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Hello Cozumel!
On Friday July 24th I sent out an email to all of my friends in paradise asking for help creating the August and September issues of News Cozumel. In less than 48 hours, my wonderful friends submitted this full and exiting issue for you. Thank you all! Enjoy!!!
I want to take this opportunity to wish our friends Sandra and Tom Bowman a warm farewell and safe move back to the United States later this month. This wonderful couple gave much of themselves to our community. My family was among the many, fortunate enough to have their friendship, they will be missed! Tom and Sandy, come visit often! Who ever throws the party please take pictures for our next issue!
I will leave you with a reminder that all our Cozumel News issues can be found at:
http://cozumeltoday.com/newscozumel.htm
Diving Divas
By Jaydee Ferguson
 We are adventurous women who recently gathered for our second wonderful sailing trip. We are not against men going…if they can handle all of us. Calm seas, sunshine and a slight cool breeze ruled the day. Dario provided us with shade on deck and the fun began. Conversation abounded about college, high school, our kids, and of course the hottest topic was our grandchildren. All were happy, content and enjoyed a day to relax and shed the worries of the world. Then again by living in Cozumel, the greatest place on earth, how could you have any worries? We made three stops for snorkeling, giving all of us a glimpse of the awesome corral, many types of fish and the resident eel at the Money Bar.
A highlight for many of us came when Dario stopped in the area of the Calleta. He called it the “fish bowl.” Personally, looking down I could not see anything, but I jumped in. There before me was a sight I had only seen on the Discovery channel. Thousands of fish provided synchronized swimming with ease and grace. A large Barracuda observed their every changing movement. It was amazing and a great ending to a wonderful day.
 Our first trip began with a slight storm that forced the passengers to head to the galley. However, as most of us know many storms come in, show off, and leave. Within 30 minutes the skies cleared to a beautiful sunny day. Snorkeling once again provided amazing sights. Sightings included large parrotfish, barracuda, jacks, angelfish, damselfish, swaying corral, triggerfish, groupers and much, much more. Once again, the large eel rested calmly in his home in the water in front of the Money Bar. Another great day of fun, relaxation and enjoying each other's company.
 Cozumel Boat Trips provides a special rate for locals, of $250 pesos and $350 pesos for family and friends. Where can you get a deal of 5 hours of snorkeling with calm sailing for that price?
We provided our own food and drink and with the many great cooks in our group, the variety of food provided satisfied our hearty appetites. It was a beautiful day of sunshine, nice breezes and calm seas. What a way to relax.
The company, Cozumel Boat Trips provides wonderful service, great prices with comic relief provided by Dario and his singing. Their website is cozumelboattrips.com. Check it out there are also sunset cruises.
 As a group, we are trying to go once a month. All are invited. If you are interested in joining our next sail in August, or would like to be on our mailing list for future dates, please email me at
jdnpv29@yahoo.com
Life on the Island
By Sue Sievert
We have lived here only half a year but have been on a fast-track since we arrived. We have witnessed first-hand a way of life that can only be experienced and not easily explained.
We started our journey here with a cruise, then a vacation, then, hola; here we are, incapable of leaving. Okay, we admit it; we are under “her spell.” We have seen and done new things in six months that either brings a smile to our face or a wicked gleam to our eyes, either way, we are held captive by her very essence of tranquility.
The only “un-tranquil” moment we have experienced here came soon after we bought our scooter. As we were traveling down 23rd street, two guys on a motorcycle came flying by us on the left, hit a speed bump, landed, then took the next corner going about 45 miles an hour. The next thing you know, here comes the policia in full pursuit. They, too, took the corner at 45 mph ON TWO WHEELS! Our jaws literally dropped to the ground. Soon after, another dozen policia were in full pursuit. (Must have been a slow day). Actually, I think it's quite comforting that there are two policia for each of us, considering we don't have any bullets.
Because my husband and I are “People” people, we are constantly out in the community (usually running around like our clothes are on fire, always searching for “Dear God! Just one more document!”) We despair at the trees that lose their lives in this country. Anyway, we are observers and enjoyers of people and believe me, there's plenty to choose from, especially the expats.
Let's see, you have the retirees, the not-yet-ready-to-retirees who put a lot of money and effort into having a business here, and then there are THEM….the ones who never quite tell you where they are from or what they have done and, well….you just know. Maybe it was a picture in the post office, or that TV show. You know, you're just better off buying them a beer and don't worry about the shiftless eyes. Oh yeah, and then there's the rich elite who just hang out in their 100' yachts, sipping champagne and eating caviar…..and we hate them.
