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Welcome to News Cozumel November Issue! My apologies in advance as the next few issues will be shorter than normal. I am gearing up for our return trip and my responsibilities are multiplying.
Good News is finally on the horizon! On Friday October 30th I will be sworn in as an American Citizen! Expect a full report next issue on what is going to be a monumental experience for me. I have lived in the United States since 1958!
On November 4th through the 7th, Orlando Florida will be hosting the DEMA show. The DEMA Show is the only international trade-only event for the Diving, action water sports, and travel Industries.
Rafael Aguirre and other Staff from this paper and Cozumel Today magazine will be in attendance. Rafael Aguirre was appointed by the Governor of Quintana Roo to represent our State. He will be providing television and newspaper coverage of the convention. I will be attending the opening day and will have a report for my readers in the December issue.
Our return trip is tentatively set for the first of the year. I plan on a very long road trip due to physical restrictions of my husband Charles and my Mother. So I am going to make good use of our slow pace and write a travel guide complete with photographs of the beautiful Mexican countryside.
In the meantime, I will greatly appreciate any and all contributions to this column for the next couple of months.
Thanks again to my friends that have provided articles for this issue and the December issue!
ISLAND FEVER
By: Greta Abel
When one Googles the term "Island Fever," the medical definition that comes up is "scrub typhus" which is a serious but NOT deadly bacterial illness passed to humans from tick, mite or chigger bites. This term most likely originated from the fact that infected insects inhabit dry sandy areas, not on islands solely, but also in some inland regions of the world. Island Fever is diagnosed by symptoms (obviously high fevers plus dehydration and often a rash) and a blood test, then treated with antibiotics for at least a 2-week course, while resting and drinking lots of fluids. To reduce the likelihood of contracting this "disease," one can wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants and use insect repellants when enjoying sandy locations.
The Island Fever which is the subject of this article (a/k/a Cabin Fever in far frozen northern climes), however, is an entirely different affliction, psychological and spatial in nature, falling into the complicated and fascinating category of Abnormal Psychology, which can be longstanding, deep seated, often more resistant to casual or common sense cures or symptomatic temporary remedies! Chuckle if you will, but this is a very real mental/emotional mood and physiological phenomenon affecting island dwellers.
The basic definition or description of Island Fever is "a claustrophobic reaction to long periods of isolation or confinement and exposure to extreme physical environmental conditions (i.e., tropical or polar) resulting in psychological changes, symptoms to include disturbed sleep, irrational (or "lunatic" like) behaviors, impaired cognitive abilities, distrust of others (even for no reason), and increased interpersonal tension and conflicts." Winter season conditions may be the worst, even in tropical areas where S.A.D.D. (seasonal anxiety/ depressive disorder), a biological rather than clinical sadness, may occur purely in response to weather changes or cycles.
Studies have shown that the effects of living in small isolated (by water) circumstances such as on cruise or other ships or in beach front condo complexes or planned designer seaside/lagoon communities and "communes" are felt by residents and even by passenger occupants ... THAT IS, the feeling that such a place "closes in" on itself, whether it be made up of intimate groups of family members, friends or total strangers. In my home state of Alaska,( a perfect example of what confinement tragedies can produce in more disturbing forms of Cabin Fever in freezing cold climates), the legal term arose of "Spenard Divorce" ... where the husband and wife shot each other! In Hawaii, island fever boils down to "a realization that one is stuck on the island on which one lives and going nowhere...". (It's a lot more expensive to fly out of the Hawaiian Islands than it is from Mexico to the U.S., too!) That's waaaay more than boredom, it's "GOING BANANAS"!!! Stir crazy, N-U-T-S, MAD, Baby! Another creative visual on this subject might be the movie "Papillon" which depicted the fiercely territorial nature of isolated island prison life, the intense defense of one's property and most urgent basic sense of security... how far can one be driven to either stay put or ESCAPE?
