Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Polo Tournament in Puerto Morelos, Nov 8-12. 2012

The Rogers Cup is back at Puerto Morelos' El Rey Polo Club!


Here is the line-up of events:

Excitement, elegance and glamour come to the Mexican Caribbean as the El Rey Polo Club hosts the Roger’s Cup International Polo Tournament in exotic Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico on November 8 to 12, 2012.

Puerto Morelos is a tropical paradise set in the lush Mayan jungle, less than 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport. Players from Canada, the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina and Mexico will compete on the regulation polo field over a multi-day tournament, bring
ing the jungle alive with adrenaline-charged action.

The ROGER’S Cup, sponsored by BDW International Drilling Inc. and ACE Drilling, Supply and Transport, is one of the most anticipated annual sporting and social events in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Fabulous parties, sophistication and the excitement of world-class polo come together for this year´s most exciting sporting event.

Schedule Of Events

Thursday nov 8
- Hotel Casa Magna Marriott Cancun, Welcome cocktail reception and team presentation

Friday nov 9
- El Rey Polo Club, opening ceremony with Mayan “Blessing”, polo matches, interactive game, polo party at El Rey Club House

Saturday nov 10
- Polo matches, guest activities, free night

Sunday nov 11
Ladies Day
- Match for 3rd and 4th place
- Divot Stomp
- Ladies Day hat contest
- Match for 1st and 2nd place.
- Trophy ceremony to be followed by final dinner party at Club House.

Monday nov 12
Farewell brunch
- Hotel Magna Marriott Casa Cancun, Time and schedule TBD

More info in http://www.poloincancun.com/rogerscup/


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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Puerto Morelos Molecular Chef in the Spotlight

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran this recent article about Jonatan Gomez Luna, Molecular Chef at Puerto Morelos' Azul Sensatori Hotel.

Have you tried his molecular sampler? It's a 14 course sampler!

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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Blowback on Dragon Mart Project

There are certainly lots of people up in arms about the potential Dragon Mart project.

Here are some of the latest posts that I have come across to keep you in the loop (You will have to enlist Google Translate if you don't read in Spanish for most of the links.) :



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Info Meeting about Proposed Petroleum Refill Station on Tuesday, 6pm

There is a meeting on Tuesday, October 30, at 6pm. It will be an informational meeting with a panel of experts regarding the proposed Marine Petroleum Refill Station.

It will be held in the Auditorium, located behind the OXXO in the town square.

The meeting will be in Spanish, so English speakers need to bring along a Spanish speaking friend!



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Immigration Update

I recently posted an article by Solomon Freimuth regarding upcoming changes in immigration.

Solomon recently gave a speech about these changes to the Playa del Carmen Rotary Club. His blog post can be seen here with the video of that talk.





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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Time Change Tonight!

Daylight Savings Time Ends! Time to change our clocks!


If you want to be really exact & nerdy:
On Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 2:00:00 AM clocks turn backward 1 hour to Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 1:00:00 AM local standard time.

If you want to be like the rest of us, set your clocks back 1 hour before going to bed tonight ;)



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Halloween 2012 - Trick-or-Treat in Puerto Morelos

The Little English Schoolhouse is organizing a Trick-or-Treat for the kids on Halloween.

Since Halloween isn't a traditional holiday -- but one that is gaining in popularity -- they are going to be taking the children on a walk through downtown to businesses and homes that have agreed to participate.

If you have kiddos interested in Trick-or-Treating, please have them in the park at 5.

If you are interested in passing out candy on the route, please contact Ana. Email: teacher@thelittleenglishschoolhouse.com



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Community Activism Efforts Ongoing: Dolphinarium, Dragon Mart, & Port Expansion


There are several ongoing community activism projects that are ongoing. I wanted to share them with you, in case you want to be involved.

Dragon Mart:

Readers know that I have written several updates on the pending Dragon Mart construction project. Here on this blog, I have been skeptical about how it benefits Mexico's economy in the long term. In addition, there others echoing the economic impact on Mexican manufacturing and environmental impact issues related to the construction of the project.

There are 2 petitions.



Dolphinarium at Moon Palace:

The Moon Palace is expanding their dock to accommodate a dolphinarium for "Swim with Dolphin" type of activities. Activists are protesting this activity -- which is within our National Park. Here is the article with photos of the signs that citizens have hung on the dock posts which have been installed.

Expansion of the Commercial Pier in Puerto Morelos to include Fuel Refill Capabilities:

This opportunity is for those Puerto Morelians with their IFE or FM2/3. 

