Saturday, September 25, 2010

Wine Festival in Playa del Carmen Next Week!

UPDATE:  Apparently the wine festival has been rescheduled for March.  No wonder the details were scarce!  Thank you for the update, Libby!

The Great News:  There is going to be a wine festival held at the La Isla Restaurant inside Xcaret next week from September 22nd-25th.

The Not-So-Great News:  Details online are scarce, as the link for their event on Facebook isn't working.

So, for all of you wine lovers out there, contact Xcaret for more details.


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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Puerto Morelos: Little of This, Little of That

  • Big Thanks to "All About Cancun" for the shout out their recent article: 3 Great Blog About Living in Cancun.  [We got honorable mention because we feature Puerto Morelos -- but I'll take it!  ;) ]
  • Puerto Morelos Travel Log:  The Sugartarian recently visited Puerto Morelos and snapped some gorgeous photos of our deserted September Beach!  Here is the link to Part 1 of her Puerto Morelos trip.  Looking forward to seeing Part 2!
  • A recent article about Quintana Roo and its new evolution as a destination has lots of interesting info.
  • The Tres Rios Resort will be hosting a course on Permaculture, if that topic peaks your fancy.  Rates are very reasonable.  I am considering going -- not sure why, but the topic has got me interested. Are you?
  • Great Article about the new limitations on using USD in Mexico.  If you don't want to read the article, you can read my cliff notes --  Cliff Notes Version:  PLAN ON USING PESOS WHILE YOU ARE HERE.  YOUR USD WILL PROBABLY NOT BE ACCEPTED.
    It's Adios for me, folks.  I am outta here next week to satisfy my "horse fix"  and watch the World Equestrian Games being hosted for the first time in this HEMISPHERE, in Lexington, Kentucky.  Can't wait to see the games and smell horses again!


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    Using USD in Mexico has become more difficult. Plan on pesos!

    In an effort to make the lives of money launderers/drug dealers more difficult, Mexico has put tough new restrictions on using USD in Mexico.

    Check out the "Life Just Became Simpler" (ignore the irony here) blog for a great article on the topic. 


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    Monday, September 20, 2010

    Great Maps for getting around in Cancun or Playa del Carmen!

    If you live in Puerto Morelos, finding your way around Downtown Cancun and Playa del Carmen can be quite daunting.  In Cancun the road signage is horribly confusing or non-existent.

    If you are on vacation, you might want to find a great restaurant or explore.

    Some time ago, I came across CancunMap.com.  They have GREAT maps -- with points of interest -- that are fantastic for finding your way around.  They have maps for Cancun (both Downtown & Hotel Zone), Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and most places up and down the coast!  All are recent editions so have really great, current information.  I've seen a lot of maps, and these are the best that I have come across -- so I thought I would pass it along...

    There is a link to order online and they are shipped to your house!

    Happy Exploring!

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    Friday, September 17, 2010

    Fantastic Video Highlights from Mexico City's Bicentennial Parade!

    Check Out this Fantastic Video of yesterday's spectacular Bicentennial Parade in Mexico City! 



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    Thursday, September 16, 2010

    Happy Birthday Mexico! Puerto Morelos Celebrates Independence Day 2010!

    Mexico as an independent country turned 200 today!  Happy Independence Day! 

    Celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary has been a huge deal throughout the country and it is celebrating for an entire year!

    Puerto Morelos has been celebrating since Saturday.  Events hit a crescendo with Wednesday night's celebration in the park -- complete with the Grito of !Viva Mexico! and fireworks shot off from the fisherman's pier.  They wrapped up this morning with a 7 a.m. parade in the park. (Who picks the start time of that one, by the way??)

    Hope you enjoy some of our highlights:

    My Revolutionary, Caden - Ready for his School's Independence Day Party




    Caden practices juggling in the Park -- apparently the dancers weren't holding his attention at this point




    Easton enjoys his Quesadillas from the Food Vendors




    Dancers in the Park




    El Grito in Puerto Morelos

    Parade.  How cute is she??





    Parade




    Does it get any better??


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    Friday, September 10, 2010

    Puerto Morelos Independence Day Events: Saturday - Thursday!


    Saturday, September 11
    7 pm
    Regional Dance
    Food
    Bingo

    Sunday, September 12
     7 pm
    Ms. Independence Contest
    Cover Bands
    Music

    Monday, September 13
    7 pm
    Regional Mexican Clothing Contest
    Independence Day Heros Contest
    Regional Dances
    Music

    Tuesday, September 14
    7 pm
    Regional Mexican Food Contest
    Regional Mexican Desserts & Sweets Contest
    Regional Dances
    Music

    Wednesday, September 15
    7 pm
    Independence Day Fiesta and "Grito"
    Regional Dance
    Theater Show
    Civil Ceremony
    FIREWORKS!!!
    Dance

    Thursday, September 16
    7 am
    Civil Ceremony
    Parade

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    Wednesday, September 8, 2010

    Banking in English!


    Bancomer recently stopped by the Mayan Riviera Properties Office to share some great news!  They have opened a bank branch in the Cancun Hotel Zone with English-speaking staff and English Bank Materials.  What a great option for those who "no habla español" !!

