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Getting it Right
2008-09-24 17:39:00
There are a lot of things that frustrate me, day to day, in my new home country. The inability of shopkeepers to keep an appropriate amount of change in the cash register. Mind numbing lines at the bank. The impossibility of completing a task without having to make three or four trips in an attempt to have ALL the proper documentation required to say...blow your nose. "The Blank Stare" (you know the one I mean) in response to a question, perfectly executed and elucuted in Spanish. There are hundreds of cultural idiosyncrasies that, if you try to fight them or do things "the right way like we do in America", will make you run screaming back whence you came. Most of the bad stuff we all talk about ad nauseam. There are, however, quite a few things that Mexico really gets right. One notable example is the cost of food, real food, the kind we should be eating. The powers that be take great pains to ensure that it's populace, many of whom ...

Open Mic at Bad Boys Beach Bar
2008-09-21 06:00:00
Enjoying a bit of a break in the action before more clients arrive next week, we decided to spend an afternoon on the beach at Captain Dave's. Slow season is tough on the service community here so we make an extra effort to go out more and make sure our favorite bartenders and servers are taken care of. Captain Dave takes the kids for a spin on the beach.Jan and Mark (Midtowngirl) from Pennsylvania recognized my kids right away and came up to say hello. They have a big week ahead of them! Jen had a good trip report in the works for all you playa.info junkies!Tom Lee and an old friend from Oregon.Judy, enjoying the musicKim and J.J., still suffering from our long, late dinner at Chicago's.Maria and a sleepy Aiden.Kim, revived by a few shots of tequila and orange wedges.Save a horse, hug a Cowboy ;)Roger and Steve chillin'Jim and  Penny, Jose and Rene and more friendsRocky rocks it on harmonica with the Nasty B.astards.As agreed last week, our...
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The Blogging Bridesmaid
2008-09-17 20:05:00
As many of you know, I have been on a brief blogging haitus while attending the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends. In order to properly perform by bridesmaid duties, I put the camera down (for the most part) and left digital documentation to her amazing photographer Emma Dodge Hanson. I also learned, earlier this summer, that my blogging muse does not follow me to upstate New York. Rather than force the issue, I decided to wait until returning home to Playa to report on the wedding festivities. Some of these photos are mine, some were taken by Patty's wonderful Uncle Charlie, who I learned this weekend is quite the dancer. Patty, looked beautiful, as expected, and I (in no small part due to a month and a half of hellish dieting) did NOT, as at my first fitting, look like poop on a stick. Enjoy!Rob and I at the rehearsal reception. (Not as drunk as we appear.)A remarkably relaxed bride-to-be. Marilyn, the proud mother of the bride.Contemplating the un...
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W.W.M.D.? Mike does Interplaya futbol!!
2008-09-07 17:48:00
This week, one of our favorite people in the whole wide world, Mike Lopiano, came for a visit and to take care of some work at his beautiful vacation home, Casa Vista, in Playacar. While a fabulous dinner out is always a must when Mike is in town, we also like to mix things up a bit and expose our friend to new and different experiences, pushing his envelope just a bit each time. This weekend the Interplaya v. Pachuca futbol match was a home game so we had a perfect opportunity to show our pal another great day in Playa!Our small but enthusiastic group.The Interplaya rooting section was in good voice under bright blue and white banners.This year we have the addition of cute, young, bouncy cheerleaders!Not to worry, last year's girls (let's call them the "B" Team) have not given up their place in the stands.Interplaya makes a run on goal.Pachuca answers swiftly, eventually besting our team 3-0.Knowing our team was far out matched, we settled in to the...
