The second issue of
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
to benefit Isla charities
is online,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
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
Cascade of cancellations
After long wait for permits, whale sharks not sighted
Cascada de cancelaciones
Tras larga espera de permisos, ahora no aparece el tiburón ballena
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 26 de mayo.-
Workers in the whale shark tour sector confirmed that they are/have been canceling reservations for three consecutive days due to failure to spot any whale shakes in the area where they are usually located. Workers say that several boat captains have had problems with tourists and traductors (lit. translators, middlemen?) of the travel agencies, since they are not providing the activity that was paid for, tourists are demanding refunds. In other cases, the tourists understand that no person can literally guarantee a whale shark will be present and waiting for tourists to arrive.
The workers said due to the absence of whale sharks since day before yesterday, many boats cancelled yesterday, to avoid possible confrontations and problems with the tourists. On Tuesday, almost no boats wanted to risk the trip, since it was known that the whale sharks weren't coming to eat in the area of the tours. They said they knew of one boat that made the trip, with the condition that they would reimburse 50% of the money paid if they were unsuccessful.
The workers said the real problem is with the travel agencies in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, who have sold these tours and packages, and when the tourists are unable to partake of the activity, the agencies face serious complaints from the tourists, who often only traveled from their country to this destination for this experience.
Hundreds of island families receiving free dental care
Atención odontológica gratuita
Reciben cientos de familias isleñas
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 26 de mayo.-
The First: Providing oral care materials for the children in the primary schools, with the goal of assisting children of low income families and those who have dental problems.
The Second: At the premises of the Municipal Agency for Women (IMM) to provide professional dental cleanings for all of those who require it.
These activities will take place from 9am to 4pm at the IMM, in accordance with an agreements signed in March 2014 with Volunquest and Education department officials.
Also,each month the IMM conducts an Orange Day, raising awareness and providing services related to violence against women, including professional legal and psychological services, and social services for women who attend.
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We invite you to participate in collecting bottle caps and developing a colorful Ecomural together.
Les invitamos a participar en la recolección de taparroscas y elaborar juntos un colorido Ecomural.
We invite you to enjoy the Maya Riviera Film Festival 2015 May 28-30, Free.
Les invitamos a disfrutar del Riviera Maya Film Festival 2015 del 28 al 30 de este mes. Evento gratuito.
Go to the IMM (Women's Institute) to receive a dental cleaning.
Acude a la IMM para que te realicen una limpieza bucal.
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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 & view the photos)
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles
Opposition to Plan 2015 could increase
Podrían ampararse contra Plan 2015[+] Ver mas
Whale shark licensees say the new Management Plan 2015 is not legally valid because it has not yet been published in the Official Federal Publication. They said, anonymously, that there have been no real studies about the capacity that the tour area can support to justify restricting the visits and saying they are "representing a high risk". For this reason they have increased their opposition to the Management Plan.
They say they recognize that the activity of swimming with and observing the whale sharks requires rules; and penalties for those who break the rules, but they say consideration should be sought for agreement and consensus between the parties, under the General Law for Equilibrium of the Environment (Ley General del Equilibrio al Ambiente).
One interviewee explained that those who only have one boat are greatly affected by the regulation saying they should work one day and be off the next. It is well known that there are licensees with more than 20 boats, and others who only have one boat and have invested a great deal to engage in this activity. "We simply cannot all be measured with the same yardstick" he said.
They said federal authorities granted more than ten permits to Aquaworld, despite the fact that initially this activity was authorized and regulated to benefit the communities of Isla Mujeres and Holbox, particularly those fishermen who were severely affected by the creation of the Marine Parks, which restricted their fishing areas.
Although some islanders who have worked for most of their lives as fishermen have managed to take on this activity with the whale sharks, the heavy investments required to acquire the necessary equipment put it out of the reach of most of the seamen, and it has been turned over to the nautical service providers, who now say the new Management Plan severely affects them.
One said, "When the government authorizes a licensee, the total investment for a boat is between a million and a million and a half pesos. Some captains bought a boat, equipped it with four stroke motors, in order to work the season with only this one boat, thinking they will make back their investment. But now they say we cannot go out every day, which is really unfair and inconsistent, because, again, there are no studies that define what the real carrying capacity of the tour areas is."