To complete this petition:
  1. Download this letter
  2. Change the 2 XXXXXXX places to your full name
  3. Print Letter
  4. Sign your signature at the bottom
  5. Make a copy of your ID: FM2/3 or IFE
  6. Submit the completed letter and copy of your ID to the National Park Office
According to the info that I received, this needs to be submitted to the National Park Office, located within the UNAM laboratory property, by the end of the day on MONDAY, OCTOBER 15. Not much time for this one...



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Upcoming Events!

Get out your social calendars! There are lots of upcoming events!!


Oct 27 - Recycling Day: Recyclables are accepted in the Town Square the last Saturday morning each month


Oct 30 to Nov 4 - Festival of Life and Death: An awesome annual event that is put on by Xcaret each year.


Oct 31st - Halloween: There will be kiddos Trick-or-Treating in and around the Town Square.


The city office of Puerto Morelos hasn't announced any formal activities for Halloween or Day of the Dead. If anything is announced, I'll post it here.


Nov 18 - Taste of Playa: An awesome food fair featuring signature tastes and drinks from hundreds of Playa del Caremen's restaurants.


Nov 22 to 24 - Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: Three days of oceanside jazz in Playa del Carmen.











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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The end of the world! ...Or not? What are your plans??


The end of the world, the end of an era, or just any other ordinary day is coming on December 21st!

According to my trusty, ticking "Countdown the the End of the World" (which can be found in the right column of this blog), we have just 70 days left to live it up!

Of course, you may just want ensure you have enough ice and margarita salt on-hand. Regardless of your plans are for the big day -- be sure you are making them!


What plans you are making for the big day? Would love to hear what you've got planned!



Those of you who received this post via email, some embedded items -- like videos -- cannot be seen. You will need to click the title of the blog to be taken directly to the post to view the full content.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Absentee Voting in the U.S. Election from Mexico!

Yesterday, I cast my absentee ballot in the U.S. election. I thought I would share the process, so that others who are interested in doing so can as well!

I visited the website: FVAP.gov  This is the website for Federal Voting Assistance Program. On the homepage, I chose the option for citizens, then selected my state, and from there went on to make my vote selections.

If you have any questions along the way, be sure to click the question marks or "Help" links for instructions. I found that these easily clarified any doubts that I had along the way.

After all info was entered, the website allowed me to print my ballot along with instructions on how to submit the ballot in my state. All that was left for me to do was sign and submit.

The methods of submission will vary from state to state. I am registered in North Carolina. In NC, I was able to submit my ballot via fax, email, or regular mail. I chose to fax my ballot, as the email option required me to send a hard copy of my ballot in via snail mail. However, many states don't have this requirement. So, be sure to read the submission instructions that print out, along with your ballot carefully.

Happy Voting!


Those of you who received this post via email, some embedded items -- like videos -- cannot be seen. You will need to click the title of the blog to be taken directly to the post to view the full content.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Couch-To-5k! Are you with me??


Yep. That's me. I am not a runner. But, you know what?? I am running!

This summer a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she was embarking on the Couch-To-5k Program. I commented that I would join her; it's always easier to exercise together. That led to us creating a Facebook group of people from all over that were going to start together, called "Couch to 5k: The NAFTA Challenge". And you know what? Lots of the group members are running 5k races already!

I must say, the group is a little thin on those of us who are south of the border. So, if any Puerto Morelians want to join in that would be great!

For those of you who haven't heard of Couch-To-5k, it is just what it says it is. It takes you from the couch to jogging 5k (3 miles) in 10 weeks.


Couch-To-5k Training Program. Click to View Larger Image.
What I love about the program is that it is extremely gradual. As tempted as you may be to jump ahead -- don't! If you are like me: I say I am going to start exercising; I re-start at nearly the level where I left off; I get sore; I quit. With this program, I didn't get overly sore, and it's one less excuse to keep me from doing it.

I began the program this summer, but took a hiatus while we were away. In September, I jumped back on the treadmill, and I am full steam ahead!

While running isn't my exercise of choice, I have come to understand that it is my only choice. And I have also learned that I hate running so much that if I have any excuse, I won't do it. So, my solution has been to remove ALL excuses so that my lazy @** has no choice but to run.

Here's how I have eliminated my excuses:
  • I don't have time!

    My kids are off to school at 6:30 and 8:00 am. I start work at 9 and am home at 6. Then between 6-8 it's: supper, homework, kid time, showers/teeth/pajamas/bedtime story/bedtime. By 8 o'clock, the absolute last thing I am going to do is workout. So, I am getting up at 5 am. It's done long before anything else creeps into my schedule and sidetracks me from getting it done.
  • It's too hot/humid/windy/rainy & I don't have time to go the the gym!