Having no car, we went through the ritual of walking, then bicycling, now on a motor scooter. (Yes, we know all that is between us and asphalt is a lot of prayer!) I do remember the first time I saw five Mexicans on one scooter and the mother was breast-feeding! Oh...my… God!
 Cozumel is a beautiful oasis that seems far away from a world of violence and discontent. We are learning about an entire new culture and language, and surviving to tell about it, as well as discovering the most eclectic collection of humanity on earth.
I think this island's unique “insanity” is worth it. For at the end of a laid-back day, as we sit on the Malecon and watch the cruise ships sail out of port, with sad faces peering eastward, we take a deep breath, close our eyes, and listen to the lapping waves that remind us of our blessed place here in paradise.
PLEASE SEND YOUR “UNUSUAL” STORIES AND EXPERIENCES on the island to: suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
TURTLES, ECOLOGIA, AND BEING THERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND.
By Lynn J. Horowitz
We all know what a lovely island we have here and so do the Hawksbill turtles that come here every year to lay their eggs. The “other side” of the island has a strict curfew to prevent just anyone from wandering around when the turtles are laying their eggs.
The Department of Ecologia (located at the corner of Avenida 65 and Calle 11, with the entrance on the 65 side) has free guided tours on Mondays and Tuesday evenings lead by a native English speaking guide starting at 9:30. Everyone meets there and then leaves together for the location.
The second project they provide is a chance to participate in an all night vigil to guard the eggs after they have been laid and wait till a biologist comes to arrange proper sand coverage and perform other services. This portion is for those who speak Spanish. When you leave with this group you go with their transportation and stay until day break or early morning. (Bring warm clothes, something easy to sit on, water, and or course a flashlight with extra batteries. They have a number of jobs for you to participate in at the turtle base. This is a summer time activity, usually in early August. Stop in for information. There is easy parking on 65th. The telephone # is 872-5795.
WATCH OUT FOR THE CROCODILLES IN COZUMEL!
By Lynn J. Horowitz
We finally found a relatively glass-free sandy beach, for our dogs to run around on. It is past the kiting beach, and the Avimar beach in the North, and has a 4 wheel drive sand area. I was happy until the day the croc joined us. It was a shock and I have had one nightmare about it.-yikes!
My two dogs were playing in the surf with their balls and enjoying the water. I suddenly heard a lot of swishing and saw a huge (at least 5 feet long) croc physically touching Don, my small dog (just before the bite). I started screaming as I ran, thinking my dogs would run away with me. But no, much to my horror, they were still there frolicking in the surf, no fear at all. I had fallen down in the process of running; I had to get up and run back. I grabbed their toys out of the water and that got their attention. We all ran to the car. I did not even know if the croc was still there, I was just so focused on getting away.
We went right to Dr. Ivan, our Vet, who thought one of Don's leg was swollen (the one that was next to the croc) and he would be limping in the afternoon. But that did not happen luckily for him. We got away with great luck. I just kept the bad dream after it.
The next week I heard that a local TV. Station reported that a croc of that size had been identified and captured. It took 8 firemen to get it down to the Punta Sur reservation. So even though he might be down south, I am not going back to this beach area. It still has grassy hiding places in the water I think, just right for another croc friend. Or he might return. This is unfortunately something they have been known to do. Keep small children and dogs away from the dangerous areas.
Confusion Still On-Going with Our Vehicles
By: DeLea Lemke
I have been in communication with Anne Harris on some things the police have been checking cars for. We don't have anything that can be published yet but will hopefully have some answers soon. Keep checking her website:
http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/
FYI, My short story: I have a US vehicle and an FM3. I was stopped at the airport by the Federal Police. I was able to communicate that my FM3 extended the expiration date of my importation papers. He called and checked and let me go.
This week I went thru a checkpoint of the Municipal police, my copies of my papers were good but he told me I needed to go to the Palacio and get a permit for my tinted windows.
I went to the Palacio, there is a process for Mexican vehicles and several people were there, but there is not a process for foreign vehicles. The transit police officer would not check and said I needed to talk to the director (chief). The director says he needs to talk with Anne Harris. Basically, it appears there is not a process in place for foreign vehicles. Anne plans to talk to him soon.
Anyone having similar problems please report them to Ann Harris or email Aura at
atreasuryoftrade@msn.com
Our staff at TDC will gladly assist in getting some answers.
