Thursday, January 31, 2019

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, January 31



This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. 
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos 

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach on Facebook or Website

Isla Mujeres Charities on Facebook  

 Isla Mujeres History on Facebook or Website 

CHECK OUT THE FEBRUARY EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)
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News from the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)


Repairing pothole LINK 
      There were three areas that needs potholes patched so the municipal traffic police repaired them. They were located at: Rueda Medina near the intersection with Othon P Blanco street, by the new location for Justicia Social (fishermen's coop), and on Juarez Avenue behind the airport (That's actually Jesus Martinez Ross, and often called prolongacion Aeropuerto. It's on the east side of the airfield strip & was caused when Aguakan had a pipe burst, and didn't fix the pavement after repairing it. They just put loose gravel in the hole.)

Pet sterilization program in coordination between NGO and municipal government LINK 
  Free sterilizations on Thursdays, 10a to 2p, in coordination with Isla Animals, who have performed more than 1170 sterilizations in the continental zone of the municipality and the island. A massive campaign was carried out in the Continental Zone sterilizing 1124 cats and dogs in December.





Agreement signed between Z-Gas and City over propane prices LINK 




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 FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres

  Tvisla Mujeres    


Naveganto increased its crossings LINK
See schedule posted yesterday.  On the company's social media page, they confirmed that the boats will now depart every 45 minutes, with longer hours on the weekends, which began on Wednesday. It is expected that the company will introduce new ferries in March, and noted that Ultramar runs every half hour.

Grounded yacht was rescued LINK   


Isla Mujeres Al Dia    


Nine tips for living with less plastic
Carry your own shopping bag, reusable bottle and cup, use reusable food storage containers, avoid using single use plates and cutlery,  use glasses made of glass, and share these tips with others.



Some residents suggest that the former hospital property should be turned into a parking lot. (photos)

Banjercito bank being built at edge of Naval base will be the third bank on the island. (photo)


Noti Isla Mujeres   

VIDEO  municipal police officers found a bag by the side of the coastal road and turned it in at the tourism office to be returned to its owners.

IM Noticias   


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 Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos

Rescue of tourism yacht  

Rescatan yate turístico

    The  tourism boat "Hasta la Vista" that had been grounded on North Beach since Sunday, was freed on Wednesday, after three attempts. The crew said there was no damage to the hull,propeller, or shaft. Refueling was done outside the buoy line, and it went to the marina in the Cancun Hotel Zone to have a thorough inspection before going back into operation for tourism. 
    The Harbor Master had authorized the rescue operation, with the first attempt on Monday, another on Tuesday, and it was successfully concluded on Wednesday at 11am. The boat grounded on North Beach near the end of Guerrero street on Sunday evening when the effects of Cold Front #31 caused gusts up to 70 km/hr.
    During the three days it was on the beach, many tourists took photos. Its registration is from Florida. The rescue was done with care to avoid damage to the boat, and support was provided by a boat at a distance, with a rope. On Wednesday, the work began at 8am using "polines" motorized pumps, pulleys and half a dozen workers. Previously, a large amount of sand was moved to carry out the final work of refloating the boat.
    Lifeguards with Civil Protection will repair the 200 meter buoy line that was broken.


Promotions anticipated to improve occupancy 

Anticipan promoción para la ocupación

     Average occupancy was 60% for 2018, and at the last days of the year, it was at 100%,  according to Jose Castillo, Director of Municipal Tourism, who said it was a great year in terms of visitors arriving and hotel occupancy. He said, "We can not say that we are at a very high percentage, but we have maintained a constant level that benefits the island families with a profitable economic benefit, and during the Easter holidays, a large number of tourists are expected from Mexico, as well as other parts of the world."
   Isla Mujeres is the only island in the Pueblo Magico program, and has the Blue and White Flag designations for Playa Centro and Playa Norte, respectively.  Mr Castillo Magana expects that 2019 will be a very good year for Isla Mujeres, with continued high rates of arrival for Mexican and foreign visitors.

No excuse for not sterilizing your pet

No hay pretextos para no esterilizar

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       In an article dated Jan 28 about the grounded yacht, Por Esto said Civil Protection personnel noted that the boat broke the buoy line along a 200 meter stretch that would need to be repaired after the boat was removed. It was also noted that about a half dozen small boats used for fishing and tourism tours sank in their mooring areas because they weren't attended to in time, which happens when a great deal of rain falls and they aren't taken care of in a timely manner. They didn't have major problems because when seawater enters the engine, it is sent to the mechanic for cleaning.

