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Dear Readers, normally, I would be writing about Cinco de Mayo, the history and the scheduled celebrations. I doubt if any will take place this year due to the flu epidemic.
Cozumel was suffering when I left due to the United States economy; now the “quarantine” of the entire country will certainly nail the coffin for our beautiful Island's tourism business.
All of my readers currently there, please use common sense and take safety precautions. Our Island Paradise is one of the safest places in the world, but desperation. many times accompanies crime.
Cozumel should be one of the safest places to be, since it is away from the mainland, so stay put, now is not the time to explore.
I just received a call from a friend in Minnesota. Apparently the Governor is this very minute on television announcing a potential case there. He is asking that anyone feeling ill, stay at home. Here in Florida, they are waiting for test results from a sick (Mexican) tourist to Disney World.
My prayers and thoughts are with you; please continue your excellent humanitarian pursuits for the people of Cozumel. They need us now more than ever.
Thank you for all of you that have made contributions to News Cozumel. Please keep the articles and emails coming!
Swine Flu Outbreak “H1N1”
As of this morning, April 30th, 8 countries have reported cases of this deadly flu. In the United States 12 states have reported a combined 93 cases with the first death yesterday morning of a 23 month old child in Texas (from Mexico); There are 16 cases in Canada, 5 cases in Britain; 3 in Germany;14 in New Zealand; 10 in Spain; 2 in Israel; and 1 in Austria. The latest report from Mexico has a count of 160 deaths, 2498 suspected or confirmed as infected and 1,300 hospitalized, with up to 6,000 showing symptoms.
The level 4 advisory last week has now been raised to a level 5. A level 6 or Pandemic is the highest level, and would mean a full fledge worldwide epidemic. All Americans are to cancel all unnecessary travel to Mexico. This was ALL of Mexico. By midweek, Europe also sent out the same advisory extending the warning to include travel to the United States.
Here in Florida, there is wide spread panic in the tourist industry, already hit by the economy. (A few months ago Disney eliminated an unprecedented 600 positions).
FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY:
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advises that as a precaution, Mexican authorities closed all schools in the Federal District and in the State of Mexico on April 24, 2009 as the Mexican Secretariat of Health announced hundreds of cases of flu in the country, some of which may be the H1N1 strain of "swine flu". Some other public institutions, such as museums and government offices, are also closed. Exact numbers of the people infected with the various strains of flu are unavailable. The U.S. Embassy has no additional information about closures.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not "swine flu"; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.
Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors in the Yucatan Peninsula can be found on the U.S. Consulate Merida website at the following link: http://merida.usconsulate.gov/doctorslist2.html. At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For additional information, please consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
The U.S. Consulate in Merida is located at Calle 60 No. 338 K x 29 y 31, Colonia Alcala Martin; telephone from the United States: 011-52-999-942-5700; telephone within Merida: 942-5700; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-999-942-5700. You may also contact the Consulate by e-mail at: meridacons@state.gov <mailto: meridacons@state.gov>. The U.S. Consulate's web page is http://merida.usconsulate.gov <http://merida.usconsulate.gov/>.
The Wreck of San Francisco De Sales in Cozumel
By Peter Zwick
Bob Marx, in his publication Shipwrecks of the Western Hemisphere, lists a merchant galleon, La Tetis, as having wrecked on Cozumel's windward side in 1760.
In the early 1980s, an American friend and I began investigating a shipwreck located well off shore at Hanan, a beautiful place with a double fringe reef and an excellent sandy beach. On the main body of the wreck fifteen 8 pounder cannons (fired an eight pound iron ball) and two large anchors were found.
Subsequent investigation of the wreck site resulted in finding five more 8 pounders and some smaller caliber cannons as well.
Correspondence to Sr. Rosario Para, Directora of archives in Seville Spain, produced the manifest of a ship named San Francisco De Sales (alias La Tetis) which foundered on the windward side of Cozumel April, 1761. La Tetis was homeward bound from Cartagena, South America when it sank. In July 1761 ships were sent from Campeche to salvage the cargo. La Tetis carried 20 eight pounder cannons, deck guns, cargo and contraband. Because of the length to bore ratio and the shape of the cannons, all were cast before 1780 and looked to be of French design. The manifest stated that the ship had been constructed in France and was later sold to a Spanish merchant.
We contacted marine archaeologists from Mexico City and College Station Texas and in 1987 conducted a survey of the galleon. A base line was established on shore and a grid was set up at the main body of the wreck to document the artifacts recovered from the site. The artifacts were placed in the Cozumel museum and on display there for several months. I have not seen the artifacts displayed in the new museum.
Among the artifacts recovered were a pewter plate dating from 1740-1780, partial glass bottles of mid eighteenth century vintage, a silver knife handle, and fragments of silver forks and spoons. One was marked Rodrigo's FRANC. Since the event was a survey, no serious recovery of artifacts was performed.
