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Welcome once
again to News Cozumel! Carnival was a huge success in spite of the fire
at Sr. Frogs. My family and I had a memorable and fun filled week thanks
to our friends Wendy Rudman and Joe Starr.
Their Vacation, Our Fun Filled
Week!
Wendy and Joe escaped the cold in Minnesota to vacation with us during
Carnival week. They got off to a rocky start, as their original flight
on Friday the 12th of February was cancelled due to the weather in
Dallas, Texas. Never the less, they arrived ready for action the
following day.
Family member Bartolo, my husband Charlie, and I picked them up at the
airport and drove them to their hotel, the Allegro Resort. I have often
passed this beautiful hotel on our adventures to the other side of the
Island and was looking forward to having a firsthand look inside. Our
plan was to have a cocktail with them and leave, allowing them that
evening to unwind. We were immediately informed that were not allowed to
enter the premises; it was an “all inclusive” for registered guests only.
This was something none us of had predicted, but we understood and
stated we would just sit in the lobby and wait from them to register. I
was informed I had to purchase a $45 (U.S. dollars) per person day pass.
I told them that our plan was to do that later in the week with our
entire family, but it was not going to happen for a fifteen minute visit.
Their solution was to reward each of us with fruit punch served in
plastic glasses to enjoy as we stood outside.
I have never experience this “rigidity” in Cozumel before. I pointed out
that my husband (standing beside me right-side paralyzed and walker in
hand) needed to sit. Only then did they allow us the privilege using one
of the two chairs right inside the front door. We were left unattended
with our fruit punch, but not before being lectured not to step beyond
that point into the lobby.
I immediately cancelled my plan to spend a day with my family at
Allegro. There are seven of us in my family; it was their loss of $315
(U.S.) In addition to the location (too far from town), Wendy and Joe
reported mediocre food, inconsistent housekeeping, and poor service.
Since they arrived a day late, they needed accommodations for their last
day on the island. Instead of inquiring at Allegro, they checked into
the beautiful Hotel Cozumel and Resort. They experienced the great
hospitality and service Cozumel is famous for and my presence with them
was never questioned or challenged.
We patronize Costa Brava Restaurant at every opportunity. Their food and
service is excellent, they give local discounts to their already low
prices. Charlie and I have been eating at Costa Brava for years and have
become very close with owner Luis and his family. This family operated
business has struggled to survive in some very tough economic times.
We timed two of our Meals at Palmeras to coincide with the Carnival
parades of Sunday and Tuesday night. We had a perfect view, good food,
and great service.
Palmeras, Playa Paradise Beach, and San Francisco Beach, gave us local
discounts when I showed my Plan Locale and Park cards as proof of
residence. All had great food, good service, and clean bathrooms.
We also went to Playa Bonita, one of my favorite places on the other
side of the island. The prices are lower than the fancier places, the
service is excellent, the food is good and the bathrooms are clean. The
beach immediately in front of Playa Bonita was taken over by the sea,
but on either side of the restaurant you can find good beach access. It
is a perfect location for my husband Charlie to dine near the water.
Once again thanks to Joe and Wendy, I had my first deep sea fishing
adventure! I reserved our fishing trip with my friends Luis and Cristina
Erosa at Casa de Marlin Fishing Charters. Since it was just the three of
us we went on their 31 foot Bertram. Luis Captained the boat himself,
his nephew Nester was the very charming and attentive crew member. We
had very bad weather, it was cold rainy and the sea was very angry. The
big one got away (twice), but we had a great time and are all looking
forward to doing it again next trip.
The week passed much too fast, and before we knew it, we were saying
goodbye to Wendy and Joe and hello to our friend Mike McDonald who
arrived that same afternoon. Mac asks, “Diner at Casa Denis or Prima's
this week?” You Bet!!!
I was
successful in obtaining a Plan Locale card that serves both as a
discount card at either passenger ferry and proof of residence for local
businesses that give discounts to the residents. I applied at the
“Modulo De Plan Locale” located outside the offices of Mexican Waterjets
on Avenida 6 Norte between 10th and 15th. The process was fast and easy
you need your original FM3 (or FM2), your proof of residence (current
cable, light, or water bill) and 100 pesos. They take your picture and
issue your card right on the spot.
