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Welcome to News Cozumel! I am so excited about this issue; we have articles from wonderful friends and readers that I am certain you are going to enjoy. Susanna Finck has shared her trip to Morelos, JK and Peter Zwick have shared fond memories of Cozumel in the good old days.
Martha Nieto has provided the information for Salsa lessons at Club Playa Azul. Greta Abel has been asking me to get the word out that Salsa on Sunday afternoons at Club Playa Azul is a blast! Ladies and gentlemen, get out there! Next year maybe you can participate in carnival instead of just watching!
Sheila McIntyre has provided the information on inexpensive access to the Olympic Pool, and last but not least Kathy Lasater has the information on the best Knife Sharpener on the Island.
I heard carnival was a big success; Carol McCutcheon has a nice carnival recap and photos (as well as other great information) on her blog
http://www.abys.net/blog/9/9.html
Kelley's Bar and Restaurant has a live band on Thursday and Saturdays from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Word is they are excellent! “Grupo Kaoba” is a local Rock band. The members speak English and take requests. They are Cozumel's own, so stop in and support them. Kelley's is located on Avenida 10 between Calle 1 and Avenida Adolfo Rosado Sales.
Cruz Roja Cozumel
The Red Cross is still seeking funds to complete their new building and is also having their annual fund drive. PLEASE contribute to this very important organization at whatever level you can afford!
Coming Soon!
I am working on getting a calendar that will let you know of all available entertainment and events each month. Business proprietors and Organizations please submit your information for the month of May to my email address as soon as possible.
The question has been posed to me “what happens if you die in Cozumel?” I will be investigating this very important question and reporting to you next month.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful emails of support and PLEASE keep those articles coming!
Have a Happy Easter!
The Adventure of Barbara and Susanna
Feb. 16th through the 23rd.
By Susanna E. Finck
At the last minute, while we were at the bowling alleys on Cozumel, we decided to visit a friend of mine, Karen Summerlin, in Oaxtepec, Morelos, Mexico. We went on line and were able to get tickets on Mexicana for a total of $222.00 USD for 2 seniors.
We couldn't believe we were flying inside the plane and not outside for that price. We landed safely and we were off to Cuernavaca by bus where Karen was waiting to pick us up. It was a beautiful bus with snacks and drinks free on board. So far, so good, and it just kept getting better. The ride to Oaxtepec was beautiful through very high mountains like the mountains in Arizona and Nevada.
We stayed on top of the mountain in Oaxtepec at my friend's home and used that as a home base. Each day, Karen was our delightful tour guide to Tlayacapan, Cuautla, and Tepoztlan. Beautiful towns with markets full of local foods and handcrafts, especially pottery. We ate at Hacienda de Cocoyoc, a sugar cane processing facility converted to a beautiful hotel/spa/restaurant.
We also stopped at Posada Del Tepozteco in Tepoztlan, Morelos. This beautiful heritage house was converted into a beautiful hotel. It is approx. 50 minutes drive south of Mexico City. The buses are excellent and roomy and go everywhere.
My notes have failed me, but at some point we saw the remains of Emiliano Zapata's home and a very large wall mural representing phases of his life. The old stone work on the homes, beautiful wooden doors, and the field stone roads are breathtaking.
Our last day in Oaxtepec we were on our own. A taxi came from town for $20 pesos and took us to Centro where we walked and enjoyed Oaxtepec. It was so beautiful! We stopped for coffee and a postre and smelled something delicious. Right next door, a very small place, they had prepared many local dishes, chile rellenos (3 cheeses), chicken mole, spaghetti with great sauce, so we bought a little of each, and had them packed to go for our taxi ride to our house back up on the mountain.
Everyone was so helpful and glad we came and told us so. My friend Barbara walks with a cane and as we were walking down this curvy street in the center of Oaxtepec, a young woman came out of her shop and offered Barbara a chair so she would not have to sit on a wall by the street. This lady did not want Barbara to get her clothes dirty.
We were all smiles and so comfortable milling around with the natives. I would recommend traveling to Morelos to everyone. Very beautiful, inexpensive and friendly. You will have a great time!
The Old Days in Cozumel
By JK
My good friend on Cozumel is Capitan Ramiro Jimenez P. Apodo “Lagarto”. We talk frequently of "the old days" on Coz. how in some places the conchs were knee deep; how you could walk to the pier at San Miguel, jump on your boat and look down and see fish swimming and conch mating. Capi was on the cozumelano, Shel Ha, and at least 10 years on the Mimi.
Another good friend was Capitan Evaristo Romero on the Olimpico (his son has the jewelry store on melgar and 2.) When we met after many years his first comment to me was, "you got fat", I responded, "yes capitan, and old". We all laughed. He was a fine fellow. Capitan Evaristo died just a year ago--very courageous to the end.