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Party for Mike and Sharon
2008-09-06 16:58:00
A good time was had by all at Mike and Sharon 's going away bash. We turned up with Stuart, Kim and JJ after a delicious dinner at Chicago Don Jose with Mike Lopiano, down from Chicago for the weekend. Rob's back was bothering him quite a bit, not that you can tell from the pictures, but we had a terrific time! It was a nice gathering of friends and we were pleased to be included. John and Libby from In the Roo.Sharon and Mike with Captain Dave.JJ and Bob.Jurgen and Sharon.JJ, Stuart, Rob and Mike clowning around.Me, making a rare appearance, with Steve and John. (Steve will be disappointed that the "other" pictured didn't make the blog)Tyra, Sharon and Jurgen.Mike and Kathy chilling in the kitchen.Rob and me. (I call this look "Urban Giraffe")Pretty ladies, Sharon and Libby.Kathy and Rob. (I think this is what our friend Maria refers to as Rob's "stinker" look.)Silly John and Kim.Saying goodbye to the Captain.A motley crew: Bob, Stuart, ...
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Too many "Goodbyes"
2008-09-05 23:46:00
I think one of the most difficult aspects of life in an area that is perceived to be paradise is the transiency of friendships. Yesterday, I sat in a parents' meeting for Cole's class at Papalote and counted familiar faces. It's normal that there should be a few new families but our turnover from year to year seems to run at about 30%. Some of these families have switched to different schools in the area as they try to find the very best fit for their children. However, the majority have simply moved on, or more likely, back to their home country, dreams of an idyllic life in paradise dashed by a harsh reality and the unexpected challenges of life in a foreign country.It tugs hard on my heartstrings when I realize that my children will likely not have those old enduring friendships that Rob and I are blessed with from our steady, suburban upbringings in New York. My closest friends now are women I met in primary school. I can't help but wonder as I watch Co...

SEAduced in Belize!!
2008-09-03 00:34:00
Patting ourselves on the back for being such good little doobies and getting a proper night's rest, we all met up for a day of sun and fun on the SEAduced Catamaran. The crew, Sylvan, Leon and Jody, took great care of us and we had an amazing day.Eighteen of us made the trip, each bringing something yummy to eat and drink, making for a fine feast. We sailed north along the shoreline and anchored off of Mexico Rocks near some huge coral heads. Birdie and I braved the odd currents (no doubt some part of Gustav) for some snorkeling and saw our first nurse shark. Jody chillin'.Beautiful Belize shoreline and the pier at Wet Willy's.Tacogirl strikes a pose. See her great photos here.Cindy with Taco Paul, Rob and Kiwi Paul.Geronimoooooo!!!Jody lends a hand up and becomes Cole's new best friend.Silly Cindy with Jillian and Sharon. (I tried to warn them about the dreaded "seaweed rash" but they would have none of it.)Birdie and Daddy check out the reef.Taco wit...

Belize Birthday Bash!!
2008-09-02 15:32:00
I absolutely love surprises. I like being surprised and even better, I like surprising friends. About a month ago, when our dear friend Cindy popped off an email to me and casually invited us to the island to share her birthday with her, I politely declined. Secretly, the wheels were in motion to make a family trip to Ambergris Caye and turn up unannounced to help celebrate her special day! As you can imagine, keeping a secret on an island as small as Ambergris within a close group of ex-pats is no small feat. I coordinated our travel plans through friends Laurie and Paul (Tacogirl) and made no mention to anyone else, even to friends in Playa as word travels fast down the Costa Maya. Our mission was well accomplished and we spent a few fun filled days with Cindy and Paul, the Tacos and all the usual suspects.No trip to San Pedro would be complete without a visit to Estel's. Charlie was in good form as usual, serving up the best breakfast on the beach any...
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Blog Action Day 2008 - Join the Revolution!
2008-09-01 22:52:00
On October 15, 2008 thousands of bloggers across the globe will take to their keyboards and join in an online revolution: to open up a global dialogue about poverty. There is not one of us who has not witnessed or been touched by poverty in some way. This is Blog Action Day 2008. This is your change to speak on this important issue, raise awareness and start a discussion through your blog. Writers, photographers, podcasters and videographers! This is your call to action. How will you answer? View the Blog Action 2008 Video here!Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty  
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Weekend Getaway - Isla Mujeres Part 2
2008-08-27 13:00:00
I'm not, by nature, an early riser but I do enjoy the quiet of downtown Isla Mujeres in the mornings. Watching the shopkeepers open their stores, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and banana bread pouring out into the streets. I try to make a point of letting Rob sleep in and taking some time to myself to wander about and capture images of the island waking up.Our favorite morning spot, Manana, was closed so we settled in for breakfast at Bistro Francais.Next, a golf cart ride to Punta Sur, the easternmost point of Mexico. Here, over 150 iguanas happily share their place in the sun with local vendors hawking the usual wares. My purchase of a small handpainted bowl also buys me a banana, a favorite treat of the resident lizards.After a quick detour to look at a hotel property we are considering for development, we brought the kids to the turtle hatchery. They (we) were all delighted to see and feed all the baby turtles.Hot and hungry, we spent the rest of our afternoon cooling o...
