Check out the Preview Edition of Isla Mujeres Magazine

See what's coming in January

Events in Isla & Articles in the Magazine

Here's the link

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

LINK to 24 hour time lapse of the webcam

The "Morning Edition" has translated headlines & newspaper photos. This Afternoon Edition has translations of the news articles, Daily Events, the Live Music Schedule & 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.

Check out the Daily Specials...with Delivery numbers and Menus...see tab at top of page.

Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Demand for rooms reaches 100%

Demanda de cuartos alcanzó 100%

Jueves, 02 de Enero de 2014 21:40

Se congratulan empresarios hoteleros

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 2 de enero.-

Leer más...
The Director of Tourism says that expectations of hoteliers of all categories of hotels were met during the year end holidays in Isla Mujeres. Occupancy was at 99-100% on the last two days of December, with the usual decline on January first, when occupancy was ~90%. The Tourism Director anticipates that occupancy will remain between 85 and 95 percent for the first three months of 2014. It is noted that of the 2569 rooms available in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, 1563 are on the island and 1006 are in the Continental Zone.

New Year's celebrations without mishap

Nada que lamentar

Jueves, 02 de Enero de 2014 21:40

Sin mayores contratiempos transcurrió festejo de Año Nuevo

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 2 de enero.-

Leer más...
The Police Chief reports that there were no major incidents during the New Year's celebrations, as a result of the operations which included patrols, checkpoints, breathalyzer, and tourist information modules. He said there were no major incidents in recent days, just the arrest of 20 people for disorderly conduct, and the taking of motorcycles and golf carts to the impound yard (~60 vehicles were impounded according to another article), for drivers who were consuming alcohol. The Police Chief, Joaquín Poot Acosta, said this detention of vehicles was like social work to prevent the drivers from continuing to drive, which could cause an accident. They were able to recover their vehicles without any complications. (As I explained in response to a comment yesterday, the drivers were not detained, only the vehicles).
   The operations between December 31 and January 2 included use of the breathalyzer on the morning of January 1 and constant vigilance on the road to Punta Sur, where the people gathered to receive the first rays of the sun of 2014.
   It is noted that during this holiday season a tourist service module was put into operation as a part of the "Tourist Police" program of the current administration of Agapito Magana Sanchez. Located on the Town Square, the Tourist Police module provides attention 24 hours per day, offering general information about the destination, and taking reports from visitors, in order to provide a prompt response. This was initiated by the Mayor to give better service to tourists during this vacation season.
   According to the Municipal Department of Tourism, occupancy was at 99% during the last days of the year.

Tvisla Mujeres

Noticias de Quequi......

Without mercy: Escalating prices

Economía

Sin piedad, escalada de aumentos

0 02 de enero de 2014

Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.

0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

The increase in the VAT (Value Added Tax//IVA) from 11% to 16% caused a shock to islanders who woke up with a hangover and a blow to their wallets. The increase ('the problem') was announced several weeks ago, but little could be done to reverse this economic blow. Several shopping centers were still updating the prices on their products today, primarily in the area of household goods, but also wine, alcohol, cigarettes, and soft drinks.
Economía

Occupancy exceeds 95%

Superó ocupación 95 puntos: Turismo

0 02 de enero de 2014

Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-

0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

Despite criticism from the media about occupancy statistics, the Director of Tourism stood behind the data and explained the information is collected daily from the hotels. On Thursday it was confirmed that at the end of the year, occupancy was above 95 percent. Statistics are expected to remain good until January 7th when students return to school, and the holidays end. Restauranteurs confirm that the demand for their services has increased and they anticipate this temporary streak will continue, because their best season begins around January 20th. One businessman explained that there are many foreign tourists arriving at this time who are escaping the frigid winter weather in the northern United States and Canada. Other entrepreneurs claim the demand for services is not as high as other years due to the economic crisis, and competition with other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. This is aggravated by the increase in the VAT tax to 16% in January, which affects border areas, including our state of Quintana Roo.

