What's New
March - April 2006

EQUINOX
The spring equinox will fall on Sunday, March 20. The equinox is an astronomical phenomena that the Maya had well figured out and used to tell them when to plant and harvest. You can see this sun and shadow event at Chichen Itza at sunset for several days before and after March 20. The equinox at Dzibilchaltun is at sunrise and has to be seen on the 20th for the most accuracy.

CHILIS IN MERIDA
Located in Merida’s hotel zone, Chilis has a history that goes back 25 years - and that is something! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is full of tantalizingly delicious choices. The hamburgers are said to be the best in Merida; the soup and salad choice is satisfying; the ribs are finger licking good while the pastas are to die for!

CAVE DIVING CONGRESS
Cave diving aficionados - make a note on your calendar for December 2006. The actual dates have not been set, but if you want to write and get on the email lists, please do to info@ecoyuc.com. During the Congress, there will be conferences with international experts plus 10 options for diving with cave dive certified guides. More info to follow.

DRIFTWOOD ART
American artist Bessie Hamaker, who resides in Telchac Puerto, will be showing her unique driftwood art at the Merida Gallery on Calle 53 between 66 and 68, a few doors down from the Merida English Library. Bessie also does seashell art and mirrors. Contact her at bessiehamaker@hotmail.com

CHURCH IN ENGLISH
English church services are being held in Progreso at the Iglesia Jesus on the corner of Calles 35 and 82. All denominations are welcome on Sunday morning at 8:30. The environment is a welcoming cordial one. Please join us. For further info call our bilingual Pastor David Correa (969)  935-1678.

HANDCRAFT FAIR
Once again there will be a Mayan handcraft fair at Siglo XXI Convention Center in the north of town. The 6th Fair Artesian & Gastronomical will be held on April 22 and 23 from 10 AM to 8 PM. There will be hammocks, embroidered clothing, jewelry, toys, handcrafts and delicious food.

SEMINARS & EVENTS at the BEACH
This spring your events are guaranteed to be special. The Reef Yucatan is an expert at organizing work reunions, seminars, congresses and conventions. Convention packages cost $725 and include: hotel room, food, snacks, dinner and breakfast buffet, unlimited domestic liquor (until 2 AM), meeting room, coffee break, audiovisual equipment (screen, rotafolio, sound system, projector), taxes and tips, welcome or closing ceremony dinner in a private area. Valid until April 30th, 2006. Tel: 941 9494 reservaciones@reefyucatan.com 

IZAMAL
Just 50 minutes from Merida is the story book town of Izamal. All the colonial homes and buildings around plaza area are painted in yellow giving the town a definite quaint colonial look. But, that is not the towns only claim to fame. Add Mayan pyramids in the middle of town, a huge convent on top of Mayan pyramids, colonial buildings, horse drawn buggies and a Light and Sound show at night and you have Izamal. Hotels include Macanche, Green River and Rinconada del Convento.

HOUSE FOR RENT
Looking for a beach front home in a quiet fishing port? Las Tunas has 3 BR, 2 B, fully furnished and is very comfortable. Las Tunas has a pool, phone and caretaker. Call Judy at cel: 9999 683 687. Prices range $550 - $1500 p/week and $1600-$6,000 p/month depending on the season.

GARAGE SALE
Saturday April 1st is the date of the Merida English Library garage sale. Open 9 AM to noon this is a popular event where you will find a little bit of everything. The International Women’s Club will once again have several tables - some with used clothing and another with baked goods. Both the MEL and IWC count heavily on this event for fund raising. You can also get a table ($150 pesos) to sell your own stuff. Info at the library.

WINE TASTING BENEFIT
The Oasis de San Juan de Dios home for homeless people with AIDS is hosting a Wine Tasting Fund Raiser on Sat. April 1st at 7 PM at the Hotel Villa Maria, Calle 59 & 68. Donation is $200 pesos. There will also be a luxury silent auction. There is much need at this home. Located in Conkal, if you have things to donate, the library is a drop off place. See you at the wine tasting event – the place to be on April 1st. www.villamariamerida.com

NEW BEACH BUNGALOWS
If you are looking for a solar powered thatched roof bungalow on the beach and you want to be off the beaten track, check out the K’anab Nah (house of the sea) in the port village of San Cristano. Tel info in Merida 926-0236. There are 6 bungalows.

