By: Kristin Hahn

The Bomberos

Our Playa del Carmen Fire Department has a lot to be proud of

Although they are the youngest department in the country (only 6 years old) the Playa Del Carmen Fire Department (Los Bomberos) are topnotch and internationally known.

Initially called the Bucket Brigade they now have 45 firemen and 7 pieces of rescue equipment that have become invaluable to our community and to other communities as well. They have formed a strong internal community and incredible brotherhood that creates strength that is unstoppable ..................

By: Kristin Hahn

Waldorf Education is available in Playa Del Carmen

Claudia Pozo and her husband Ludolph Schmidt arrived in Playa Del Carmen in 1990. Originally from Mexico City Claudia brought an amazing background of psychology, education in learning disabilities, and bilingual education to the fledgling community of Playa Del Carmen.

She worked in local area schools until 1993 when her first son Patricio was born. Her focus shifted somewhat after the arrival of her first child. She wanted to ensure his educational stability and future, but was not convinced there was a viable option available in the Riviera Maya. That is how Papalote came to exist...

Day 3 of Jazz Fest 2004 in Playa del Carmen

Mamitas and Playa Tukan roll with the groovy jazz sounds of a Party gone Incandescent

It was something unpredictable and in the end it was right cause Playa del Carmen had the time of its life last night at Jazz Fest 2004.

Yes, Day 3 of Jazz Fest 2004 rumbled into Playa del Carmen last night and onto Mamitas and Playa Tukan Beach to the biggest crowds of the event. It was another turning point in the history of Playa del Carmen as it was clear that our little quaint beach town has graduated into a place where art, music, and the good life are flourishing.

That’s right, day 3 came on with a mixture of cool, class, and sophistication while doing so in the hippest of clothing, beach beauties, and the who’s who of it all...

By: Suzan Haskins

Yes, Mexico Rocks!

A few nights ago, I settled down with my new November issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine that just arrived in the mail. It’s the 2004 Reader’s Choice Awards issue devoted to the top 100 Best in the World cities, resorts, islands, hotels and cruises, as selected by the magazine’s readers.

I wasn’t surprised to see that Mexico dominates the rankings in several categories ..........

The Mythical Mexican Basil

In Search of Arab Moors, Spanish Conquistadors, and a Fragrant Herb to ward of those evil spirits here in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya!

By Betty Ontiveros

In my travels through Mexico, I have seen and smelt a familiar green fragrant plant in front of offices, retail stores, and homes. Now, I recognized it as some form of basil but it was not the kind of basil I was used to……. I mean, I used a big leaf basil for cooking but this one was smaller leafed and tasted a bit different. It’s not the Italian basil I knew.

What is it and why would people have it outside their place of business? Weird ya think? I have never seen that before. So I asked around and here’s what I found.

In modern day Mexico, this Mexican Basil is planted in front of one’s house or office to ward off evil spirits. Yes, evil! Wow! Now that is something different! ..............