Seeking plan of protection for blue crabs
Urgente plan de protección al cangrejo azul[+] Ver mas
The first blue crabs have begun to appear along the road in Sac Bajo, where every year many are crushed as they cross the road, since the protection program is generally only in force when their spawning is at its peak. They are also affected by litter which can clog their holes and prevent their departure, as well as by fences which cause them to take a large detour and can make them lose their sense of direction.
Course for credentials of seamen
Those interested in obtaining or renewing their libreta de mar will have the opportunity on May 29, when there will be a training course required for obtaining this important document. The course will take place in the City Council room at the Town Hall at 10am. It is for those who want a libreta de mar in the following categories: patrón de costa, patrón de yate, contramaestre, timonel, patrón marinero and patrón pescador. Those seeking renewal or reactivation, should bring their previous documents. In accordance with the STCW 78-95 agreement, the course costs remain low and affordable.
Castle of Horror
A hotel on the road to Garrafon generates a poor image for tourism, and some say it would be perfect for filming a horror movie, because it looks especially gloomy at night. It has been abandoned for years, after being half built, with rusty rebar and scaffolding, and is in an area where many tourists visiting the island pass by in golf carts.
Arrival of turtles begins
Inició la arribazón de tortugas[+] Ver mas
Since the start of the turtle nesting season, a total of 19 nests have been collected, with about 2200 eggs. Personnel monitor the eastern beaches of the island in search of nests and eggs, and the rescued eggs are reburied in a special area of the Tortugranja-Turtle Farm.
Of the 19 nests, 17 were loggerheads, and one was a green and one was a hawksbill. There has been ongoing monitoring since the season officially began on May 15, which will continue until it officially ends on October 15, when the nesting season has complete and the hatchlings from the last nests are being released. Three of the nests were located before the season officially began, when tours are made in the mornings to check for nests.
This season they are expecting between 800 and 1000 nests, while the 2014 season ended with 722 nests rescued and around 65,000 hatchlings released. This year they expect to release between 75,000 and 80,000 baby turtles.
They warned that consumption or purchase of turtle eggs or meat is a federal crime and those who are caught could face severe legal punishment. Plundering of the nests has become less of a problem each year, although fewer agencies, are contributing assistance, such as the Navy, since the Federal Government canceled the Program for Protection, which has since been taken on by the states and municipalities.
At the nesting pens of the Tortugranja, there are 19 signs marking the location where each of the nests were found, the species of turtle, the date , and the number of eggs. This arouses the curiosity of tourists, who are delighted at the explanations that are given. They can also observe some specimens of turtles in outdoor tanks, in which some turtles frolic, but without a doubt some are tired of going around in circles with nothing better to do.
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They say they recognize that the activity of swimming with and observing the whale sharks requires rules; and penalties for those who break the rules, but they say consideration should be sought for agreement and consensus between the parties, under the General Law for Equilibrium of the Environment (Ley General del Equilibrio al Ambiente).
One interviewee explained that those who only have one boat are greatly affected by the regulation saying they should work one day and be off the next. It is well known that there are licensees with more than 20 boats, and others who only have one boat and have invested a great deal to engage in this activity. "We simply cannot all be measured with the same yardstick" he said.
They said federal authorities granted more than ten permits to Aquaworld, despite the fact that initially this activity was authorized and regulated to benefit the communities of Isla Mujeres and Holbox, particularly those fishermen who were severely affected by the creation of the Marine Parks, which restricted their fishing areas.
Although some islanders who have worked for most of their lives as fishermen have managed to take on this activity with the whale sharks, the heavy investments required to acquire the necessary equipment put it out of the reach of most of the seamen, and it has been turned over to the nautical service providers, who now say the new Management Plan severely affects them.
One said, "When the government authorizes a licensee, the total investment for a boat is between a million and a million and a half pesos. Some captains bought a boat, equipped it with four stroke motors, in order to work the season with only this one boat, thinking they will make back their investment. But now they say we cannot go out every day, which is really unfair and inconsistent, because, again, there are no studies that define what the real carrying capacity of the tour areas is."
