What's New?
January - February 2008

Downtown box seats are for sale!!!!
The bleachers on the Paseo Montejo are free. Box seat ticket sales: Calle 62 No. 452B between 53 and 55. Mon.-Fri. 9 AM–6 PM, Sat. 9 AM–3 PM & Sun. 10 AM – 2 PM.
Along the entire parade route 20 local, national and international bands will be in place playing all different kinds of music. Dancing in the streets will be quite appropriate! Let your hair down! Enjoy!

Be part of the Carnival parade
So that tourists can join in on all this fun, the Municipal Tourism office, in conjunction with the red Turibus Hop-on Hop-off bus, will be offering, for the third time, the opportunity for tourists to actively
participate in Carnival, not just as spectators but as members of the
parade. Take a ride on the Turibus and be part of the parade! Tickets are available at the information booths in City Hall (Main Plaza), Paseo de Montejo (by Fiesta Americana Hotel) and Tourism Office (Calle 59 No. 432 x 50 y 52 Centro). The price for adults is $150 peos and kids 12 and younger $75 pesos, and this includes: sodas, water and articles to through from tbe bus into the crowd. Meeting point on Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Monday 4th for the night parade is in the Monument to the Flag on Paseo de Montejo at 6:00 pm as the event starts at 7:00. For the day time parades on Sunday the 3rd and Tuesday the 5th the meeting place is the same but at 11:00 am as the parade starts at 12:00 pm.

Hotel on Carnival Route
For Carnaval Hotel Los Aluxes has a special rate of $1,245 pesos double including their buffet breakfast. Located on Calle 60, they are right on the parade route so you can see everything from the front door of the hotel. www.aluxes.com.mx Tel 924 2199

Galeria Merida & Iluminado Tours
Galería Mérida in conjunction with Iluminado Tours is offering two special day tours going where the tour buses do not.
* Photography tour with Maestro Javier Barrara, this tour is intended for the serious photographer. Javier will provide you with unique photo opportunities and give technical and creative expertise.
* Nature provides the best models. Maestro David Sierra gives techniques and instruction for drawing in nature. Both tours have very limited space. Contact Galería Mérida at 924.0117.

Artist Georgia Charuhas
Is offering artistic critics to passing artists or any serious artist living locally. Contact Galeria Merida for an appointment.
Studio space is available for traveling artists to paint, sculpt, and draw. Contact Galeria Merida at 924.01.17 for information
Calle 59 No. 452A x 54 y 52
Centro Historíco Mejorada
Mérida, Yucatán, México
(999) 924 0117

Copper Ceramics Laqueware
Hotel MedioMundo’s gift shop has a new selection of unique earrings made with exotic semi-precious stones, beads and silver. They also have a new shipment of Guatemalan textiles. This season, the store is featuring fine artisan crafts from Michoacan including copper, ceramics and laquerware. Calle 55 between 64 & 66 Centro. www.hotelmediomundo.com

Valentine's Day Special
Hacienda Chichen has a romantic magical Saint Valentine’s Day mini-vacation package: The Joy of Loving. Including a 2-night stay, gourmet organic breakfasts, Yucatecan gourmet dinners, welcome cocktail, romantic, candle-light Maya dinner under the stars in the gardens, traditional trio serenade, and the Yaxkin Spa couples’ ceremony, Ya Ha. At sunset, renew your love vows in a Spiritual Love Ceremony in the colonial church or in the Sacred Maya Ceremonial Site. A farewell breakfast of fresh organic tropical fruits and delicious homemade breads will help you start the day! info@chichenservices.com to plan your own love getaway experience.

Valentine's Day Package
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Hotel Los Aluxes with a romantic candlelit dinner. If you want to stay the night, the Junior Suites have king size beds and Jacuzzi. There are package prices for the dinner and room. For info on the dinner, call the Banquet Dept. at tel. 9242199 ext 271 and 278. www.aluxes.com.mx

Valentine's Day wine
Hotel Casa del Balam in the Historical Center of Merida is offering a complimentary glass of wine when you order dinner on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. www.casadelbalam.com

YUCATAN CONNECTION
Do you need a transfer from Merida to Chichen Itza, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum or Campeche? We provide the service for up to 5 pax with luggage, in AC vans. Tel. (9991) 634-224 or info@yucatan-connection.com Receive a $5 US discount when mentioning Yucatan Today – valid January and February '08.