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Weekend Getaway - Isla Mujeres
2008-08-25 22:57:00
As a treat for the kids, who returned to school today, we took them away to one of their favorite places for a weekend of fun in the sun. Isla Mujeres has captivated our whole family from the moment we first got off of the ferry from Puerto Juarez. We always stay in the same hotel right on Hidalgo and our children know all the neighboring shopkeepers and restaurant workers. They take great joy in running amok, spending their allowances or, more likely, running their own "tabs" for us to settle up at the end of our stay. I wonder where they learned that trick from ;)This weekend, we introduced the Carwithen family and our pal Stuart to Isla Mujeres. Needless to say, we have five more converts. We had a fun filled weekend, Rob and Stuart accomplished a fair bit of work researching properties for a new customer and we returned to Playa sun-burnt and exhausted. So much for a relaxing get-away!.After unloading at Plaza Almendros, we rented some carts and headed s...
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Ak Lu’um International School Opens Their New Jungle Campus in Playa del
2008-08-21 21:46:00
 After a very successful second year in their temporary Campestre home, Ak Lu’um International School inaugurated their beautiful new and permanent jungle campus with a well attended Open House. A small ceremony of was performed to give thanks and bless the new school site as the Ak Lu’um teachers and students launch into a new year of learning and exploration. Teachers and administrators were all in attendance to greet returning parents and students and tour them through the new installations. The new campus, with its spacious and airy classrooms, will accommodate up to 80 students, ages 2 through 10. The Open House drew quite a few new Playa families investigating education options for their young children and welcomed back returning students, excited to embark on an exciting new year.    Established in 2006, Ak Lu’um (Mayan for “Our Earth”) adopts a Waldorf inspired learning program thoughtfully blended with a Learning Through the Arts...
More About: Campus , Jungle , International School

The Peanut Pet Shelter - Campaign for Funds
2008-08-20 20:11:00
Greetings "Life's a Beach" Readers!Recently, my friend and fellow ex-pat Susie took a chance and submitted our beloved Peanut Pet Shelter for consideration in American Express Members' Project 2008. Much to her pleasant surprise, her submission was accepted and the Peanut Pet Shelter is now one of the many worthy causes in the running to receive a sizable influx of much needed funding to continue caring and finding forever homes for Playa del Carmen's needy dogs and cats. The shelter currently houses and cares for 80 adoptable dogs and cats and these funds will go a long way to ensuring that these animals and those that will surely come after them DO find homes and loving families of their own.How can you help? Follow the link below to the Members' Project Website and nominate The Peanut Pet Shelter. If you are not an American Express Cardmember, you are still able to cast your vote simply by providing your name and email address. American Express...
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Campestre Capers
2008-08-19 05:34:00
One of the things I enjoy most about living in the Campestre is the abundance of wildlife surrounding us and visiting our home daily. I could live with out the scorpions, certainly, but even the ugly brown birds that come to steal the dogs' food are welcome in our yard. We also have quite a few song birds living in our trees. Apparently, our windows are quite reflective and these birds aren't too bright. Almost everyday, one of them will come to the long window that spans nearly two stories and illuminates our staircase.  We keep ourselves quite amused watching these colorful creatures attack their own reflections. These daily antics, just outside our windows, drive our poor cat crazy.....which is also fun to watch.(Wow. I better figure out how to get this window clean before I snap anymore photos. Eeeewww. My mother would be mortified!)

