, an all you can eat Mexican buffet for $150 pesos, costume contests and games. Make your reservations today to ensure the best seats! - www.casasuenos.com

Next Saturday......

Fenix Lounge updated their cover photo. — at Fenix Lounge.

Next Sunday....

John Cain's schedule
Tuesday solo from 8 to 10 pm at Cafe Del Mar, lovely spot on the beach across from Jax,
Wednesday with The Sol Rockers at Bally Hoo Restaurant from 7 to 930, come support this great venue, relaxing vibe and good food!
Friday solo at Iguana Bar Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres from 7 to 9 and
Saturday at The Sunset Grill, solo from 7 to 9 pm. They offer 2x1 special from 6 to 10 pm on all wine by glass or bottle.

A TODOS NUESTROS CLIENTES Y AMIGOS, LES INVITAMOS SABADO Y DOMINGO A DISFRUTAR LBS!! MUSICA VIVA!!!!

A TODOS NUESTROS CLIENTES Y AMIGOS, LES INVITAMOS SABADO Y DOMINGO A DISFRUTAR LBS!! MUSICA VIVA!!!!

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

Fenix Lounge Domingo Salsa en Vivo con ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! :: Sunday Live Salsa with ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! + Gratis/FREE Chilpachole Pa' la Cruda! + Tragos/Drinks + SUP & Kayak :: See You There!! / No Falten!! — at Fenix Lounge.

Domingo Salsa en Vivo con ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! :: Sunday Live Salsa with ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! + Gratis/FREE Chilpachole Pa' la Cruda! + Tragos/Drinks + SUP & Kayak :: See You There!! / No Falten!!

·Iguana's has been having Caribbean-Tropical music on Saturdays & Sundays starting around 6. The Sol Rockers play at Bahia Tortuga on Sunday evenings.