CONTEMPORARY & CUBAN ART
Cuban artists Roberto Valentín Hernández, Carlos Quintana, Rigoberto Mena and Roberto Diego will be showing a Selection of Works from Jan. 15 - 21. Yucatecan artist Alonso Maza will show Trisagio Tetralógiko on Jan.31 and Feb. 1 and 2. La Luz Galería of Contemporary Art, Calle 60 # 415 A x 45 y 47 Santa Ana. Info, sales and private appointments tel. 924-5909 and 924-5952 10AM to 2PM / 4PM to 7PM Mon – Sat. Sunday by appointment.
info@laluzgaleria.com www.laluzgaleria.com

Yucatan Visa Inn B&B
Located near the Merida English Library, this bed & breakfast has a special deal for you – free airport pick up and $38 US single and $45 double. They have a pool, laundry, WiFi internet, AC, free DVD’s in the rooms and parking. Calle 68 between 66 and 68. www.yucatanvistainn.com

HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
The House & Garden Tours offered by Merida English Library on Wednesdays, meet at MEL at 9:45 AM. The walking tours start at 10 AM and visit three interesting houses, ending the tour at the new Casa Catherwood in Santiago Park. This season features some great new homes. $200 pesos per person.
www.meridaenglishlibrary.com/tours.htm

CHIC FOOD BANK
3rd Annual Big Breakfast in support of the Chicxulub Food Bank is being held
Wednesday January 30th at 9AM at Las Cazuelas in Chicxulub. Tickets are 125 pesos and are limited to 100. Interested folks can call Sharon at 969-934-0558 or Roger Bowie Merida Mens Club at 924-6792. Your support makes this project become a reality. Contact Sharon Helgason shelgason@hotmail.com

HOLBOX HOTEL
This new hotel in Holbox has some special fall prices: $39 US per night until Dec. 20th. Winter rates (Dec. 15- May 15, 08) $90 US per night. Tel: 01 (984) 875-2428.
www.casamayadejoselimaholbox.com

February 2nd
Feburary 2nd is Candle Mass Day, the day when all the people who got plastic dolls in the January 6th Three King’s Day bread/rosca are supposed to offer a tamale party! Did you get a plastic doll? Start planning your party!

Hotel Meria del Carmen
Totally Renewed!!
The time for a change has come. Hotel Maria del Carmen is having an Extreme Make-Over, with new installations and s fresh attitude of service. Go and visit, it will exceed your expectations. For more info call  9300390 Ext. 717

Free Night & Lunch
If you book your vacation from January 15th to February 14th receive a free buffet lunch once during your stay at any Mayaland Resort. Receive your third night free when you pay for two nights at the same property. Valid from January 3rd to April 30th, 2008. Check for availability. Do not forget to mention these promotions when you book your holidays. Toll free Mexico 01800 719 5465 Toll free USA 1 800 235 4079 www.mayaland.com

Pineda Covalin
Hotel San Ángel at the base of the Paseo Montejo has just opened an exclusive new store called Pineda Covalín. Here you will find fine quality silk scarves, ties and blouses all with Mexican motifs. They also offer jewelry and finer blankets. Found in Grand Tourism hotels in Europe and the US, this is the only store of its kind in Merida. www.hotelcasasanangel.com

Cigar Lovers Beware
Beware of hustlers selling “real” Cohiba Cuban cigars, usually presented in a glass top box. Habanos SA, the official Cuban cigar producer does not even produce a glass-top box. These cigars are all miserable copies. For the finest selection of vintage and new authentic Cuban cigars, go to Mercer Cigars (85-3 Prolongacion Montejo), Merida’s only store and lounge dedicated to selling the very best selection of Cuban cigars in the Yucatan.