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

Still with yesterday's news online.

por esto

Brutal escalation of prices
“Brutal” escalada de precios[+] Ver mas

The cost of 500 ml (16oz) Coca-Cola rose from 8 pesos to 13 pesos in more than one store. (~A forty cent increase, from ~65c to ~$1.05). The manager at Súper Wilis confirmed that the cost of 2.5 liters of Coca Cola rose from 23 pesos to 29 pesos, due to the passage of the Federal Revenue Act of 2014. (~$1.90 to ~$2.40, a fifty cent increase).
   Alberto "Rulo" Castro, who sells jewelry, commented, "The increase in the daily minimum wage of just over two pesos is a mockery with this brutal, unparalleled rise in the prices of food and beverages, leaving the consumer in a defenseless state."
Ex legislator Hugo Ravell regrets that the federal legislators failed to calculate the size of the problem and the impact it will have on the budgets of poor people.
   The reporter visited a tortilleria, where they said the prices are not expected to rise, because cornmeal (masa) is not taxed. But the increase could be 'latent' because of the increase of costs upon which they depend, such as transport costs, light, and fuel. The increase in the cargo ferry fees in September did not cause raising of prices of the basic staples, but the next increase could generate strong pressure because the millers work at a small margin of profit.
   Those who were interviewed say the return of a PROFECO office to the island is indispensable to provide a means to prevent abuse of consumers. (That is the federal Consumer Protection Agency).

Maintaining ferry rates: "For now"
Navieras mantienen tarifas… “por ahora”] Ver mas

The Magana ferry and the cargo-vehicle ferry (Transportes Marítimos Magaña and Marítima Isla Mujeres) plan to maintain their rates for now, while they analyze the impact of the rising tax rates. The cargo ferry from Punta Sam will continue selling a one way ticket for 35 pesos to residents and 38 pesos for tourists. The vehicle rates also remain the same (and are given in the article), and are as authorized by the SCT. There is a ten percent discount for resident vehicles.
The Magana rate remains at 35 pesos for local frequent users, and 65 pesos for the general public, which is less than the amount authorized by the SCT. (Secretary of Communications and Transport).
It is noted that Ultramar has 80% of the market and is applying an increase since the increase in the VAT tax went into effect on January 1st.

Police officers as promoters of tourism
De policías a promotores de turismo[+] Ver mas

This has the same information as previously translated, with the addition of a comment that PE thinks the Tourist Police module is playing a role that belongs to the Tourism Department.

Many promises in Civil Protection
Muchas promesas en Protección Civil[+] Ver mas

The Civil Protection Department is planning to build two life guard towers to service Playa Norte and Media Luna beaches, and expect to rehabilitate an unused tower at the Posada del Mar beach. The plan is expected to take effect by the middle of this month to provide security to thousands of swimmers who will be arriving to these areas. Three towers fell with the passage of Hurricane WIlma in October, 2005, and they have not been rebuilt. The areas where there are strong currents and people have drowned since the 90's, are the confluence of Playa Norte and Posada del Mar beaches, and the Media Luna beach.
It was told in this paper a few days ago how the lifeguards who walk the beaches run the risk of not realizing in time that swimmers are in danger, who have left the areas of the buoys . Thanks to cooperation between security officers and staff of nearby businesses, triangular warning signs have been posted. There is currently a lack of buoys at Playa Norte and it is under the joint authority of the Civil Protection or the Harbor Master of the Port Authority (ApiQRoo) to renew those buoys.

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

FOR JANUARY EVENTS>>>>visit the preview edition of the Isla Mujeres Magazine...which will benefit Isla Mujeres Charities! HERE

TODAY! : update...CANCELLED (Weather)
new date TBA

~~Roots Clinic Open Grand Opening: Friday Jan. 3 5pm-7pm. Located in Isla Mujeres Plaza. Sangria and snacks and check out the new location: https://www.facebook.com/events/433613716764139/~~

https://www.facebook.com/events/230087183833515/?source=1

Texas Holdem Every Monday and Thursday

at 6:00pm El Patio Caribbean Grill

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, Shoes for the Kids, Items for Little Yellow School House...Barlitos: On Hidalgo, the pedestrian street, at Abasolo Barlito's is closed for the holidays...If you need to drop off books, shoes, items for LYSH or Isla Animals.... contact the group (see tab at top "Charities" for contact info, or email me at westofcuba@gmail.com)

