What's New
December 2007 -
January 2008

FUNDACION MAYA IN LAAKEECH A.C. THANKS YUCATAN TODAY AND YUCATAN ADVENTURE
For the great support recived during 2007 to its Mayan Children's Programs, the foundation is dedicated to support the welfare of the Maya Communities nearby Chichen Itza and will soon have its own website uploaded. Meanwhile YUCATAN ADVENTURE continues voicing the mission and vision for this non-profit organization that welcomes anyone who wishes to become an active member or a participating volunteer. For more inforation or to support the foundation's efforts, please email us at: info@yucatanadventure.com.mx You can help us continue our social volunteer work by placing a "Spot Ad" in www.yucatanadventure.com.mx for a one time sponsor

HACIENDA CHICHEN has the most romantic magical ambiance to celebrate Saint Valentine's Day. Celebrate your love by reserving this February its new mini-vacation package: "The Joy of Loving" designed for couples to enhance the joy of loving each other. Couples booking this package will enjoy a two night stay, breakfasts and dinners and Spa services among other special moments are included in this wonderful way to celebrate your love. Contact us via email at info@chichenservices.com and plan your own love getaway experience with us, ask about your choice of prices and dates. Create an unforgetable stay starting with a welcome cocktail reception the night of your arrival and a very romantic, candle-light Maya dinner (set under the stars in the privacy of our gardens); a traditional "serenata" will surely enchant you both that night. Wake up with the melodies of birds celebrating a new day and enjoy a private gourmet breakfast at your own room's terrace overlooking at lush gardens. A Yaxkin Spa couples' ceremony, "Ya Ha", awaits you before lunch time , so you both can enjoy the afternoon visiting the Maya Temples or Yodzonot Cenote to commun with nature. At sunset, renew your love vows in a Spiritual Love Ceremony at our Colonial Church or in the Sacred Maya Ceremonial Site; then delight with the Maya Fusion Cuisine gourmet menu Chef Josue Cime has created to make your stay a truly memorable event. A farewel breakfast of fresh organic tropical fruits and delicious homemade breads wil; help you start the day!

CHRISTMAS & NY’S EVE
Casa Piedra at Hacienda Xcanatun will be doing their traditionally elegant Christmas Eve dinner with all the trimmings plus piano music. On New Year’s Eve they will have their fun New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance with live music and all the works! Reservations are required for both events. Tel. 941-0213.

CHRISTMAS & NY’S EVES
Hotel Los Aluxes will be putting on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve parties for everyone looking for a nice place to spend a special evening. Christmas Eve $420 pesos adults and $250 pesos children – including tips & taxes for a 4-course meal with a Mexican trio & live music. Alcoholic beverages not included. New Year’s Eve they will have a buffet dinner, dancing and partying. $720 pesos and $520 children. Reserve at 924 2199 ext. 278.

CHRISTMAS & NY’S EVES
Hotel Piedra de Agua will be having a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet $380 for adults and $175 for kids. For New Year’s the dinner buffet will be $450 for adults and $175 for kids. They also offer dinner buffet + room packages. Alcoholic beverages and service fee not included. Reservations: 930-9012

NY’S EVES
Trotter’s, La Tratto and Pancho’s invite you to celebrate New Years with a delicious 4 course dinner and a wonderful atmosphere.
Trotter’s $600 pesos p/p, Pancho’s $600 pesos p/p and La Tratto $500 pesos p/p.
Reservations: 927-0434 &
latratto@hotmail.com

CHRISTMAS DINNER
Gringo’s in Chelem is doing a traditional American Christmas dinner on the 25th at 4 PM. Full buffet with turkey, all the trimmings plus pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. Cost: $140 pesos p/p, kids 10 & under $75 pesos. Calle 20 Playa Chelem. www.gringosgrill.com Reservations required (969) 934-8099.

3 KING’S DAY BREAD
January 6th is Three King’s Day, the day the 3 Wise Men made it to Bethlehem to visit the Baby Jesus. The Yucatecan tradition on this day is to have a special crown-shaped round bread that is adorned with colorful dried fruits and three plastic baby Jesus figures baked in the dough. Families, office workers, and groups of friends get together and all cut slices from the bread hoping to not get the baby Jesus figure because those that do have to have a tamale party on Feb. 2. Hotel Los Aluxes will be having this bread at breakfast. It is also available at all the bakeries and grocery stores. This is a fun/delicious tradition.

ART CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Casa de las Artistas on Calle 60 between 45 and 43, the yellow colonial on the left, has a wide selection of original art for your Chrismtas and holiday shopping. Mosey around the gallery enjoying Abel and Melva’s sculpture, drawings and paintings. They have works in all sizes and format. If you need shipping, they are experts. www.casadelosartistas.com

UXMAL SPA DAYS
Spoil yourself! For only $970 pesos per person you can relax totally in Uxmal Mision Uxmal Spa. Turitransmerida offers: transportation Merida - Uxmal - Merida, lunch, snack, spa, access to the installations. For Spa Treatments choose from Beautiful Mom, Tired Dad, Noon Retreat and Mayan treatment! Bonus: 15% discount in additional private temazcal treatment at only $200 pesos per person. Reservations tels: 928 1871 or 923 5127.