There is so much to love about these old guys, especially their whimsical and nonchalant ways about life on the sea. For example: Capitan Lagarto mentions with casual aplomb his time in the channel during Hurricane Roxanne. I think his barco had 4 big diesels--no sleep, etc. and laughing as the tale is related. Capi's biggest fish brought aboard one of his boats was 1600 kills. Wow. He and José must have had quite a time with that one. The fish was a shark-tinteraro.
Capitan Modesto Nobelo on the Christofer k. pointed out one early morning on the way to south point how two cormorants were working together to bring a great barracuda into shallow waters to eat. They reminded me of border collies working to “control” animals. Then the comparison ended; the 'lead' bird swooped and hit an eye of the fish with his beak. Almost in the same instant the second bird hit below and a little back from that eye. I don't know how they didn't bump into each other. Then a bird hit the other eye, and they “guided' the great barracuda into very shallow water and pecked at its carcass. The fish never stopped thrashing. What a sight to see. Yes, the old days on coz were spectacular.
Catorce - Zeep
By “Pedro" Peter Zwick
Several decades ago, I was on Cozumel for a couple of weeks to scuba dive. In the evenings, I would often walk around the San Miguel square and on one occasion found myself at the town basketball court located east of the square behind a row of shops.
I was invited to play. I introduced myself as being Pedro and we began to play three on three or four on four. Being a foot taller than the other players it was an easy task to grab nearly all of the rebounds and it was great fun to feed my teammates and watch them sink basket after basket. I thought this must have been the way Wilt Chamberlain felt when playing in the NBA. Wilt was seven feet tall.
As the game progressed, the score was called out by bystanders, “dos - zero, quatro - zero”, and so on. I jokingly said “quatro - zip” explaining that zip was zero which caught on and thereafter the score was called out as something “zeep” The game ended with a resounding “catorce zeep” called out by the crowd with great laughter. After we congratulated one another, we shook hands and departed.
Many years later I once again was walking the square when someone from across the way called out “Pedro”. I scanned the area but recognized no one. Again the voice called out “Pedro-catorce zeep” and I knew that it was one of the young basketball players who had reached manhood. We shook hands exchanged a few words and departed. This is one of the many fond memories I have of nearly 40 years of associations with the people of Cozumel.
Salsa Lessons at Playa Azul
By Martha Nieto
Club Playa Azul provides Salsa lessons every Sunday afternoon from noon to two. Classes are taught by a marvelous professional instructor that travels weekly from Playa del Carmen.
He teaches a beginners and an advanced segment. A live bands plays for two hours immediately after the lessons so everyone can practice what they have learned.
Classes are ten dollars per session. Playa Azul provides a 10% discount on food and beverages. Dress is come as you are bathing suits, shorts, etc. Many participants come right from swimming. It is a beautiful atmosphere and lots f fun!
INTERESTED IN SWIMMING LAPS IN AN OLYMPIC POOL?
By Sheila McIntyre
Here is what you need to get set up to use the city pool at the huge Sports Complex that is on Calle 11. The entrance to the pool is really in the rear, on Calle 15 and there is plenty of street parking. At this time, there is no charge and your membership is good for six months.
Open lap times are from 8 am to 1pm and 7pm to 8pm. You must wear a swim suit in the pool (not street clothes) and you can use goggles. There are some lockers available, but you need to bring your own lock and a spare key for the office to keep in case you lose your key. Dressing rooms have showers.
When you register, they will ask you what times and days you will want to use the pool, so that there is no over-crowding, but to be honest, I never saw more than 5 or 6 adults any day that I went. You will need ALL of the following to present to the office at the Complex before you begin using the pool:
1. Two small photos in color.
2. A copy and original of your birth certificate OR a copy and original of your passport which shows your age.
3. A copy and the original of your FM2 or FM3.
4. A doctor's certificate stating that you are in good health. Local doctors know what to write for you. I used Clinica San Miguel on Calle 6 because you ask the Doctor there to write the letter for you and he/she will give you a slip that shows the lab in the same building what blood tests you will need; you pick up the lab results and the letter the next day and so it was pretty easy. Cost was 300 pesos.
5. A urine sample and a stool sample to give to the lab when you visit. Urine sample should be taken before you eat.
When you go to the pool, park on Calle 15, enter the complex, go to the pool and turn left, go through the opening next to the visitors stands (there is a little sign there); knock on the door to the office on your immediate right.
The knife sharpener
By Kathy Lasater
For anyone that cooks, having good sharp knives are a necessity, and here on Cozumel you don't have to take your knives in to have them sharpened, they come by your house and sharpen them for you. I've heard the man who sharpens knives and scissors walking by the house a number of times, but I had never stopped him before. This time I stopped him and had 3 knives and a pair of scissors sharpened.