    These two excuses were eliminated in one fell, spendy swoop: I bought a treadmill, and I set it up in an air-conditioned guest bedroom. I even splurged on a really nice Lifestyle treadmill so that crappy equipment wouldn't become a future excuse!
  • I get shin splints.

    This goes back to: If I get too sore, I won't keep going. Since I was young, I have always gotten painful shin splints. However, I might have this one beat! I have learned that if I run barefoot, I don't get them! So, while I have had tender feet until the calluses built, I haven't had shin splints.
  • I am bored.

    Honestly, I think this remains my biggest obstacle to running. It's totally a head game for me. The entire time I am doing it, I am thinking about how badly it stinks to run. Watching the news and listening to music both help to distract my mind, but if anyone else has suggestions on how to make the time pass more quickly, I am certainly open to suggestions.


With every conceivable excuse removed from the equation, I am running. Frankly, I'd love to be surfing, beach volleyballing, doing yoga, or some other form of glamorous exercise. But all of those options are loaded with excuses and easy ways to get out of doing them. So, my fellow friends, that leaves me with running. I can get up, be on my treadmill and done in 45 minutes, and then be on to the rest of my day. It's feasible, effective, and quick. And it's the only way I am getting myself back into shape.

I wanted to share this with you for three reasons:
  1. It was a post from a friend that got me started. I feel that I have a moral obligation to do the same. I hope that this post might inspire some of you!!

    If it does, feel free to post in the comments section of this blog post! I'd love to hear if any of you decide to join me! Keep me posted on your progress!! I'll be posting my progress in the comments section as well! You are also welcome to join our Facebook group, if you'd like.
  2. By sharing it with you, I am hoping that you all will support me on my journey. Like a lot of us, I am not as fit as I ought to be. Kids/Job/Life have put a kabash on my former athletic ventures, so I was getting really out of shape. I want to be a good example for my kids, and I want to stay fit for a lifetime for myself!

    I also hope to lose 15 pounds. If I do that, I'll be back to the size I was before I had children. So -- folks -- are you ready, I am putting it all out there so that peer pressure (if nothing else) will keep me going: AT THE START OF THIS PROGRAM I WEIGHED 15O POUNDS! I am currently at 148 lbs. My goal weight is 135. I'll keep you posted on my progress!
  3. I also wanted to share some important news -- particularly for women -- that I learned as I started on my exercise program.

    As some of you may know, I began the attempt to get active about one year ago. However, fatigue -- beyond the norm -- thwarted my efforts. As I began to step up the pace, by body wasn't keeping up. I was short of breathe (I read: out of shape); I was dizzy (I read: really out of shape); I was tired (I read: Isn't everyone?); I was losing my hair (that freaked me out enough to figure out what was going on). Finally, I crashed in a big tired mess and didn't have the energy to get out of bed. I hauled myself to the doctor where I learned that I was experiencing severe, chronic anemia.

    Here's what I learned, and it's an important take-home message, particularly for us ladies who tend to be more susceptible: YOUR BODY LOSES IRON IN YOUR SWEAT. I had literally sweated myself into chronic anemia -- not from exercise, but from everyday living. Moral of the Story: You may want to strongly consider taking an iron supplement if you are going to be living in a tropical environment.

    It's taken me almost a year to get back to nearly-normal iron levels. Now, I am cleared for exercise, and I am ready to get back to it!


Keep me posted in the comments section below if you decide to take the Couch to 5k Challenge!! I'd love to hear from you!






Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Changes Coming to Immigration Mid-November

Big changes are coming to the immigration process and the statuses issued to foreigners. Changes are supposed to take effect mid-November!

Check out this article from Solomon Freimuth, a law school student, who is my go-to guy for the topic of immigration.

While the idea of an immigration overhaul makes us all groan, the fact is that this is overdue and is a welcomed change which appears (admittedly, at facevalue) to really streamline the process.



For those of you who, like myself, have developed an intimate relationship with red tape and bureaucracy, I hereby dust off my favorite YouTube video on the topic. (I apologize to those who have seen it in a prior post. However, I think it's funny enough to re-visit from time to time.)








Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Friday, October 5, 2012

"Xenote" - New Park by Xcaret to be built in Puerto Morelos

A Beautiful Cenote of the Yucatan
While it's been rumored for some time, the big announcement has been made: The same folks who bring you Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor are planting their feet in the Puerto Morelos Ruta de los Cenotes for their newest addition, "Xenote".

This park will encompass 100 hectares with natural walking/biking paths to access 5 cenotes. It's being created with the idea to "play with the human senses, perceptions, and mind".

Park scheduled to open in 2014.


Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Lost Dog, Mela

Laura's dog, Mela, escaped in last night's storm.
Please contact us if you see her!
998.871.0716



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.