The Allure of Mexico - Why Do So Many Foreigners Yearn to Live Here?
After living and working in Ecuador in 2002, we didn't think life could get much better. But we must admit...we've fallen in love with Mexico. Just the name Mexico inspires a host of alluring images...moon-lit fiestas, strolling mariachis, relaxing white-sand beaches, ancient colonial towns set in the rugged Sierras, even more ancient Mayan pyramids rising from the misty Yucatán jungle.
Yes, Mexico has it all...rich culture, perfect climate, affordable living...not to mention mountains, beaches, deserts and just about every kind of landscape in between. For all these reasons and more, Mexico is one of the world's top destinations for those dreaming of a relaxed and romantic new life abroad....................
PHOTO: With a few pesos, you can fill your shopping tote to the brim
Who’s the winner for best margarita in the PMN Best of the Best contest?
Viva Margarita!
What makes this little Viva Margarita! bar so special? Let’s see for starters …..they offer thick and delicious frozen margaritas in a multitude of flavors. You can try strawberry, lime, mango, grape, orange, tangerine, tamarindo, jamaica or pina colada flavors. Instead of plain salt on the rim you will find a combination of chile, sugar, lime and salt. They are definitely unique and definitely a taste sensation.
Last night PMN and friends from all over town came together to celebrate their win. In the spirit of fun Viva Margarita! passed out Cuervo Especial t-shirts and fun little balls and we even enjoyed some free margaritas ..............
Remember Baby Maria Guadalupe? She needs the community to come together once again and give her a chance to continue her life.
She needs your help NOW!
She is only 3 months old. Maria was Born with an Extrofia Vesical (no formed vagina) as well she is in need of Orthopedic surgery to close her spine - her legs stay open. Without it, she will never be able to walk.
Maria was operated on three weeks ago at the Instituto Mexicano de Pediatria in Mexico City. It was urgent surgery for her bladder and vagina. We have just learned the surgery was unsuccessful and she needs another................
Here is what is in the works – it is going to be very busy the next few months!
If anyone has ideas to help out they want to hear from you……
Let’s unite as a community and help together for the benefit of all.
MSU is coming in Oct to scout out 2005’s mission to help children and their families that are in need of surgeries. It looks like there are 4 confirmed surgeons - Dr. Smith, Dr. Livingston and two others. They will bring their own surgical team and recovery team to do the surgeries. This will happen in the spring of 2005. It will be lots of planning. If anyone has ideas about raising fund for this project please contact Angel Notion.
The following is a chapter segment from the nonfiction travel memoir
Where the Sky is Born: Living in the Land of the Maya
Night had fallen as we pulled into the federal customs area at the border dividing Mexico and Belize. What is it about night border crossings that scares the bejesus out of me? I wondered as I gazed at a uniformed federale armed with M-16.
His outpost, dark and securely locked, looked like a third world Checkpoint Charlie, a scene out of a 50’s film noir.
"No pasa," he explained, when I rolled down the car window to ask for instructions........
The peeps who rule the new 5th Avenue aka - Little Italy - produced another wild street party where those in the know, those getting in the know, and those who don’t care but just want to Shake their Playa Groove Thing came, saw, and partied.
Yes, in Playa del Carmen, Latin Girls and North End Boyz dressed to shread drank Martini’s, ate Sushi, jammed to live Salsa and grabbed that new trendy Mexico Caribe thang…
Alux (Alloosh) goes underground, reveals it's past - Magnificent! Glorious!
by J.P. the Cave Dweller
It’s late at night, you’ve just spent all day at Mamitas Beach tanning, swimming, and prancing around checking all the beautiful people………another great day in Playa.
So you go back to your place, jump in the shower, relax a bit more, and go out passed the Carretera Federal to see some place that’s supposedely an underground Cenote Cave that is now a trendy lounge .
Anthony was born in Rome, Italy. However, that was not where he was destined to stay as he moved around the world living in 10 or 12 other countries. Then he came to Playa del Carmen. He has now lived in Playa del Carmen for 8 years and can’t seem to leave. Something inexplicable holds him here.
I met him for the first time last night at a showing of his photography held at Da Gabi, an intriguing and well known local restaurant. His photographs lined the walls and were displayed on easels, they were bold and different. Many were of people with the portrait artistically altered in imaginative ways and many were black and whites of people where it seemed as if their essence and the feel of the moment had been captured forever.
Tortillas are of course the bread of Mexico. When the ancient Mexicans invented tortillas – their flat, round, unleavened bread – I think they invented the most versatile bread of all. It can be stacked, rolled, folded, torn, cut, and crumbled; it tastes good soft and hot, crisp fried, or toasted. It can be shaped with the hands and easily baked on an improvised griddle over any source of heat; it keeps well, and can be reheated later.
Mexicans are very wise when it comes to dishes too as you can even substitute tortillas for eating utensils by using them as a scoop, or as a plate when laid in the palm of your hand and filled with delicious food.
By: Suzan Haskins and Dan Prescher
Who’s the winner for best margarita in the PMN Best of the Best contest?
Baby Gets Operation
Playa’s angel group
By: Jeanine Lee Kitchel
Little Italy Goes Block Party Again
The Kewlest Place in Playa del Carmen
By: Suzanne Bandick
By: Mia Loveatin