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     Yesterday, the "Hasta la Vista " yacht was finally set free! It had become a sort of tourist attraction since grounding on North beach on Sunday. Its captain, Apolinar Magaña, told TVIM that the storm surprised them just as they were pulling up the anchor and about depart. They had ten tourists on board (PE says 12), who had rented the boat, and no one was injured.
      A crew member told Por Esto they were trying to return to the marina in the Cancun Hotel Zone when a sudden mechanical failure occurred, in the strong winds and waves. Although they threw out two 'grampine' anchors, they were unable to stop the progress of the boat toward shallow water.
The boat is registered in Florida and has "Coral Gables" painted on the stern. Thanks to Cindy Martinez for the video! VIDEO 

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  This blog is brought to you by....
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 & fast WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)
Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.
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.
Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free amenities such as hammocks,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking,  flag a $2 taxi. 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

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 neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend 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. It takes 20-30  minutes to walk downtown.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean 

Feb 19   7:05
Feb 20   8:10
Feb 21   9:13
Feb 22  10:14
 Feb 23   11:12 
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset  6:35-6:50 
Sunrise ~7:20-7:05
February Events 
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday mornings LINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINK 

Left in January:
 
Wed. Jan 30 11:30-1 Little Yellow School House will be serving up their popular Cuban sandwiches. In La Gloria, Paseo de Peces (same street as Bead Coop & Church). Last week they made grilled cheese & ham sliders & chili (photo) Get 'em while you can!


 Thursday, Jan. 31  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo. 



Ploggers
  Friday, Feb. 1  Municipal clean up of mangroves to commemorate World Wetlands Day. They will also be presenting educational talks in the schools.


Saturday, Feb. 2 World Wetlands Day Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container. 

Saturday, Feb. 2 Candlemas Day  Tamales provided by those who had the baby Jesus in their Kings cake on Jan. 6th.

 

Sunday, Feb. 3 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.
 




Monday, Feb. 4  A Civic ceremony is held the first Monday of each month, often on the Town Square, in the morning, probably around 8a or 9a. 






Thursday, Feb. 7  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.






 
Saturday, Feb. 9 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p, featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests. 








Thursday, Feb. 14  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

 Feb. 14 Dia de Amor y Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship) The City provides a free Collective wedding event including the ceremony, cake, and paperwork for residents.

 In mid-February, there has been Artisan's Pavilion on the Town Square, for the past few years with artisans from other regions of Mexico, as well as a number from Isla Mujeres offering interesting handmade items at reasonable prices.

Saturday, Feb. 16 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container. 

 

Sunday, Feb. 17 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Feb 18-24 Island Time Music Festival & Fishing Tournament
 

 This will be the 10th anniversary of this Festival which benefits the Little Yellow School House who provide education and therapy for special needs kids on the island.  LINK to schedule of events, ticket information, etc Features popular Country music artist



 



Thursday, Feb. 21  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Saturday, Feb. 23 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container.  

Sunday, Feb. 24 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Thursday, Feb. 28  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Isla Blanca Kite Festival (on the mainland) says they've discontinued after ten years due to parking problems, but here's their page in case that changes.  LINK    

In February, generally the temperatures are very pleasant, but weather for this month includes "nortes", fronts from the north whose winds often cause small boats to be restricted to port, and they may bring clouds, rain, and cooler temps.  They cause the lobster to come out of their hiding places and move south across the seabed, increasing the catches of the fishermen

Fishermen in this region are banned from catching Grouper and Octopus in February (and March). Lobster season ends after Feb. 28th (Lobsters kept in captivity continue to be available).  LINK 


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  


Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Wednesday, January 30



This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. 
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos 

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach on Facebook or Website

Isla Mujeres Charities on Facebook  

 Isla Mujeres History on Facebook or Website 

CHECK OUT THE FEBRUARY EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)
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News from the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)



Successful trends in tourism continue LINK  




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 FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres

  Tvisla Mujeres    



Naveganto's new schedule:

Isla Mujeres Al Dia    


Today & tomorrow (Wednesday & Thursday, 30 /31) between the hours of 8:30 and 2:30, there will be a suspension of electricity in these areas of colonia La Gloria (listed at top) while the CFE replaces some poles. If weather doesn't permit the work, they will issue a new notice. Your understanding is appreciated.

The Red Cross first responder motorcyclist provided first aid in response to a report of a man who had fallen and injured his head in front of the Community Center in colonia La Gloria. (photo)

Starting on Wednesday (today) motorcycles won't be permitted in this area or in front of the basketball court (photo), in accordance with traffic regulations. (There are comments asking for enforcement in other areas, including where golf carts are routinely parked illegally, including a photo of a line of them parked on the curve by Playa Lancheros. Many note that there is a need for motorcycle parking, including in this area where residents are conducting business at the Town Hall and nearby municipal buildings.)



Noti Isla Mujeres   

Video with caption noting that things are back to normal on the Isla Mujeres beaches, which are busy with visitors.