    Check out their website here: http://www.bancomer.com/pcu/


    The following is a welcome letter that they sent to the office.  I have copied it here for those that are interested in learning more:

    Dear Customer:

    I appreciate your taking a few minutes to review this presentation, which I am sure will provide you with very useful information.

    Preferred Customers’ Unit, is the specialized division of BBVA Bancomer which caters to foreigners visiting or living in Mexico, offering banking and financial services and solutions designed to satisfy your specific needs.

    By using our services, you are able to manage your finances at significantly lower costs than you would have to pay back home. To open a personal account, we only require that you bring your Tourist VISA, or your FM2 or FM3, $1,000.00 pesos to open Savings Account & $3,000.00 pesos for Checking Account; both are in Pesos. We also require a utility bill (water, electricity, or phone).

    The Preferred Customers’ Unit, also helps you with everything you need to purchase the house of your dreams in Mexico, assisting you not only with attractive financing (mortgage) plans, but also by helping you comply with the necessary legal requirements (Mexican Trust - Fideicomiso).

    Additionally, you are provided with a personalized Identification Card, that enables you to receive preferential treatment at our special Branch Offices, and our Online Banking System, lets you pay your utility bills and other goods and services from the comfort and safety of your home or office.

    I invite you to contact us, at your convenience, and allow us to provide you with the detailed information of all the services designed especially for you. We are sure that you will feel right at home, and that our solutions will make life very much easier for you during your stay in Mexico. we can be contacted at e.zavala@bbva.bancomer.com & mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com  by calling toll-free 01800-2282-728.  You may also visit our website, www.bancomer.com/pcu.

    The Preferred Customers’ Unit is part of BBVA Bancomer, Mexico’s number one bank and one of the world’s largest and most prestigious financial groups. We are here to serve you and serve you well.

    Best Regards,

    Esther Zavala Ortega               
    Senior Segment Manager           
    Blv. Kukulkan Km. 12.50               
    Hotel Zone, Cancún Q.Roo           
    e.zavala@bbva.bancomer.com                     
    Tel. 998-1768208 Ext 11           
    Cel. 998-1428626   



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    Monday, September 6, 2010

    Update from Puerto Morelos: A Little of This, A Little of That

    Just a general FYI update about ongoing stuff in Puerto & Mexico 


    • Last week there was a town meeting to get ahead of any possible proposals out of Cancun to have Puerto Morelos host a garbage site for Cancun.  There is a group that is making petitions that will be submitted indicating that we do not want a garbage site in Pto. Morelos for Cancun garbage.  They have said that they will be leaving petitions at our office that folks can come by and sign at your convenience.  I'll let you know when we get them.  This group also has a Facebook Page so that you can follow the progress.
    • There is a Free Latin Dance Demonstration at the Casa de la Cultura this Wednesday.  See my previous post for details.
    • Some time ago, I reported that Mexico was going to be cracking down on pharmacies dispensing antibiotics without a prescription.  That day has come.  Starting August 25, there are going to be some big fines for pharmacies dispensing these antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
    • For those of you who love all things Mexican, I have found a new blog  -- Mexchic -- that features beautiful Mexican handmade goods available for sale.  I LOVE the sweater they just posted!
    • Next week our office will be closed on the 13th in observance of Mexican Independence September 16th.  Viva Mexico!

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    Saturday, September 4, 2010

    Free Event @ Casa de la Cultura on Wednesday

    The Casa de la Cultura in Puerto Morelos is inviting all Puerto Morelians to a Demonstration of Spanish Dancing on 
    Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 6 p.m.

    FREE & for All Ages

    See you there!

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    Wednesday, September 1, 2010

    Health Insurance in Mexico

    Awhile ago, I shared the info for the company that we use to insure our U.S. vehicles that we drove to Puerto Morelos.  Now, it's time to renew our health insurance policies, so I thought I'd share what I know about the subject...

    If you are will be traveling to Mexico on vacation or living in Mexico part-time:
    • Prior to departure, be sure to check with your health care provider to see if you have coverage outside your home country.  (For example, there is no international coverage under Medicare.)  If you require coverage, you can solicit temporary coverage through travel insurance companies.  Google "Traveler Health Insurance" to find a wide array of options.

    If you are living full time in Mexico:
    • Foreigners can apply for the national health insurance in Mexico.  Admittedly, I am not entirely familiar with the process, as I have not done this personally, but it is very inexpensive and provides access to public hospitals and doctors. 
    • Foreigners can also apply for private medical insurance from a variety of Mexican health insurance companies.  Check with your insurance broker for more details.  Until now, we have had major medical insurance plans in this way.  These plans are reasonably priced and cover us in the event that we rack up any major medical expenses.  Our plan covered hospital stays, surgeries, etc. with a small deductible, as well as doctor visits/prescriptions after X amount had been spent per illness event.  It also had international coverage in the case of emergency.  In reality, we never used the doctor/prescription coverage because we never accumulated enough per illness to exceed the deductible, but more importantly, we were covered if we ever had to go to the hospital -- which gladly we didn't!
    • This year, we changed to a plan being offered by Aetna Global Benefits that is designed for Expats living abroad.  Under this more traditional health care plan, we have an annual deductible and can see doctors both here in Mexico or anywhere we travel.

    What do you do for insurance coverage when you live or travel abroad?


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