Kelley's Sport Bar & Grill Restaurant Review
By Joyce & Ken Larsen
Kelley's Sport Bar & Grill is located on 10th Avenue between A. R. Salas and Calle 1 and has a parking lot right across the street and free street parking after 6:00 PM.
Kelly's Bar is open 7 days a week from 2 PM to 11 PM and from 2 PM to closing for sports events. Starting in September the bar will open at 10 AM for the NFL season. The restaurant is open from 2 PM to 10 PM and is closed Wednesdays.
Kelly's invites you to watch your favorite sport on six 32” TV's and one 24x24 Plasma TV. September kicks off the football season and Kelly's has the complete NFL package. Kelly's also has satellite radio.
Kelley's Sport Bar & Grill has a complete menu at reasonable prices. The new kitchen staff is waiting to serve you. The lunch offers lighter fare with the standard Mexican offerings and US style sandwiches such as Reuben, Pastrami, Club, French Dip and Hamburger with French fries. The supper is a full menu with Mexican, seafood, pasta and steak. Kelly's also has home cooked style Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, Shepherd Pie and our favorite Baby Back Ribs in Kelly's own BBQ Sauce. Coming soon: Sunday Brunch.
Your hosts, Gene and Alma Kelly, give back to the community. Every Christmas they have a party for a group of needy children. In addition to the food and pop each child gets a new pair of shoes and Santa hands out a gift. Last year they hosted 46 children. If you would like to sponsor a child with a gift stop in and see Gene or Alma.
COZUMEL 4 YOU LIVE TV!
We now have a one hour TV show on Thursdays 7-8 p.m. on Ch. 25/Ch 5 and it is superb. These nice people also have a monthly web letter in English and Spanish that is very informative. Contact them at
info@czm4you.com
to get on their list.
The Ciema Wild Life Sanctuary
By: Susanna E. Finck
I watched the Cozumel 4 You TV show 2 weeks ago about the Wildlife Sanctuary on the island that is located south of the Caleta Marina. Cindy, a representative from the Sanctuary spoke about the rescued peacocks, turtles, spider monkeys, parrot, and an animal that is maybe from the weasel/ferret family called a kutamundi. This animal was rescued on the mainland. All the rescued animals are living peacefully in this sanctuary
All animals belong to the Federal Government and there is no funding at the moment, but the folks who manage this Sanctuary are diligently working on recruiting volunteers and reaching out for donations.
JD and I took the tour and it was enlightening. Cindy got the food ready, mangos, green grapes and a few other goodies and we walked through the jungle to the various habitats. They have large enclosures for some animals, and they desperately need more. They need platforms for the spider monkeys, which are actually tethered to zip lines, so they can zip through the jungle above their platforms safe and basically free in this environment.
Because of the way humans have treated them, they have psychological damage and are being rehabilitated; they can never live in the wild again.
I encourage people to call Cindy or go to the Oasis Animal Hospital, located on 25 between 11 and 13. They can make arrangements for you to take the tour and if you so desire, you can volunteer. Or, better yet, go online:
http://www.ciemainternational.org/
and make a donation so they can buy the food and make new habitats. Your money will be well spent, and any amount will be appreciated.
The Sewing Corner
By: Susanna E. Finck
I recently acquired a sewing machine, so for you folks who sew and are seeking material, there are 3 shops in Playa that Sheila and I found on Saturday
One is near Wal-Mart, one is in Plaza de Las Perlas on the north side of Mega on Ave. 30 and the other is a short bus/taxi ride north to 30th Ave. and 34th St. The store on 30/34 had a section for crafters. . Anyone wanting directions can email me at
nycblackshark@yahoo.com
Island Spa has a new owner
By Kathy Lasater
The Island Spa on Calle 19 has a new owner. Clare Widdicombe is moving back to London, and the new Spa owner is Carole Crespin.
Carole is a US licensed hair designer with 26 years of experience. She started her career in Boulder, Colorado and some credits to her name include photo shoots for hair magazines and books, hair show platform performance, in-salon teaching and numerous awards at competitions in hair cutting and styling.
Carole has lived in Cozumel for 12 years and during that time worked as a manager in Jewelry retail sales and as a part-time hairstylist. She is looking forward to continuing to offer the same high level of personal attention and quality service that Island Spa has always offered the last seven years.
Carole is available for appointments and can be reached at the same telephone number and email address that Island Spa has always had. The Island Spa in on Calle 19, is only 1 ½ blocks from the oceanfront street, Ave. Rafael Melgar.