Seeking plan of protection for blue crabs
Urgente plan de protección al cangrejo azul[+] Ver mas
The first blue crabs have begun to appear along the road in Sac Bajo, where every year many are crushed as they cross the road, since the protection program is generally only in force when their spawning is at its peak. They are also affected by litter which can clog their holes and prevent their departure, as well as by fences which cause them to take a large detour and can make them lose their sense of direction.
Course for credentials of seamen
Those interested in obtaining or renewing their libreta de mar will have the opportunity on May 29, when there will be a training course required for obtaining this important document. The course will take place in the City Council room at the Town Hall at 10am. It is for those who want a libreta de mar in the following categories: patrón de costa, patrón de yate, contramaestre, timonel, patrón marinero and patrón pescador. Those seeking renewal or reactivation, should bring their previous documents. In accordance with the STCW 78-95 agreement, the course costs remain low and affordable.
Castle of Horror
A hotel on the road to Garrafon generates a poor image for tourism, and some say it would be perfect for filming a horror movie, because it looks especially gloomy at night. It has been abandoned for years, after being half built, with rusty rebar and scaffolding, and is in an area where many tourists visiting the island pass by in golf carts.
Arrival of turtles begins
Inició la arribazón de tortugas[+] Ver mas
Since the start of the turtle nesting season, a total of 19 nests have been collected, with about 2200 eggs. Personnel monitor the eastern beaches of the island in search of nests and eggs, and the rescued eggs are reburied in a special area of the Tortugranja-Turtle Farm.
Of the 19 nests, 17 were loggerheads, and one was a green and one was a hawksbill. There has been ongoing monitoring since the season officially began on May 15, which will continue until it officially ends on October 15, when the nesting season has complete and the hatchlings from the last nests are being released. Three of the nests were located before the season officially began, when tours are made in the mornings to check for nests.
This season they are expecting between 800 and 1000 nests, while the 2014 season ended with 722 nests rescued and around 65,000 hatchlings released. This year they expect to release between 75,000 and 80,000 baby turtles.
They warned that consumption or purchase of turtle eggs or meat is a federal crime and those who are caught could face severe legal punishment. Plundering of the nests has become less of a problem each year, although fewer agencies, are contributing assistance, such as the Navy, since the Federal Government canceled the Program for Protection, which has since been taken on by the states and municipalities.
At the nesting pens of the Tortugranja, there are 19 signs marking the location where each of the nests were found, the species of turtle, the date , and the number of eggs. This arouses the curiosity of tourists, who are delighted at the explanations that are given. They can also observe some specimens of turtles in outdoor tanks, in which some turtles frolic, but without a doubt some are tired of going around in circles with nothing better to do.
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This blog (& these turtle statistics) are brought to you by MVC (where mama turtles visit, too)....
Turtle Statistics
Stats for 2010: 715 nests were protected. (translated Oct. 8 2011, reported by SIPSE)
Stats for 2011: 851 turtle nests were protected, with 68,226 turtles released. (translated Oct. 8 2011, reported by SIPSE)
Stats for 2012: over 89,000 eggs were collected and 84,405 baby turtles were released, of which 100 were hawksbill, 6305 were loggerheads, and 78,000 were green turtles. (published April 20, 2013 by Diario Q Roo)
Stats for 2013 1425 nests with 165,351 eggs and the following breakdown: 157,773 were greens, 6738 were loggerheads, and 840 were hawksbills (by Por Esto Sept 4 2014) Over 100,000 hatchlings were released.
Stats for 2014: 722 nests rescued and ~65,000 hatchlings released (above)
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| 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.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| 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. |
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| 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
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| 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.
May Events
Sunrise ~6:15a
Sunset ~7:10p
Moonrise over the Caribbean
May 2 6:10
May 3 7:01
May 4 7:54
May 5 8:48
May 6 9:43
May 7 10:36
Thursday, April 30 Regata del Sol al Sol Cocktail Party at Ballyho's (1:30), Poker Run (3:30p), Mayor's Reception (7p)
Thursday, April 30 Dia del Nino / Children's Day
May 1, Friday: Dia del Trabajo - Labor Day. A national public holiday with political and labor union marches and official speeches. Schools, banks and government offices are closed.
May 1. Friday: Regata del Sol al Sol Amigo's Regatta: Children board (10:30a), Departure (~11:30a) Awards ceremony at Buhos (7p)
May 3, Sunday: Dia de la Santa Cruz - Day of the Holy Cross
This celebration dates back to colonial times. Construction workers decorate crosses with flowers and mount them on buildings under construction, and have picnics at the site.