Toys for PEACE: Galerita across from Olivia's Restaurant

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

Music

Thursdays....SeBlues
Photo: THE TALENTED
SEBLUES
LIVE 6 PM

Iguana's: Thursday is Blues, with beer & pizza specials.
Friday evenings have featured Cuban-Vera Cruz music.
On Saturdays & Sundays they have Reggae- Caribbean-Tropical music. Starting around 6. Saturday they are grilling & Sunday's special is paella. Usual menu also.

Miguel's playing schedule

Fayne's BarandGrill Wednesday through Saturday 10:30pm - 12:00am.

Saturday Tequileria La Adelita's 12:00am - 2:00am for salsa night.

Sunday Bahia Tortuga with the Sol Rockers 7:00pm - 9:00pm

John Cain's schedule

Tuesday, Cafe Del Mar, solo, 8 to 10 pm

Friday, Bally Hoo Restaurant, solo, 630 to 830 pm

Saturday, The Sunset Grill, solo, 530 to 730 pm

Sunday, Bahia Tortuga, The Sol Rockers, 630 to 900 pm

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

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!!

Fenix Sat ~3p Reggae/Cuban

Sun ~2p Salsa

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!!

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

ComoNo, Isla Mujeres, Mexico RYAN RYCKMAN......back at ComoNo......every night 8:30

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xItBg6fvEkI/UrBpgLI_m4I/AAAAAAAAP7M/G5Ou81tVOFc/s1600/chuchosched121713.jpg

Katie Cain shared Caribe On Canvas's photo.

This evening, John Cain, solo guitar and vocals at the lovely Bally-hoo Isla Mujeres restaurant. 6:30-8:30PM.

I know many of you like Bally Hoo as much as I do.

On the internet in the past 24 hours...

Here's my friend Pam selling art at the Fair yesterday. She bought the 20p headband w hat from the table next to hers, which was The Little Yellow School House. They help the special needs kids of the isle for free and are dependent on donations.
You can see SpongeBob in the background.
I was very tempted to take a photo of Mayor Agapito walking past, but it didn't seem like the thing to do at the time. Tiffany took many photos and will post them at the Facebook Artist Fair link below. It occurs the First Thursday of every month. It's fun & there a lotta cool stuff, tasty food, and interesting people.

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

Brenda L Nash Lamonica with Alison Sawyer Current

Great night at the Artist Series in The Square!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Tiffany of Barlitos...

Isla Mujeres Artist Fair

Just wanted to thank all those who participated & attended the January Artist Fair. The afternoon weather was iffy with overcast skies & a light drizzle but by 4:15 pm, the weather held & we had a very successful Fair. We did lose about seven local artists for fear that it might get worse. It is hard for the locals to justify cab fare if they get to the square & we have to postpone or cancel the Fair.

Our current, Presidente Agapito (Mayor) & his cabinet attended the Fair. I walked Agapito around to meet the participants. He is was especially interested in meeting Alison Sawyer Current of Isla Animals. In his town meeting across the Island, reproduction of unwanted dogs have been brought up as big concern. Next week, I am meeting with Kristen Tywan, a municipal representative to figure out how the current administration can assist Alison with Isla Animals & the spay & neuter clinics. This is huge!!

We also had SpongeBob & Spiderman at the event meeting, greeting & posing for pictures with all the local & visiting kids on holiday vacation. They were a huge hit. I can not thank Denise & Mike (long time foreign residents for their acting capabilities!). It is a hot job that brought so many huge smiles on the faces of the little ones on the Island. And another thank you to Lawrie & Lynda for contributing their awesome Halloween costumes for the event.

We had another month of incredible talent. The food tamales, bbq sandwiches, ceviche & sweets all sold out. The artists had so much local & visiting support. I just can not thank you all enough for coming down to celebrate art & our local community. This means so much to our community. We hope to see some of you on February 6th for the next Artist Fair! Cheers to a happy & healthy new year!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~