Madera Del Caribe
By Kathy Lasater
 I found this shop when I was looking for some narrow diameter wooden dowels that I could use for my tomato plants. I stopped at a couple of carpentry shops and one told me about this store. They did have what I needed and they cut them to the length I needed, but I also discovered that they have a large selection of different diameter wooden curtain rods. If you want to put up curtains, and you don't want to put up those metal rods (metal rusts way too fast here) take a look at Madereria de Caribe on Ave. 65 at the corner of Calle 17. They not only have wooden rods of all diameters and the holders for them, plus wooden curtain rings.
Hungarian Food and Jazz Festival
By Kathy Lasater
On Sat. August the 8th, the 4th annual Hungarian Food and Jazz Festival will be at Wet Wendy's Margarita House, downtown in the main plaza. You should make your reservations in advance. Wet Wendy's Margarita House is in the main square. If you are standing by the main clock tower with your back to the ocean, go to the left (Ave. 5) and about ¾ of the way down that block Wet Wendy's Margarita House is on the left.
New Burger King
By Kathy Lasater
 In a new shopping center on Ave. 30 between Salas and Calle 1 (or between Calle 1 and Juarez) there is a big, new Burger King complete with a drive thru.
Sunday Brunch and Bowling
By Kathy Lasater
 Bowling is great family fun at a terrific price. The big bowling alley is now offering a Sunday brunch for only 60 pesos, (at the current exchange rate that's a bit less than $5 U.S.) and along with that you get to bowl for one hour free. Now that's a bargain! The brunch and bowl is between 11am and 3pm each Sunday. The bowling alley has just had a new paint job; the colors at the front are purple, orange and yellow. No sign up yet that says "bowling", but you can't miss it. Caribbean Bol is located at Calle 13 Sur #17 between Av. Gonzalo Guerrero and Ave. 5a.
Humane Society Sunset Cruise.
By Kathy Lasater
August the 1st (Saturday) there is Sunset Cruise to benefit the Cozumel Humane Society. As before and thanks to the generosity of Fury Catamaran, all the money collected will go to help the animals.
The time to meet at the main passenger ferry pier downtown is 5:00 pm with departure at 5:30pm sharp, and they will sail for about 2.5 hours.
Tickets are $20 US or $250 pesos per person, and it includes all the beer and margaritas you could want, plus snacks donated by La Cocay and Rock'n Java.
Fiesta Cozumel 2009
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment featuring Sonny Winters, Chad & the CBC Trio and Will Sievert on harmonica at the Playa Azul Beach Club. The second Annual Island Music Jam will run from 6 to 10 p.m.
Admission is $5 US or 70 pesos and includes free beer. There will be food and other drinks available for purchase as well. The date is Tuesday, August 4. Come and support the Island's musicians and have the time of your life!
Art Exhibit at Coffeelia's
By Lynn Horowitz
There is a free gorgeous exhibition
of luminous, flower paintings at Coffeelia's. It is very spiritual, mystical, and symbolic; and will be on display until August 29th.The painter is German but grew up in the Czech Republic and now lives in Cancun.
Coffeelia's restaurant is on Calle 5 right up from the water on the street the MacDonald's is on. It is on the left side of the street. An easy access parking lot is right across from it. (The breakfast group has eaten here several times. It has a lovely garden.)
Music and Art at Benito Juarez Plaza
 In an attempt attract people to the center of town. They will be having Music concerts every week on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30 to 10:30 in the Plaza. These are free to the public and a lot of fun.
Salsa Lessons at Playa Azul
Club Playa Azul provides Salsa lessons every Sunday afternoon from noon to two. Lessons are for beginners and advanced dancers. There is live music immediately after the lessons so everyone can practice what they have learned.
Classes are ten dollars per session. Playa Azul provides a 10% discount on food and beverages. Dress is come as you are. It is a beautiful atmosphere and lots f fun!
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La Casa
de Marlin Fishing
Charters
Deep
Sea
Fishing
31'
Bertram Sport Fisherman
40'
Viking Convertible
10%
discount if you mention this column in Tiempo de Cozumel!
Call
for reservations today at
987-872-4573
or
email fishingbandidacozumel@prodigy.net.mx
Costa
Brava Restaurant
Enjoy
an excellent meal at my favorite family restaurant and get 15% off!
Offer
good for everything but the breakfast specials that are already at bargain
prices.