IM Noticias   

     Article from Saturday about the Federal, Naval, and municipal police storming the FOVISSSTE apartments seeking a man about 22 years old, who could be armed, and showing his photo to residents. Naval and Federal police demanded entry to apartments, breaking open and demolishing doors of those not home or who didn't comply out of fear. The operation caused alarm among the residents, 'hysteria' in some, and they denied having seen the suspect. It is unknown if he was found and detained. When the military and Federal police vehicles departed, they went south.
   (FOVISSSTE is the apartment complex along the coastal road in colonia Canotal that was built to provide housing & mortgages for state workers. A few apartments there are now being offered as tourist rentals. Actually. FOVISSSTE is the name of the governmental organization that organized the construction and provides credit to state workers.)


La Tertulia


VIDEO of (with photos edited in) of Monday's interview with the Director of Civil Protection & Firefighters explaining that there is a "saldo blanco" with no injuries following the effects of Cold Front #31, whose strong winds of up to 70 km/hr (44mph) brought down a total of six trees. Personnel with his department attended to the trees affecting the roadway first. A Telmex pole at Punta Sur also blew down and palms affected some lines. Regarding the effects of Cold Front #30, which caused flooding on Friday morning, he said his staff were cleaning and clearing the drainage network, and the pumps have been running at full strength on the Salina lakes, which will continue until they reach normal levels. At the end the reporter asks about the yacht grounded on North Beach, and he responds that its rescue is in the hands of the Navy in coordination with the Harbor Master.



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 Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos


Handicraft sales at an acceptable level  

Aceptable venta de artesanías




Aguakan neglecting responsibilities after removing pavement  

Aguakan hace caso omiso a sus obligaciones



Yacht grounded on beach with arrival of cold front 

Finalmente, el yate logró recalar en la costa


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
  This blog is brought to you by....
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 & fast WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)
Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.
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.
Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free amenities such as hammocks,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking,  flag a $2 taxi. 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

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 neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend 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. It takes 20-30  minutes to walk downtown.
 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Full moon rising over the Caribbean 

Feb 19   7:05
Feb 20   8:10
Feb 21   9:13
Feb 22  10:14
 Feb 23   11:12 
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset  6:35-6:50 
Sunrise ~7:20-7:05
February Events 
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday mornings LINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINK 

Left in January:
 
Wed. Jan 30 11:30-1 Little Yellow School House will be serving up their popular Cuban sandwiches. In La Gloria, Paseo de Peces (same street as Bead Coop & Church). Last week they made grilled cheese & ham sliders & chili (photo) Get 'em while you can!


 Thursday, Jan. 31  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo. 



Ploggers
  Friday, Feb. 1  Municipal clean up of mangroves to commemorate World Wetlands Day. They will also be presenting educational talks in the schools.


Saturday, Feb. 2 World Wetlands Day Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container. 

Saturday, Feb. 2 Candlemas Day  Tamales provided by those who had the baby Jesus in their Kings cake on Jan. 6th.

 

Sunday, Feb. 3 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.
 




Monday, Feb. 4  A Civic ceremony is held the first Monday of each month, often on the Town Square, in the morning, probably around 8a or 9a. 






Thursday, Feb. 7  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.






 
Saturday, Feb. 9 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p, featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests. 








Thursday, Feb. 14  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

 Feb. 14 Dia de Amor y Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship) The City provides a free Collective wedding event including the ceremony, cake, and paperwork for residents.

 In mid-February, there has been Artisan's Pavilion on the Town Square, for the past few years with artisans from other regions of Mexico, as well as a number from Isla Mujeres offering interesting handmade items at reasonable prices.

Saturday, Feb. 16 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container. 

 

Sunday, Feb. 17 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Feb 18-24 Island Time Music Festival & Fishing Tournament
 

 This will be the 10th anniversary of this Festival which benefits the Little Yellow School House who provide education and therapy for special needs kids on the island.  LINK to schedule of events, ticket information, etc Features popular Country music artist



 


Thursday, Feb. 21  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Saturday, Feb. 23 Plogging Clean-up  Location TBA 8 or 8:30a for a couple hours. Bags & Gloves provided, Bring your refillable water container.  

Sunday, Feb. 24 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8p featuring dance troupes and singers with local talent and invited guests.

Thursday, Feb. 28  Artist Fair 4p-8p in front of the Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero, at the cross street Abasolo.

Isla Blanca Kite Festival (on the mainland) says they've discontinued after ten years due to parking problems, but here's their page in case that changes.  LINK    

In February, generally the temperatures are very pleasant, but weather for this month includes "nortes", fronts from the north whose winds often cause small boats to be restricted to port, and they may bring clouds, rain, and cooler temps.  They cause the lobster to come out of their hiding places and move south across the seabed, increasing the catches of the fishermen

Fishermen in this region are banned from catching Grouper and Octopus in February (and March). Lobster season ends after Feb. 28th (Lobsters kept in captivity continue to be available).  LINK 


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