WHAT??? Nobody told us we would need survival lessons or advice! We came seeking Paradise in Cozumel, Mexico for its solitude, tranquility, simple lifestyle, and magical healing properties. OK, some people who move away from mainstream (some Ex-Pats qualify) are pure isolationists who will never desire to socialize. But even Paradise can wax lonesome, so we seek the company of others and to form social groups for the purpose of enjoyable social experiences. BUT just because we find ourselves on the same body of land or island, or in the same neighborhood or building, does not mean we will necessarily be true friend material or ideally compatible due to close proximity. Ay Carumba! Of interest to note is that, in organized scientific studies for planned isolation projects, the participants will undergo extensive psychological testing and screening before being cleared for participation. AHA! The whole island is crazy but me and thee, and sometimes I have my doubts about THEE!!
Things could be worse (than Cozumel, I mean). We could be living in the Spratlys Islands chain in the Philippines, South Pacific Ocean on the tiny island of Pagasa which is a whole 1/2 hour walk around it (sound like Isla Mujeres?) where one visitor hung himself 2 days after arrival (read more in www.boingboing.com)! Being physically trapped, unable to drive or catch a bus or other inexpensive form of transportation off La Isla, sure, it's frustrating, but with our faithful Coz-Playa ferry boats, Yucatan rental car resources, and other car/cargo transport barcos, we have no real excuses for feeling imprisoned or confined and complaining about it all!
Some resources suggest that prevention or cures for Island Fever are simply to DEVELOP POSITIVE PERSONAL PASSIONS in order to create expanded dimensions of sensory experience in island life. That could translate to anything from art/music to herb gardens to collections or hobbies of any kind. We humans also respond to orderly routines and habits in daily life...having something(s) to look forward to or count on can be essential to a sense of well being. Familiar faces and places, making the "rounds" and finding our compatriots feels good. Otherwise, the quickest remedy for Island Fever is TRAVEL, as fast and as far away from the island (or the cabin, as the case may be) short or long term, as possible! That's a no-brainer, eh? One can also make an effort in any public or private scenario to chat with tourists or "transients" or newcomers to instantly expand one's sense of having a larger and more varied social circle, thus reducing the humdrum or berserkism (sensation of "going bonkers") that normally accompanies sharing too close quarters with small groups of family, friends or strangers! There's nothing wrong with us!
By Di-i-i-i-i-IVING a little deeper into our Cozumel community and resident subculture, one will discover the many things WE residents and longer-time Cozumeleans do with great passion and joy to combat "Island Fever" in our daily lives, including but not limited to the following which can be immensely enjoyable:
#1 PASS-TIME - Scuba diving (boat or shore), snorkeling / swimming (power or leisure), and sailing. There could be no finer day anywhere on the planet! (Join the Mermaids for swims or form small snorkel groups, always follow the "buddy system" in the water.)
#2 Watching sunrises or sunsets, in any setting, from any spectator's POV. Horizon vistas from islands are always awesome! (Let's meet up for Sunset Sundays!)
Museum, art gallery or music venue special events
Spa days/services, for health or beauty
Walking, running, bicycling
Pool and Happy Hour parties
Network for food finding or special ingredient shopping
Study Mexico's history/archaeology and flora/fauna (fish)
Go "ruins hopping" on the island or mainland
Plaza (Sunday music/dancing) or Palacio stage events
Ferry to Playa or Cancun for off-island fun or shopping
Game nights...join in the fun (Peso Poker, anyone?)
Yoga, Tai Chi, Art, Salsa and other creative classes
Organize local group outings and water adventures
Island beautification and cleanup projects
Humane Society...join, support events or adopt a pet
Photography of any type, under water or on land
Cook or bake and share recipes or dishes with friends
Women's Wednesday A.M. Breakfasts
Pot lucks, picnics or "progressive" dinners
Home/apartment do-it-yourself improvement projects
Live music...support our local musicians and clubs!
Games nights and bowling (or leagues)
Volunteer time or services to local charity organizations
Mexican local spiritual, cultural or enterprenurial events
Book/reading appreciation clubs for book sharing/trading
Good deeds for anyone and everyone who needs help
Explore the island to discover or create new adventures
Support fellow islanders' causes or pet projects
COZ resident/insider web site chats and local forums
Meditate, practice "living in the moment" 1-day-at-a-time
Search for your inner artist, cultivate unique talents
Teach others something of value that we know or do
Read, read, read for enjoyment or self improvement
Home town culture...bring/share yours to enrich us all!
Stop to smell our lovely indigenous flowers and plants
Chat and share tips with tourists and travelers
Keep up with world affairs and news via TV or Internet
Continue higher education via Internet courses
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WRITE for Aurita's English Tiempo de Cozumel Newspaper pages!!