Cenote Saturdays
2008-08-17 18:34:00
Of the interesting features unique to this area of the world, I think the hundreds of diverse and mystifying cenotes are my favorite. Each has its own distinct attributes and characteristics......its own personality. Recently, we welcomed a new family to Playa del Carmen, our friends Wyll and Maria and their two sons, Anthony and Aidan. Saturday, we invited them to join us and another family for a day of fun at Cenote Azul. While they had vacationed on the Riviera Maya many times before making the move here, his was their first visit to a cenote. Cenote Azul, I think, provides the best all round cenote experience for newcomers and children. There are many easy points of entry to the water, a small dock and a moderately high cliff for the "kids" to jump from. In the lush jungle surrounding the cenote, there are a series of pretty walking paths and several benches to rest on and enjoy a picnic lunch. The cenote is clean and clear and is home to hundreds of species ...

For Sale - Beautiful Modern Villa in Playacar
2008-08-15 18:12:00
Fabulous Modern Villa • 2,582 sqft - 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms - $559,000 USD - Architecturally Unique!!  Playacar Golf Course Community, Playa del Carmen  -  Sleek and modern yet welcoming and luxurious, this house will indulge your every creative desire. Residential AK is a beautiful contemporary home located in the gorgeous, exclusive resort community of Playacar Phase II. There is 24 hour gated security, shopping and other conveniences are close by and the beach is within walking distance. Enjoy views of the golf course and jungle from your private pool or roof top terrace. This elegant home is offered for sale fully furnished and decorated. Entertain family in friends in style!Amenities and Finishes Include:Private PoolViews of Playacar's Golf Course Spacious Terraces and Balconies Barbecue Area by the pool and on the Rooftop DeckCentral Air ConditioningOff Street Parking for 2 vehicles Exterior concrete walls accented with beautiful Ma...
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Campestre Life - What's on the other side of 307?
2008-08-13 13:00:00
Recently, we moved across the highway to afford our kids more room to ride their bikes, run around and explore. Here are a few pictures we have taken over the past few weeks.
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Open House at Ak Lu'um - Alternative Education in Playa del Carmen
2008-08-12 13:08:00
Ak Lu'um's new jungle campus is nearly ready and on Monday August 18th they are opening their doors to the community. If you have been investigating the options for your children's education here in Playa del Carmen , Ak Lu'um should be on your short list. Fundacion Ak Lu'um A.C. is Playa del Carmen's only non-profit private school. Using a combination of Waldorf and Learning Through the Arts teaching models, this small bilingual school is a great option for families relocating to the Riviera Maya who are looking for a more holistic approach to education for their school age children. The new campus, designed to be in harmony with its jungle surroundings is built to be self sustaining. Children are taught environmental studies in addition to the nationally standardized curriculum required by the Mexican Government (SEP). Students will maintain a garden and raise chickens, harvesting the organic eggs for use in the school's kitchen, and participat...
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Going Green - Composting at Home
2008-08-08 19:33:00
 Growing up in upstate New York, I was fortunate to live on 20 beautiful acres. Much of the property was wooded provided me with hours of tree climbing, exploring and make believe fun, Several acres were dedicated to grazing land for my beloved horses and the rest comprised lush expansive lawns, my mother's gorgeous formal flower beds and my father's enormous vegetable garden. My parents were, apparently, well ahead of their time as all gardening was done organically, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Careful attention was paid to placing complimentary plants next to one another to deter bugs and other munching pests from invading the gardens. Flowering plants were mixed in with the veggies to attract essential pollinating bees and birds. With over 3 acres of lawn to mow and dozens of deciduous trees dropping leaves every Fall, we were never at a loss for organic waste. This, mixed with the old hay and stale manure collected...
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VIDAS 2008 - Free Spay and Neuter Clinic in Playa del Carmen!!