Calle
7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South
The
CARIBBEAN
BOL
Go
bowling at Cozumel's only bowling lanes that provide another alternative
for those unable to enjoy the
Island
's water sports as well as provide in-door fun on those rainy days. They
offer free bowling lessons and dollar specials on Sundays. For more
information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
English
Language
Church
Services
Eben-Ezer
Presbyterian Church
30th Ave.
At
10th Street North
Sundays
at
9 a
.m.
Jesus
Es
Rey
Church
65th
Ave.
&
Morelos Street
Sundays
at 10:00 a.m.
Iglesia
de San Miguel
Guadalupe
Rosary Prayer
10th
Street
Corner of
El Centro
Plaza
Sundays
at 5 p.m.
CO-DEPENDENTS
ANONYMOUS MEETING IN ENGLISH
Co-Dependents
Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step Fellowship of men and women whose common
purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance
of healthy relationships.
The
CoDA meeting in the area meets:
On
Saturday, at 11:00 am. In the English AA ROOM, Ave 10 Sur corner of Calle
5 Sur, up the spiral iron staircase, first apartment.
For
further information contact: DeLea at 869-0369
CoDA
is a non-profit organization supported by the voluntary contributions of
attending members.
Work
Wanted
Gardener
Everyone's
favorite for all your gardening needs!
He is reliable and very reasonable.
Orlando
987-105-3000
Tile
Work Interior and Exterior
Need
a reliable man for tile work? Interior work or exterior work, such as
swimming pools. If interested, call Sheila, 872-6220 since Ramiro has no
phone.
Dentista
C.D.
Nora Hernández Lavie'
MEDIDENTAL
Odontología
Integral
11
Sur por 65 Ave.
Cozumel,
Q.Roo
Tel/Fax
872-0808
Cell
(987) 103-2770
E-mail:
noral2004@yahoo.com
Official
Translator
Monica
Sauza Garrido
75
Ave. Sur #613
between
Hidalgo
and 7th
telephone:
987-872-5394
email:
mosag@prodigy.net.mx
Cozumel
Health Chiropractic
Cozumel
Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you enjoy your
vacation.
Chiropractic
care is available Monday through Saturday.
872-1122, Dr. Tom:
Tues,
Thurs, Sat 9:30am 1pm
Martes,
jueves, sábado 9:30am - 1pm
Tues
& Thurs 6pm- 8pm
Martes
y jueves 6 P.M. 8pm
Also
available by appointment
También
disponible por la cita
Plaza
Barracuda # 5 on Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur
MARY
KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Priced
in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997 or e-mail
suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
Quality
Educational Software
Quality
educational software for every age group and level shipped from the
United States
directly to your loved ones! Check it out at www.bestchildlearn.com
AXA
Health Insurance
Contact
Irma Cantarell at 987-872-6647 or office on 11th with 30th, next to the
Ford co. Insurance for as little as $50. - Usd per month.
Bancomer
English Division
Contact
Mauricio Sanchez at mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com
or call toll-free 01800-2282-728.
Website: www.bancomer.com/pcu
.
Contact
Information
At
atreasuryoftrade@msn.com
for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for
information on:
-
Book Club
-
Book Exchange
-
Game night
-
Garden Club
-
Ladies Breakfast Club
-
Applying for local discounts
-
Mexican Health Insurance
-
Recreational activities
For
your convenience, here is a list of emergency numbers that may come in
handy.
Contact
Information
At
atreasuryoftrade@msn.com
for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for
information on:
-
Book Club
-
Book Exchange
-
Game night
-
Garden Club
-
Ladies Breakfast Club
-
Applying for local discounts
-
Mexican Health Insurance
-
Recreational activities
For
your convenience, here is a list of emergency numbers that may come in
handy.
Emergency
060
24
Hour Doctor
872-0103
Dentist
872-0808
Hyperbaric
Chamber
872-0103
Police
872-0092
Red
Cross
872-1058
Taxi
Cab
872-0236
Taxi
Cab
872-0041
U.S.
Consulate 872-4574
U.S
Consulate
872-6152
U.S.
Consulate 044-987-876-0624
The
Federal Consumer Interest Bureau (PROFECO) is responsible for enforcing
the Consumer Protection Federal Law. Their office is located on the second
floor of the Municipal Market at Calle A. Rosado Salas between 25th and
20th Avenues.
You
may also file a complaint by e-mail to extranjeros@profeco.gob.mex
and at any Mexican embassy or consulate in the world.
For
more information on
Cozumel
, you can visit the Department of Tourism located on the corner of 20th
and Xel-Ha Avenues, Colonia Gonzalo Guerrero.
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