CARPE DIEM!!!
PS GOSSIPING in any form in an Island Fever environment is a BAD PASSION. So let's nip it in the bud!! Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil!
Saddle Up Your Horse and Get Ready to Ride!
By Sue Sievert
As our Island begins to prepare for the joys of “High” season, and cooler winds from the North bring out sweaters and jackets from their hiding places, we can only hope that “the winds of positive change” are going to be far stronger than we had hoped for. What a seesaw year this has been. Between the world economic crisis and the swine flu, this has been a hard time for even some of the most stalwart Cozumelenos. Most have shared that this has been the toughest time on the Island in over two decades.
I suppose somewhere smack dab in the middle of all of this there are lessons to be learned, at least we hope so. Someone once said “Experience is an expensive teacher” and I have to agree with that. It would appear that while Rome was burning, Nero was playing the fiddle. How, we ask, did things go so wrong?
Considering that my only concern as a tenth grade student of economics was to sit on the front row and flirt with the good-looking, young Economics teacher, fluttering my eyelashes for a decent grade, I have no clue as to what makes the financial world operate. Obviously, those with multi-million dollar salaries don't either! Shoot, I could have screwed things up for half as much and still can. Call me, I'm in the book.
Island Sounds and Smells
One of the first things I noticed here were all the sounds that drift into one's home or business throughout the day and night. Unlike drive-by shootings in the States, these are drive-by vendors, vying for your business through several different means: Whistling, clapping, singing, playing irritating music, a trumpeter and his drummer, and some even attract you with little pet monkeys or parrots. I'm a sucker for those guys and they know it. I bought something the other day and had no idea what it was and it was terrible. I mean, pucker your lips up, tart and terrible. Every time I tried to talk, my lips stuck to my teeth and I must have looked like I was on meth. Next time, I'll just hand her the 5 pesos and give her a hug.
We have been mesmerized by the multitude of birds in the trees at the Plaza and throughout the Island who congregate at dusk each day to share their day's adventures. Oh, to speak bird….There are too many dialects to decipher but all seem to come together in perfect harmony and, boy are they having fun, trying to out chat one another while making the trees come alive…and the sidewalks slippery.
There are beautiful bells at a church nearby that have been sending out their message of hope for centuries, a beckoning to a better life. The dogs in our neighborhood all sing along with the bells and we and our Mexican neighbors all share in a laugh.
The most amazing thing to me is when the gas and water trucks come around the neighborhoods, many with songs playing and others just beeping their horn at different intervals. The only thing I can equate that to is when the ice cream trucks make their rounds in the States, playing either the theme song from “Sting” or “It's a Small World After All.” These are sounds that send the children (and adults) flying out of their comfortable homes into the streets for a taste of cold, delicious ice cream. Of course, I sweat ice cream every time I hear either one of those songs!
When I first came to Cozumel, I was a “wisp” of a woman, now I could eat 'til I fall off my seat! One cannot ride around without being assailed by fresh bread baking at a corner panaderia, or chickens slowly roasting on a rotisserie - which stimulates the hunger pangs and, well, there you go…..It's just not fair. Oh yes, and one cannot forget the smell of the salt air mixed in with the fragrance of Caribbean rum drinks and suntan oil.
We are happy to be a part of Cozumel and look forward to those days when we are “truly” retired and swinging in the breeze in our hammock, sipping delicious margaritas, and thankful we made her our home.
(Sue Sievert and her husband, Will, are permanent residents of Cozumel.)
Sailing/Snorkeling Trip Pictures October 15th
By: Jaydee Williams Ferguson
Lily, Madison, Gina, Deanna, Brenda, Andrea, Jaydee, Nancy, Lynn, Sandy, Joyce, Jayne, Cindy, Deb, Jenny and Henri taking pictures!
AH1N1 - SWINE FLU TIPS...
By: Nancy Beeman
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc.
Presently; he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him makes a lot of sense.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tami flu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe, or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tami flu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asana to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate, or do any harm.
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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.
Calle 7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South
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.
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.
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000.
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. - 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.
CUSTOM JACUZZIS
Contact: 869-1206
E-Mail: gabel90227@aol.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.
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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