I met with an official of Mexican Waterjets on behalf of the many
residents that live on the island six months per year and hold no FM3. I
am sorry to report at this time that they will not make an exception, if
you want a Plan Locale Card, you must apply for your FM3.
No such luck on obtaining Mexican Plates for my vehicles. I will not
bore you with details at this time of that unsuccessful meeting with the
transportation people. I have asked my friends at the newspaper to
research the problem for us and will report back as soon as I have
further information.
Information on the senior discount card INAPAM (Instituto Nacinal de Las
Personas Adultas Mayores) is also on hold until next month's issue. As
of today, the cards have finally arrived but they will not have the
necessary paperwork available until March first.
What Is a CURP?
CURP is a certificate everyone living on the island should have whether
you need it or not. It is used by the Civil Registry in Cozumel to track
the population; it is very important in planning and cases of emergency.
The Civil Registry is located on 11th right before you get to Avenida
65. All you need is your original FM2 or FM3 and in a matter of a few
minutes your certificate is handed to you FREE OF CHARGE. The CURP
(Clave Unica de Poblacion) is needed to apply for a Mexican driver's
license, employment, collecting pensions, enrolling a child in school,
and certain bank transactions.
On The News
Playa Del Carmen hosted a meeting of leaders from 33 Nations of Latin
America and the Caribbean Islands originally labeled “Cumbre Del Grupo
del Rio“(The River Group Summit). This Summit caught my attention on the
news because a great deal of emphasis was placed on the fact that the
United States and Canada were NOT invited. The only exception was
Honduras who had no leader to invite because of a Military takeover last
year.
This three day summit which started on February 22nd was held behind
closed doors, but many participants voiced their agenda at press
conferences.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez voiced his opinion of stopping
“American Colonization” in Latin America. Headlines of “Ending
Imperialism” quoted Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez asking for
support against Great Britain's “theft” of the Malvinas Islands. Cuba's
President Raul Castro was there to bash the United States on their
economic and commercial blockade (and presence in Guantanamo).
Bolivia's President Evo Morales Ayma stated his country has made
progress only after getting the United States out of their financial
affairs. There was a theme of “United States involvement does not
guarantee democracy.”(I found it confusing given the presence of the
Dictators.)
Haiti's President Rene Preval asked for aid to rebuild his country and a
chorus of support to do just that appeared on the daily reports.
By day three, the new Organization has a tentative new name “Cumbre de
la Unidad de America Latina y el Caribe.” (Summit of Latin American and
the Caribbean). The next two summits are to be held in Venezuela in 2011
and Chile in 2012.
The group voted unanimously to support Argentina against the British
hold on the Malvinas Island, to support Cuba against the United States'
economic and commercial blockade (and its presence in Guantanamo Bay),
and to support the rebuilding of Haiti.
I originally gathered notes that would take up all my allotted space on
this one topic. Every problem was blamed on the United States, Great
Britain; even Switzerland is to blame for Haiti's poverty. I decided to
keep my opinions to myself and limit the mudslinging I reported.
I can't help but mention that Chile was hit with a horrible earthquake
this morning. President Obama just could not help being the first in
line to offer assistance yet once again on behalf of the United States
of America. The United States just has to stop being such Ogres!
The Red Lion Fish Invasion
By now all of you are aware of the Red Lion Fish scare taking place in
the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. In 1992 Hurricane Andrew set free
some Red Lion Fish that were on display in Florida. Originally from the
Pacific Ocean, there is no natural enemy in our part of the world to
slow down their growing numbers. The latest reports have the little
darlings everywhere from the eastern Coast of the United States all the
way down to the coast of Brazil.
The local experts want to capture and monitor the Lion Fish in order to
come up with a solution to defuse the problem. Their goal is to educate
the public and investigate how to best handle the problem at hand.
Already progress has been made, it is reported that the Red Lion Fish is
not a predator; their stingers are used for self defense only. Their
stingers contain two very painful toxic venoms that are NOT Lethal.