Since the 1987 survey, others have become privy to the location of the wreck. Coins predating 1760 and a few low quality, tiny emeralds were reported to have been found. Presence of emeralds supports the claim that the ship was coming from Colombia, South America.
Several stories have emerged calling the wreck by other names and one publication has stated that the wreck was recently uncovered by a hurricane. The truth is, the location of this wreck has been known to local fisherman for decades.
The Cozumel Volunteer Connection
By Sherri Davis
In 2002, the American Community Services (ACS) office was established in Edificio Colon on Melgar where many donations are dropped every month for a variety of organizations including the Turtle Salvation Program, Humane Society, Chrysalis, NUAFA Women's Shelter, Red Cross, etc. This past year, ACS changed its name to Cozumel Volunteer Connection and as always, tries to put willing volunteers/donors travelling to Cozumel in touch with organizations in need.
The address of the drop off location is:
Cozumel Volunteer Connection
Edificio Colon
602-B Rafael Melgar
(Upstairs above Dive Paradise)
Cozumel, Q. Roo Mexico
If no one is in the office, donations can be left with Dive Paradise until I arrive.
All donations should be BAGGED OR BOXED with clear LABELING OUTSIDE designating organization.
Please include your name, email address and phone inside box or bag in case there are questions.
You can read more about Cozumel Volunteer Connection and some of the activates/events coordinated here ~
www.cozumelinsider.com/cvc
www.cozumelinsider.com/jamcruise
www.cozumelinsider.com/dallasmargarita
Www.cozumelinsider.com/sailgroup
Cozumel Scuba Diving in the 70's
By Peter Zwick
In 1970 there were two dive shops on Cozumel, Aqua Safari and the one operated by Julio Blanco. They were located just north of the northwest corner of the town square of San Miguel. Dive boats would disembark from the town pier at about 7am.and would motor south to one of the deep reefs located at the southwest end of the island. After a dive on Maricaibo, Colombia or Palancar reefs, the boat would go to the shallows where the dive guide and sometimes sport divers could spear fish and gather lobsters, crabs and conch.
The next step was to land the boat on Palancar or San Francisco beach where the boat captain prepared a meal which in my opinion was a good as any meal I have ever eaten. One can't beat fresh seafood. Often times so much food was eaten that it was not necessary to have an evening meal.
After sufficient decompression time had elapsed we again boarded the boat and the captain steered a course north for a second dive on a shallower reef, usually Paradise or another shallow reef. The second dive having been completed, El Capitan piloted the boat back to the town pier and arrived there as the sun was beginning to set in the west.
It was the custom for divers to gather at Pepe's to discuss the events of the day and to "watch the sun set". Now the Pepe's I refer to was the restaurant which is named Las Palmeras at present. In those days a market was located just south of the restaurant where the fountain in the park is now situated. Pepe would send his and my son out on to the pier with flyers advertising his restaurant but I don't remember if they got a commission for their efforts.
On one occasion, my wife and I talked Julio Blanco in to taking us on a night dive. It was probably in 1971 or 1972 and it could have been the first night dive made on Cozumel. Our usual dive shop Aqua Safari, wasn't interested so we went to Julio this one time. He took us to Paradise reef equipped with a giant light.
We had made night dives back home in quarries and Lake Erie but this was quite different. At night, creatures and soft corals which are in the reef during daylight come out to feed and when the ray of light hits the reef the whole reef bursts into color usually not seen during day dives. The event was excellent for underwater photography and once in awhile a large dark shadow would pass by the reef and then disappear into darkness.
In later years we made another night dive to Paradise Reef but this was a walk in from shore one with a well known boat captain. Paradise is well off shore and by the time the reef was spotted air supplies were running low and time on the reef was limited. The captain and I ran out of air still a distance from shore and a cloud blocked out the moonlight and the shoreline was not visible. Fortunately the moon reappeared and we made it back to shore. My wife, being very good on air, was able to make it back underwater right behind us. This was not the smartest dive ever made.
We made one other night dive in the shallows of Colombia Reef with a group of divers from Ohio and another walk in night dive at Chankanaab where some very good underwater photos were obtained.
If you can bear one more dive story here goes--One day a group of divers from an Ohio dive club were about to make a dive on Colombia Reef. Being accustomed to wreck diving in Lake Erie, the divers wanted to make an anchor dive. Diving a 19th century wooden schooner meant hooking an anchor into the wreck and descending down the anchor line in 10 to 15 feet of visibility to a wreck 60 t0 80 feet deep and ascend back up the anchor line when the dive was finished. The boat captain at Colombia reef noted that there was a very strong north current and that it would be prudent to make a drift dive whereby divers would float with current while the boat followed the divers overhead.