NEW CHRISTMAS MERCHANDISE
Hotel MedioMundo’s gift shop owners went on an extensive buying trip to Michoacan and brought back some fantastic things for Christmas gifts. With a keen eye for handcrafts, textiles, pottery and gifts, drop in to do your Christmas shopping. Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM. Calle 55 #533 between 64 and 66 Centro.
www.hotelmediomundo.com

NEW HOTEL IN IZAMAL
Hotel Izamaltun, a brand new eco-hotel and spa has just opened its doors in Izamal. Hacienda style, they have 13 rooms, a cenote type pool, spa, boutique and cafeteria all set in wonderful lush gardens. Tel. (01 988) 954 0023, cel (045) 9991 29 7477 www.itzamaltun.com

HOTEL DEL GOBERNADOR
Hotel Del Gobernador , a comfortable 86 room, 4-star hotel in the Historical Center with all the amenities, is offering a 20% discount if you mention Yucatan Today.

NEW NORIA BISTRO
Hacienda Chichen’s new Noria Bistro invites you to celebrate this season’s holidays dining with us. Enjoy the exquisite aroma, textures and flavors of our gourmet menu featuring Maya Royal Specialties created by Chef Josue Cime to honor his ancestor’s cultural traditions. Reservations: (985) 851-0045
info@haciendachichen.com Mention Yucatan Today to receive a 10% courtesy discount.

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

LA CASITA DEL PASEO
A charming colonial townhouse that has been restored with exquisite taste to its original beauty is now available as a vacation rental. Located near the desirable Paseo Montejo, La Casita is the perfect setting to enjoy an authentic holiday in Yucatan where you will discover its rich history, archeology and friendly local culture. 10% off when you mention Yucatan Today. Tel. (52 1) 9991 639 510 www.lacasitadelpaseo.nalum.com

HOUSE CALL DR.
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 724772

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 ‘08.

ORGANIC COFFEE
Savoring some organic decaf coffee from the Chiapas jungla? Drop by Café Organico and check out their organic coffees, jams, jellies and preserves and other goodies. Calle 33D local 1 by Avenida Reforma between Cupules and Colón. Tel. 925 2831. Open 9AM- 7.30 PM Mon. - Fri. and Sat. 9 AM – 2:30 PM.

LA LUZ GALERIA DE ARTE
La Luz Galería invites you to visit their new show Resurrección which opened Dec. 14th. Cuban artist Ana Toledo (1957) presents her work that is mostly in black and white. This show will run from Dec. 14- Jan. 14. Open 10AM -2 PM & 4 PM – 7 PM Mon.– Fri. and Sat. 9 AM – 2 PM. The Gallery is located on Calle 60 No. 415A between 45 and 47 Merida. Tel. 924 5952, Fax 924 6057. www.laluzgaleria.com

CHURCH IN ENGLISH
The Jesus Presbyterian Church in Progreso has worship services in English at 8:30 AM. All denominations are invited. Calle 35 #154 between Calle 80 and 82. From Merida, head towards Progreso passing the Pemex gas station and Aurera Bodega all on Calle 78. Turn left onto Calle 35, cross Calle 80, the church is located on the corner of 35 and 80. For more info contact Pastor David Correa at iglesiajesus@prodigy.net.mx

B&B MENUS
Their breakfast is made with the freshest ingredients from their own garden & local mercardo. The house coffee is an organic blend coffees from Veracruz, Oaxaca & Chiapas. Breakfast menus: Quiche Lorraine, Vanilla French Toast covered in Cinnamon Caramel Butter Bananas, Bandera Mexicana Enchiladas, Forest Berry Crepes, Carrot Pecan Muffins & 3-Cheese Quesadillas stuffed with Spinach, Portobello Mushrooms, Sun dried Tomatoes & Pesto. Viva la Vida!

GALERIA MERIDA TOURS
Galeria Merida and Iluminado Tours are offering two special day tours. 1. Photography tour with maestro Javier Barrara. For the serious photographer, Javier will provide unique photo opportunities along with technical and creative expertise. 2. Nature provides the best models. Maestro David Sierra gives techniques and instruction for drawing in nature. Limited space. Call Galeria Merida at 924-0117 or Iluminado Tours: yucatanjourneys@iluminado-tours.com.

HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR
Come explore the amazing jungle that surrounds the Mayaland Hotel at Chichen Itza. Discover some of the original Mayan water sources in the depth of the Mayan jungle at La Rejoyada de Thompson. 50% discount for you and a companion booking a one night bungalow accommodation.
www.mayaland.com

WAIMARANER PUPS
Waimaraner parents Jack and Samantha are looking for homes for their 8 children. They want people who will treat their pups as members of the family. Call their humans, the owners of Casa de los Artistas. Born November 2nd, they are ready for Christmas gifts to the right home. Tel: 928 6566.

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.