2008-08-05 23:28:00
In 2002, VIDAS, which is, appropriately, Spanish for LIVES, began providing spay and neuter services, free of charge, for the residents and their four legged friends in Playa del Carmen and other towns along the Riviera Maya. Founding members Cristina Gutierrez, Ruth Parkin, Robyn Gadojsik and Ginny Gill created Veterinarios Internacionales Dedicados a Animales Sanos, (International Veterinarians Dedicated to Animal Health) to address and meet the need for skilled veterinary services in Latin American countries where many residents can not afford to sterilize their pets, thus preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of dogs and cats left to fend for themselves on the streets. This passionate group of veterinarians, veterinary students and tireless animal lovers return yearly to our beautiful corner of Mexico to provide assistance to and education for the community. Their goal is to extend their helping hands all acros...
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Shake, Rattle and Rollercoasters
2008-08-05 00:49:00
One of our last days in the northeastern United States was spent at the nation's oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol Connecticut. The park has an interesting history and, while it's not the biggest in the region, it sure packs in a full day of fun with a nice water park and rides for kids of all ages. The entrance fee is about half that of larger, big name parks and includes unlimited fountain sodas and water free of charge all day long. That alone accounts for a tremendous savings making Lake Compounce a great value for families trying to stretch their summer vacation dollars. We stayed from the time they opened the gates until they tossed us out.Chillin' in the water park."The Pirate Ship" got us warmed up for big fun.Everyone loves a Carousel. This is one of America's oldest with an authentic Wurlitzer piping out tunes from eras long past.Up, up and away....."The Rotor"...guaranteed to make you puke!The kids strap in...

Children's Play to Benefit DIF
2008-08-01 17:49:00
This Saturday, August 2 there will be three performances of the classic fairy tale, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs".Performances will be held at Colegio Mayaland in the Ejido at 12:00pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.Tickets are just $25 pesos and all proceeds go to support DIF (Desarrollo Integral de La Familia)Colegio Mayaland is located on Avenida Juarez, past the Poliforum (stadium).
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Recycling Reminder - Friday August 1, 2008
2008-07-31 05:39:00
 Just a friendly reminder that this Friday , August 1st recyclable items will be accepted at the following locations:Playa del Carmen - Centro - Plaza 28 de Julio (Municipal Plaza) 8:30am - 4:00pm       ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;    Cruz de los Servicios - Casa de la Cultura 9:00 am - 1:00pm       ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;    Colosio - Parque Lazaro Cardenas - 9:00am - 1:00pm       ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;    Ejido - Unidad Deportiva Poliforum - 9:00am - 1:00 pmPuerto Aventuras - The Skateboard ParkThe following items will be accepted:Plastics (PE...
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Cenotes in New England?
2008-07-28 23:48:00
Well not really but my brother and his friend did take us to the Becket Quarry for a fun afternoon of "cliff" jumping and tadpole catching. Founded in 1991 by concerned local residents, the not-for-profit Becket Land Trust now owns and maintains the 300 acre Forest and Historical Quarry purchased and donated back to the trust by the ctizens of Becket Massachusetts.  The quarry, an integral part of Becket's history, was the source of the granite used for many important regional monuments and buildings and was actively in use from the 1850s through the 1960s. Today, the parcel of land has miles of walking trails and a great self guided walking tour past abandoned mining equipment and other relics of eras past. The area is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of the over 200 men who died in the construction and operation of the quarry. Numerous reports of eerie events and strange sightings keep the Becket Quarry high on the list of thrill seekers...
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Polo anyone?
2008-07-19 13:00:00
One summer afternoon in 1984, my friend and fellow horse fanatic, Allison invited me to attend a Polo match with her parents in historic Saratoga Springs. From that day on, watching Polo has become a favorite summer activity that I have been able to share with Rob and the kids. While I have been grossly negligent about investigating the Polo matches that are held just north of us in Puerto Morelos, I waste no time in packing the kids into the truck and hauling them up to Saratoga Polo at every opportunity. Because this summer trip is abbreviated and we have a lot of family and friends to accomodate, we are only able to attend one match. Here are some of the photos from our afternoon taken with my unbelievably complicated new "grown up" camera (Nikon D60 VR). Thank you Rob!!!In the 6th chucker, Buckleigh Farm bested Team Tackeria and took the match. For those of you who have an interest in this exciting game The United States Polo Association has a great...