Over the objection of the boat captain dive guide and a couple of us divers, the anchor dive people won out. The captain disappeared below and came up holding a long line with a life preserver attached to one end. He tossed the device off the stern and when the preserver hit water it shot away from the boat and came to a quivering stop about 100 feet behind the boat.
Divers went into the water and the best way to make this dive is to swim along the reef into current and come back to the boat floating with current. One tends to burn up air faster swimming into current. Upon returning to the boat I noticed that there was much confusion among divers trying to get back to the boat and a few used the preserver line but none were lost. Another boat had anchored nearby and divers from that boat became disoriented and first came to our boat I believe that El Capitan was right --it should have been a drift dive!
Cozumel Readers Club
By Sheila McIntyre
A few of us started getting together to discuss different books. We have been doing this for several months, and have learned many things about how to try to organize such an endeavor. Here is what has happened. We started out trying to have everyone read the same book, but not everyone was able to get a copy of the chosen book. Then we had arriving friends bring us four used copies of books that we had chosen, thinking that they could be passed around and everyone would have a chance to read it. But because of shipping and book costs, if the first four people paid for the books, what should be charged to the next person who borrowed the book, etc. Or what if the person didn't like the book, or what if they could not make the meeting? You get the picture island life is tough, isn't it?
So we will be trying a new format in July and wanted to give you an invitation if you are interested in what we are doing. We do have a set book for May 14 “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers. This is a story about a young girl, a deaf man, and their lives in the South and is an American classic. If you are interested in reading that, we do have a few copies available and will welcome you. The book chosen for June 11 is “The Bone Woman” by Clea Koff. This is a true story about a forensic anthropologist who was one of 16 scientists delegated by the U.N. to unearth bodies in mass graves in Kosovo, Rwanda, Croatia and Bosnia, to prepare testimony for the criminal genocide war trials.
We usually meet in the evening on the second Thursday of each month. In July, we will be using a different format that might interest you. At each meeting, we will ask each person to read a book OR A MAGAZINE, bring the book or magazine; give a synopsis of the item, including a reader recommendation. We will have a sign-up sheet for each book/magazine, and members can sign up to read a book that appealed to them and we will pass the books around to these people in the order on the sign-up sheet. That way, you have a choice if you really want to read a book; you don't have to pay for any of the books; you don't have to read any of the books recommended; and you don't have to read any books at all, just be a welcome guest and come for the fun! ALSO, please be aware that this is not a “girls” group we need you guys to balance our perspective. There were 2 guys in our group that really kept the conversation going and gave us different insights (but, sadly, they had to return to the frozen north.)
If you would like to be on the Cozumel Book Club email list, contact me at scubawoman@prodigy.net.mx and I will start a mail list to keep you up-to-date. AND, please, if you know of others who might be interested, or if you have any suggestions, they will be most welcome since we are still evolving!
La Hach Restaurant and Bar
Mezcalito's West moves across the street and becomes La Hach Restaurant and Bar.
La Hach Restaurant and Bar is located on Rafael Melgar at Kilometer 2.9, opposite the Villa Blanca Hotel and is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM Monday through Saturday and 6:00 PM to closing on Sunday.
A full kitchen allows them to expand the menu and provide all your favorite dishes. A large veranda offers the perfect place to enjoy a “Sundowner” and watch the sun set. They have two separate areas to host private parties. Karma provides live music on Wednesdays and Fridays offering a blend of English and Spanish Rock 'N Roll and Reggae and will take requests. On Saturday the music is provided by Oscar and Nana on acoustic guitars playing Rock 'N Roll and taking requests.
Your hosts are Alejandro “Alex” Barba and Samantha “Sam” Wilson de Barba and baby Rebecca.
Sam is from Liverpool, England and Alex is from Guadalajara, Mexico. They met and fell in love while working onboard the Golden Princes cruise ship. With a Mariachi Band playing in the background Alex proposed, on bended knee, in the La Choza Restaurant. They were married 23 January, 2004. In May of 2006 they realized their dream of owning a bar on the beach when they opened Mezcalito's West. Rebecca was born on 27 August, 2008 in England. Now they are looking forward to the opportunity of serving you in the much larger La Hach Restaurant and Bar, which is truly right on the beach. La Hatch is Mayan for one for the road.
Kelley's Bar and Restaurant
“Grupo Kaoba” a local Rock band plays every Thursday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to Midnight. The members speak English and take requests. They are Cozumel's own, so stop in and support them. Kelley's is located on Avenida 10 between Calle 1 and Avenida Adolfo Rosado Sales.
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!
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.
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Work Wanted - - -
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000
Plummer/Electrician/Painter
I am experienced and qualified to work on plumbing, electrical work, and house painting. I can build, repair and maintain swimming pools. Roberto Cedillos Mata, 110 Ave. between A.R.S and 3 South. Casa 869-3506 or Cell. 987-113-2690.
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
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.
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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