May 5. Tuesday: Cinco de Mayo (Battle of Puebla). No school. This date is commemorated more enthusiastically in the US, as general celebration of Mexican culture (and opportunity for abundant consumption of salsa, chips, and Mexican beer.).
Here it is an 'optional' holiday (office & bank closings vary state to state) commemorating the victory of Mexican troops against a large number of French troops in 1862.
(Then, more French troops arrived, sending Benito Juarez's government into exile, and Maximilian was crowned emperor of Mexico in 1864. At the time, the US was involved with its Civil War, 1861-65. {Link:How Battle of Puebla affected US Civil War.} Then the US supported Mexico and invoked the Monroe Doctrine against European involvement in the Western Hemisphere. Napoleon III withdrew French troops in 1866.)
Soggy Peso is having a Cinco de Mayo party w Jeff Current playing music 5-7:30
May 6, Wednesday...Inauguration of a painting exhibit at the Magana Maritime Terminal-continues for 2 weeks: “Mujeres del Caribe, Arte en Todas Partes”
Thursdays at 8:30p at Poc Na
May 8, Friday: Artes en Todas Partes event, maybe. TBA
7th Annual Water Rally (Teens compete in teams & learn about water conservation and processing)
May 10, Sunday: Mothers Day (Restaurants will be busy, and florists & mariachis.)
May 14, Thursday...see PocNa poster
May 15, Friday: Teacher's Day. No School.
Artes en Todas Partes Event, maybe,TBA.
Start of Turtle Nesting Protection Program along the eastern coast and the eggs are incubated at the Tortugranja, with public releases of hatchlings in the fall. (Hawksbills begin laying in earlier, so tours are made to watch for their nests starting ~May 1)
Start of the Whale Shark tour season may vary and continues until ~Sept. 15th
May 16, Saturday
You're
invited to the annual pink wig breakfast, with raffle, gifts and
awards. 200 peso donation. You and your friends can wear your favorite
color and of various colors, in the design you prefer. Tickets available
at the offices of Por Siempre Viva, phone 8770073May 21, Thursday...see Poc Na poster
Fishing Tournament May 22, 23, & 24 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
(May 22 & 23: From Xcaret to Cozumel: Travesia Sagrada Maya - Sacred Mayan Journey. Recreating the pilgrimage of the ancient Maya to worship the Goddess lxChel, canoeists in pre-hispanic-style vessels race approximately 17 miles.)
May 28-30 Posada Beach: Maya Riviera Film Festival
May 29, Friday No School (Last Friday of Month...Technical Meetings)
Discontinued for low season
No Artists Fair in May, scheduled to resume in November
The Women's Fishing Tournament, "La Dorada", organized by the DIF is planed for June 26 & 27.
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:
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 (Updated mid May)
Sunday & Wednesday 7:30pm - 9:30pm El Patio Sol Rockers
Thursday Bahia Tortuga 6:45-8:45
Saturday. El Patio solo 630-830
Sunday The Sol Rockers 730-930 , Isla-Cali 930-1130
Monday Isla-Cali 930-1130
Tuesday Ryan Rickman 7-9:30
Wednesday The Sol Rockers 7:30-9:30
Thursday Miguel 7:30-9:30
Friday Rayan Rickman 7-9:30
Saturday Isla Cali 9:30-11:30
For June
Sunday Jazz from Toronto 5-7
Monday Jazz from Toronto 5-7, Miguel 7:30-9:30
Tuesday Banda sin Nombre 9:30-11:30
Wednesday Radio Band 9:30-11:30
Thursday Miguel 7:30-9:30, Jazz from Toronto 9:30-11:30
Friday Radio Band 9:30-11:30
Saturday John Cain 7:30-9:30
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
Mon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge
Fenix ~2p~5p Live music at the beach in the afternoons on Sundays (Updated 5/21)
Bahia Tortuga John Cain on Thursdays and Lara on Mondays...~7p (Updated mid May)
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)
Poc Na Hostel: 9:30 or later
Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant
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Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p ~Nov-April.
Now the City is having Arte en Todas Partes events on Fridays.
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