You can hear him as he walks through the neighborhood as he plays on a pan flute. A great many things are home delivered here on Cozumel. Trucks deliver the large 5 gallon bottles of purified water, the gas company drives around town and will fill up your gas tank, and there are ice cream vendors that come by, even that sell pastry and bread.
If you need knives, scissors or other tools sharpened, you can call Oscar. 987 102-6807.
You may read more interesting articles by Kathy Lasater in her monthly newsletter at: http://www.gocozumel.com/cozumel-newsletter2-09.htm
- - - Work Wanted - - -
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000
Housekeeping Plus
I am looking for a position that I can use my skills and experience in housekeeping, Assisting in care of a casa and/or providing care and companionship in an English-speaking household. I am mature, have good English skills and have had adequate training. Contact Ana at 872-7923
Plummer/Electrician/Painter
I am experienced and qualified to work on plumbing, electrical work, and house painting. I can build, repair and maintain swimming pools. Roberto Cedillos Mata, 110 Ave. between A.R.S and 3 South. Casa 869-3506 or Cell. 987-113-2690.
Dentista
C.D. Nora Hernández Lavie
MEDIDENTAL
Odontología Integral
11 Sur por 65 Ave. Cozumel, Q.Roo
Tel/Fax 872-0808 Cell (987) 103-2770
E-mail: noral2004@yahoo.com
Official Translator
Monica Sauza Garrido
75 Ave. Sur #613 between Hidalgo and 7th
telephone: 987-872-5394
email: mosag@prodigy.net.mx
Quality Educational Software
Quality educational software for every age group and level shipped from the United States directly to your loved ones! Check it out at www.bestchildlearn.com
La Casa de Marlin Fishing Charters
Deep Sea Fishing, 31' Bertram Sport Fisherman, 40' Viking Convertible
10% discount if you mention this column in Tiempo de Cozumel! Call for reservations today at 987-872-4573 or email fishingbandidacozumel@prodigy.net.mx
Costa Brava Restaurant
Enjoy an excellent meal at my favorite family restaurant and get 15% off!
Offer good for everything but the breakfast specials that are already at bargain prices.
Calle 7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South
Cozumel Health Chiropractic
Cozumel Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you enjoy your vacation. Chiropractic care is available Monday through Saturday. 872-1122
Plaza Barracuda # 5 on Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur
Note: Dr. Tom Maryniak will be in the States from March 21st through April 21st. Upon his return he will be adding some evening hours to better accommodate the locals.
AXA Health Insurance
Contact Irma Cantarell at 987-872-6647 or office on 11th with 30th, next to the Ford co. Insurance for as little as $50. - Usd per month.
The CARIBBEAN BOL
Go bowling at Cozumel's only bowling lanes that provide another alternative for those unable to enjoy the Island's water sports as well as provide in-door fun on those rainy days. They offer free bowling lessons and dollar specials on Sundays. Winter Leagues will start the first week in January, so stop in and sign up. For more information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
Bancomer English Division
Contact Mauricio Sanchez at mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com or call toll-free 01800-2282-728.
Website: www.bancomer.com/pcu
English Language Church Services
Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church,
30th Ave. At 10th Street North,
Sundays at 9 a.m.
Jesus Es Rey
Church,
65th Ave. & Morelos Street,
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Iglesia de San
Miguel,
Guadalupe Rosary Prayer,
10th Street Corner of El Centro Plaza,
Sundays at 5 p.m.
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Contact Information
At atreasuryoftrade@msn.com for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for information on:
- Book Club
- Book Exchange
- Game night
- Garden Club
- Ladies Breakfast Club
- Applying for local discounts
- Mexican Health Insurance
- Recreational activities
For your convenience, here is a list of emergency numbers that may come in handy.
Emergency 060
24 Hour Doctor 872-0103
Dentist 872-0808
Hyperbaric Chamber 872-0103
Police 872-0092
Red Cross 872-1058
Taxi Cab 872-0236
Taxi Cab 872-0041
U.S. Consulate 872-4574
U.S Consulate 872-6152
U.S. Consulate 044-987-876-0624
The Federal Consumer Interest Bureau (PROFECO) is responsible for enforcing the Consumer Protection Federal Law. Their office is located on the second floor of the Municipal Market at Calle A. Rosado Salas between 25th and 20th Avenues.
You may also file a complaint by e-mail to extranjeros@profeco.gob.mex and at any Mexican embassy or consulate in the world.
For more information on Cozumel, you can visit the Department of Tourism located on the corner of 20th and Xel-Ha Avenues, Colonia Gonzalo Guerrero.
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