LIBRARY ANNIVERSARY
Gosh, how time flies! Ten years have passed since Merida English Library opened its doors in Merida. Now an important community center, this lending library is staffed by volunteers and an administrator. With 16,000 volumes, all donated, the library had a weekend of festivities, dinners for the volunteers, gala dinner for the public, a press conference and open house on the weekend of March 10 – 13 to celebrate this grand event. During March they will be holding their annual fund raising campaign – please be generous.

ATLANTA FLIGHT
Listen up travelers! There is a new option for getting to and from paradise and it is called Delta Airlines. With two flights a week (Sun. and Wed.) to Atlanta, this opens a whole new world of flight opportunities. And you don’t have to be at the airport at 6 AM. Flights leave Merida at 1:19 PM arriving to Atlanta at 4:38 PM and leave Atlanta at 10:27 AM arriving in Merida at 12:19 PM. Call 920- 7626 for more info, prices & routes.

MASSAGE
At Salud Sin Fronteras and Myofascial Therapy - it’s more than massage. For chronic and recurring muscle related pain, Myofascial therapy and corrective exercise training is helping people from professional athletes, to computer programmers, to dentists and other technicians who use their bodies repetitively. Check www.MyoPainRelief.com or call 923-2855. English spoken.

BOAT SHOW
Mark March 31 – April 2 off on your calendar - it’s the Silcer Cocoteros Boat Show in Chicxulub. At this show you will find the best brands of motors, new and used power and sailboats and have the opportunity to do sea tests. Plan on having lunch at the great restaurant!

ECLECTIC GIFT SHOP
Hotel MedioMundo has the coolest gift shop! With something new all the time, their new shipment includes Guatemalan textiles – pillows and bedcovers, plus some crates of ceramics, metallic lamps and mirrors. Public store hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM. Calle 55 No. 533 between 64 and 66 Centro. www.hotelmediomundo.com

FOOT MASSAGE
Reflexology is the art of foot massage. It is our feet that carry us around all day every day. Give your feet a dose of TLC by calling Nena at cel: 044-9997-48-84-74. For one hour, while fully clothed, she will treat your feet, shoulders and back…a heavenly experience. She does house and hotel visits. Excellent English spoken.

EASTER HOLIDAYS
Easter holidays are once again upon us. Easter in the Yucatan has a special tone to it. In first place, it is a religious holiday. You won’t see bunnies and Easter eggs. You will see how the Yucatecans head to the beach while schools are closed for two weeks. Sleepy coastal ports and villages will all of a sudden feel the hordes of people from Merida. Easter weekend is especially busy, so do plan on having reservations if you are on the coast.

HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
These interesting walking tours allow you an inside behind the doors and walls glimpse of four downtown homes. Departure point: Merida English Library (Calle 53 No. 524 between 66 & 68) on Wed. at 9:45 AM. 2.5 hours. There is a bit of walking but it is worth the effort. $200 peso donation for the library.

ISLA MUJERES HOTEL
If Isla Mujeres is on your itinerary, stay at Casa Maya. Owned by Jose Lima, you will feel you have been invited into his home things are so comfortable. Located on a cove in front of the reef (free snorkeling gear is provided), there are hammocks hanging between the palms in the tropical gardens. With two kitchens and a large TV living room for your use, well, you just feel right at home

STRING QUARTET
This experienced Chamber music group is available for social events, parties, weddings, 15th birthdays and recitals. Cuarteto Genesis is made up of Principal and co-principal players from the Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan. Info with Jonathan Hennessey-Brown at 920-7637 and 999-112-6816

SAIL BOAT 4 SALE
33' Morgan OutIsland , 1976, new sails, Hummingbird chartplotter, new bottom job 2005. Located in Isla Mujeres. Call Susan Stewart, 01 998 122 7628.

MANGROVE TRIP
Want to do something fun? Different? Be in touch with nature? Head to San Crisanto, 30 miles east of Progreso, and go on the Mangrove Trip.

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