VISITOR’S CERTIFICATE &
DISCOUNT
Turitransmerida is giving certificates to commemorate your visit to the New Wonder of the World Chichen Itzá. Book your tour in our office and ask for your certificate! Book at least 2 Turitransmerida tours and get an up to $60 peso discount. What a great way to see all the cenotes, pyramids, and haciendas this tour operator has to offer. Calle 55 by 58 – the blue colonial building on the corner. Tel. 928 1871. www.turitransmerida.com.mx

Boutique Hotel
Piedra de Agua in the heart of the Historical Center of Merida offers a fusion of elegance and tradition. Above ground, check their terrace view of the majestic Cathedral; underground, visit the bar in the secret tunnel. Candles and the sound of running water add a relaxing touch. Valet parking. Reserve at 924- 2300. English spoken. www.piedradeagua.com

New Hacienda Hotel
Hotel Indigo Hacienda Misne, the only hacienda hotel within the city of Merida, opened on Dec. 5th offering elegance in the 50 rooms, restaurant, cantina bar, steam baths, gym, convention rooms and tropical gardens. www.hotelindigo.com

Learn Spanish
Study Spanish at the downtown Centro de Idiomas School – CIS. They have Total Immersion Classes, private classes, cultural activities, excursions, conversation club, home stay and volunteer placement available. Tel: 923 0083 www.cisyucatan.com.mx

In Laakeech Foundation
The Maya In Laakeech Foundation thanks the two local businesses Yucatan Adventures and Yucatan Today for their generous support of the Mayan Children Program during 2007. The foundation is dedicated to supporting the welfare of the Maya communities near Chichen Itza. For more information or to support the foundation’s efforts, contact info@yucatanadventure.com.mx You can help us continue our social volunteer work by placing a one time sponsor spot ad in www.yucatanadventure.com.mx

House Call Doctor
There is nothing worse than feeling sick while on vacation. If you do feel under the weather, call Dr. Pablo Ribas, a professional medical care expert with years of experience in travel medicine. He will go to your hotel or hacienda room. 100% English. Wheelchair rental and annual check-ups. Call: 9991 72 4772.

MEL CHILI COOK OFF
Merida English Library is in the planning stages of the upcoming Chili Cook Off and Street Fair. www.meridaenglishlibrary.com

Church in English
The Jesus Presbyterian Church in Progreso is offering worship services in English for all denominations till March 2008. 8:30 AM. Calle 35 #154 between Calle 80 and 82. In Progreso pass the Aurera Bodega on Calle 78. Turn left onto Calle 35, cross Calle 80 - the church is on the corner of 35 and 80. Pastor David Correa iglesiajesus@prodigy.net.mx

Carnival in Campeche
With the theme Be What You Want to Be, Carnival en Campeche is one of the oldest carnivals in Mexico. They have been celebrating for 415 years! This years dates are Jan. 19 – Feb. 5th. The Bando de Saturday Parade is Sat. Feb 2nd, the Naval Parade is Sun. Feb. 3rd and the last big parade is Campeche Gabble on Mon. the 4th. The parades start at 5 PM.

TELL YOUR STORY
We are interested in articles, stories, experiences, knowledge and advice! Tell our readers where you've traveled, what you've learned, what you love and what you think other people need to know about to make the most of their trip to the Yucatan. Send to editor@yucatantoday.com We will give all writers credit for their submissions.

WRITE FOR US
We are always open to articles from our readers. If you have gone on a special trip or have something to share that will be of interest to our readers, contact us at editor@yucatantoday.com with up to 500 words. Our readers love up-to-date info on prices, distances, schedules, experiences. Our deadline is the 25th of the month. We will give you credit if and when we publish your article.

www.yucatantoday.com
Did you know that Yucatan Today comes in two versions? We have the printed version with 15,000 copies a month and the online version with 90,000 visits in February. The online version is kind of like the archives of the printed version and is a wealth of info.

What's New? from last month.

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Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.