However, one of the toxins affects the muscular system so people with
lung or heart disease might be at some risk. The pain if stung is severe
and last for 3 to 4 hours.
The alternative to an all out “bounty” on the beautiful fish was a
Tournament scheduled for February 28th. The original reward per head was
quickly scrapped after experts announced the fish reproduce every four
days and a pair of Lion Fish will lay anywhere between 1.2 and 2.5
million eggs per year. Adding to the problem, the eggs are laid to float
free and are carried by the currents.
Importing one of their natural enemies has not been an option, for fear
the natural enemy might develop a taste for something else we have in
our waters.
Experts advise us we are in no danger. There is no way we can step on a
Red Lion Fish at the beach. We should report any sightings to lifeguards
and educate children not to touch them. Divers and snorkelers need only
to keep their hands to themselves!
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS IN
COZUMEL
By: Lynn J. Horowitz
After 5 years living in Cozumel, these are the things that continue to
make me happy.
Of course, there are the people in our lives.
The reefs, the color of the water, the Other Side- the smell of the
flowers, jumping the waves on the Other Side. The view from Coconuts.
Palm trees lit up with purple, white, and green lights. Summer heat,
summer breezes. Biking on a fairly flat island. The clouds and sky. The
sunsets!!!
The spiritually of the island: Ixchel and the history of the Maya
pilgrimages. The present groups now: the Christian communities, the
Chabad House, a Jewish organization, the group Ascension, the Buddhism
group, the Tai Chi exercise group. And all the various sport
associations here for the whole population.
The Green Patrol and the development of an environmental movement. The
ladies and men who sweep the streets early in the mornings. The traffic
lights which change in a clockwise pattern. The “right on red” which
seems to apply to any intersection. Cars and motos which are fancied up
with lots of lovely lights, especially blue lights.
The first contacts with Mexican people: Ophelia Spinoza, Daniel, and
Terry of Cocus Locus. The dive groups who included us in dinners and
fun. George, the strictest and best dive master, ever. The Hyperbaric
Chamber and the folks that are looking out for our health. The location
of Cozumel, which is close enough to America in case either of us needs
more health care than we could get in Merida.
Greeting people on the street: Their faces may look blank but when they
hear me say hello, their faces just light up and they answer joyfully.
And having a chance to write in this column, and having few pages in
this newspaper in English gives me information and, helps me feel part
of the “Isla.”
Looking for your Input!
This is everyone's column; please continue to submit your articles.
Remember, I will happily feature your business. You can submit your own
publicity or invite me over to help you!
Have a wonderful month Cozumel, until next time!
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Businesses
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. - U.S.D. 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.
The CARIBBEAN BOL
Go bowling at Cozumel's only bowling alley. This cool place provides an
alternative to the Island's water sports and is also great in-door fun
on rainy days as board games, video games, and billiards are offered
upstairs for those who don't bowl.
Free bowling lessons and dollar specials are offered on Sundays. For
more information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
La Casa de Marlín 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.
CUSTOM JACUZZIS
Contact: 869-1206
E-Mail: gabel90227@aol.com
MARY KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Priced in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997
or e-mail suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
Home & Beauty Products
Oriflame and Bettreware
Guadalupe Flores M.
987-103-0783
15 Ave. No. entre 6 y 8
#380 Colonia Centro
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 of fun!
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 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: Saturdays, at 11:00 a.m. 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.
Services
Chiropractor
Cozumel Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you
enjoy your vacation. Chiropractic care is available Monday through
Saturday. 872-1122 Cozumel Health Chiropractic Plaza Barracuda # 5 on
Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur
Dentist
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
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and
very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000.
Handyman
Electrical Air conditioning and pluming Domingo Vega Chulum 987- 871-
0530
Official Translator
Monica Sauza Garrido
75 Ave. Sur #613
between Hidalgo and 7th
telephone: 987-872-5394
Therapist
Jose Rosado Cuevas 987-871-2065
Specializing in: treatment following Stroke and Fractures, Arthritis,
Early Childhood Stimulation, and Early Intervention.
email: mosag@prodigy.net.mx
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.
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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