Recycling Drive - July 19, 2008
2008-07-17 23:13:00
 Hello Playa friends and family! There will be a big recycling drive tomorrow, Saturday July 19 at Parque la Ceiba.The goal is to collect 30 tons of recyclable materials!!The following items will be accepted at the park from 9:00am - 4:00pm.CansGlassPlastics and PETTetra Pak (milk, juice cartons)BatteriesPaper and CardboardElectronicsDomestic AppliancesLet's work together to keep Playa green and clean! Proceeds from this recycling drive will help support and maintain Playa's wonderful Parque la Ceiba.   
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Past Lives Revisited
2008-07-16 18:50:00
Who ever coined the phrase "You can never go home" must have burned all his bridges behind him. One of the things I enjoy best about our annual trip back to the U.S. and my hometown is visiting friends I haven't seen in a long time and making un-announced stops at previous places of employment and other old haunts. I have had the extreme good fortune throughout my life to find myself in the right place at the right time. During a particularly painful period, after the death of my mother, I found myself back in Albany, parentless, unemployed, painfully single and responsible for taking care of my brother and cleaning up an estate nightmare left to me to sort out. In search of gainful, temporary (I thought) employment, I applied for a job waiting tables at a nice northern Italian restaurant, Milano, just a few moments from my childhood home. Thankfully, the owner/chef, Dan Darves, saw something in me (past a grief-stricken, vo...
More About: Past , Past Lives , Lives

Project Panga - Update #2
2008-06-08 18:56:00
The week or so of bad weather really put a crimp in Yimer's work schedule. His workshop is way to small to pull the boat into (I'm not sure the trailer is quite up to it anyway) so he is restricted to working only on dry days. The long and tedious process of sanding, filling and sanding again is not a lot of fun and he has had a bad time finding willing helpers. We stopped in to check on things and I was surprised that he had been able to do as much as we saw, given the weather.We have decided to move the console back a bit from where you see it here, behind that first "rib". The floor of the boat is going to need some reinforcement in places to support the weight of the console and captain. We had originally planned on using fiber-glassed plywood but Yimer has settled on using sheets of fiberglass cut from a supply of bathtubs currently residing in his workshop. Don't ask.After some debate, we have decided to try to "finish" the interior of the boat ...
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Casa Kinnon - Ideas and Drawings
2008-06-08 04:26:00
We have been working with our architect, Carlos Alamillo, for a few weeks now, going back and forth with ideas, looking at sketches  and researching ideas for a "green" house. In contrast to the homes that we visited in SacBe, most of the "eco friendly" homes being built around the globe are quite modern. While the homes in many of the pictures I have seen successfully bring the outdoors inside, they are way too modern and angular for our taste. While we love all the glass and the views out to the wilderness, in this area, prone to hurricanes, as a primary building material it just doesn't work. We also want a home that looks like it "belongs" in this area of the world. Using traditional building materials, local hardwoods and stone from the our property is the way we want to go with our home. These are some of the interesting "research" pictures Carlos sent for our consideration.We have met, face to face, three times now. Each t...
More About: Ideas , Drawings , Casa

Daytrip to Valladolid - Part 2 (The right place at the right time!)
2008-06-06 19:07:00
Well lubricated with tequila and sangrita, we wandered out into the square where hundreds of people were seated, dresses in their Sunday best, waiting patiently, staring at the enormous stage that had been constructed at one end of the street. Apparently, today was the day of the "Matrimonias Colectivas" a mass legal wedding ceremony performed free of charge for the poorer members of the outlying Yucatan villages who could not afford the process on their own. 250 couples, Mexican and Mayan, had traveled by bus and by foot from their pueblos to participate in this grand event. As they had opened the Cathedral of San Gervasio for the use of these special visitors, we took a quick peek inside, making every effort to be respectful to the worshipers inside.We returned for a walk through the zocalo, sampled some marquesitas and watched the wedding ceremony take place. There was an "orchestra" of sorts entertaining the crowds and a raunchy stand-up comedy...
More About: Time , Valladolid , Part , Place