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Happy February Cozumel!
February is my favorite time to be in Cozumel. Carnival is underway and
the Island is alive with activities for most of the month. The party
atmosphere is catchy and everyone is happy. When I had the misfortune of
not living here, we planned our trips to include my birthday on the
first, our anniversary on the 5th, Valentine's Day, and of course,
Carnival. If you have not already seen the schedule, it is also
available in this publication. In addition to the scheduled activities,
you can catch the action just by walking around downtown. I love
watching the impromptu performances as the different groups practice for
the parades.
I have a new country of Citizenship and passport (with a new name) so I
had to visit immigration to make the necessary changes to my FM3. The
process involved submitting a letter of solicitation explaining the
changes, graciously written for me by my friend Monica Sauza Garrido.
Along with the letter I had to submit the “Application for Migratory
Procedure” form, complete copies of my old passport, my new passport,
and my FM3. My revised FM3 will not be available until the first week of
February, so I am unable to let you know the cost at this time.
The Laws change constantly
in Mexico!
Speaking to many of you I realize providing you with prior “how to”
research is not an option. I am there-fore going in person in March with
my new FM3 in hand to apply for a Mexican Driver's license, Mexican
Plates for my vehicle (if possible), my ferry card, and an INAPAN card (Yippee,
I will be 60 on the first, where did time go?).
I met with Mauricio Sanchez at Bancomer and discovered the law has
changed on how much money we can transfer to Mexico without being taxed
by the Mexican Government. As a result, the bank has made it easier to
make deposits from home to circumvent the tax. I will have all the
information for you in March.
I want to start featuring
your businesses!
Business owners please contact me at my new cellular number
987-105-7669. I want to feature one of your establishments each month.
St. Patrick's Day is coming up; Let me know if you have something
special planned for this or any other day in March. My March Deadline
will be February 25th. All my services are free of charge. This is what
I love to do and my way of giving back to this wonderful Island.
Enjoy Carnival and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Mexican Driver's License
On Thursday January 28, 2010, I visited the “Seguridad Publica y
Transito” building in search of the current requirements for obtaining a
Mexican Driver's License. The Seguridad Publica y Transito is located
behind the Municipal Palace.
Upon approaching the building I was greeted by Commander Tomas Arjona
Celis, who immediately and very courteously escorted me to the
appropriate office. He provided me with an information sheet labeled
“Cuidadanos Estranjeros Radicados en Cozumel” (Foreign Citizens Living
in Cozumel) and took the time to answer my questions using the official
regulations book.
I was told by someone I needed a Mexican license in order to get my
vehicles Mexican plates. Commander Arjona Celis informed me that
information is not correct, my current foreign license is sufficient. I
will have the information on attaining Mexican Plates for foreign
vehicles in the March issue.
Our foreign driver's licenses are valid as long as they are current.
Unless you do not plan on renewing your license from your homeland, I
see no reason to obtain one. A Mexican Driver's License is only valid in
concurrence with your Visa. In other words, you must renew the license
when you renew your Visa annually. The license categories and cost in
pesos are as follows:
Chauffer, Auto and Motorcycle $441
Automobile (compact only) $387
Motorcycle $278
The Rules as listed for Foreign Citizens living in Cozumel are as
follows:
- You must be of age (18).
- You must pass a Driver's Test.*
- Original and copy of FM2, FM3 obtained from the local office or letter
of naturalization.
- Original and copy of current passport
- Original and copy of CURP. **
- Your blood type certified by a Laboratory Clinic or Doctor.
- Comprobante de Domicilio (Proof of Address using your current paid
receipt of Water, Light, or Telephone bill.
- Two recent photographs in color or black and white, in size: “infatil.”
- Note that they do not accept copies of photographs or fax copies.
- Males must present photographs without earrings and have ears
uncovered.
- License will have the same validity as the immigration document.
*The Driving exam is included in the cost of your license and in Spanish.
You may take a friend to translate. Classes are held at a building on
30th and 2 North Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. You must arrive 10-15
minutes in advance, provide picture identification, and bring your own
pen or pencil. The exam is given directly after the class. I will have
more information on the exam after I find the building and take the
class.
**CURP is a number assigned to residents at the Civil Registry. I will
have a detailed explanation of CURP in the March issue.
Red Cross Casino Night
The Cozumel Cruz Roja is hosting their 3rd annual Casino Night on Friday,
February 5th, at the Hotel El Cid La Ceiba. Tickets are $500 mn each and
include a welcome drink, appetizers, and $1000 mn in playing money. The
fun starts at 7 p.m. and features games such as blackjack, Texas Hold Em,
and roulette. There are some fantastic prizes available donated by local
merchants. There will be a Cash bar and Cocktail attire. Advance Tickets
can be purchased by contacting Laura De La Fuente at
lauraxanath@hotmail.com.
Casa de la Cultura de Cozumel
Inauguration Ceremony
All the people from Cozumel are cordially invited to join us on February
9th at 5pm as we celebrate the inauguration of Casa de la Cultura Ixchel.
We have expanded our facility and have a new amphitheater.
The show will consist of Creazy Carnaval (Folkloric Ballet Ixchel),
Concierto de Cuerdas y Metales (Guitar & Violin, from Chetumal). Kinder
Ballet (Head Teacher: Isabel Solis Vera), and Teatro Wizar from Uz (Head
teacher: Oscar Ibarra).
We are located at 50 av. Entre Juarez y 2 Nte.
Tel/Fax. (987) 872-1471.
Back in the Day on Cozumel
By: Peter C. Zwick
In the early 1970's Cozumel was a diver's paradise and Aqua Safari was
one of two dive shops on the island. Ramon Zapata, Dick Tompkins, and
Juan Marufo were the owners while Tawa, Mitos, Alfonso, and Charo were
dive guides. Modesto and occasionally Juan were the boat captains. There
were other boat captains as well.
Those great meals cooked by the boat captains on Palancar or Santa Rosa
beaches are un-forgettable lobster, fish, crab, conch, all right out of
the sea and all you could eat. All of these guys were quite friendly and
great to be around.
On one 1970 occasion a lady whose name shall not be mentioned, came to
Coz with a Lake Erie type depth gage which maxed out at 100 feet. She
entered the sea with Mitos and returned to the boat with the needle bent
around the 100 feet mark. When asked how deep they had dived, they
answered with a grin "about 200 feet”.
In those days many dives were deep dives in quest of black coral.
Unfortunately, divers became bent and Juan and others helped out at a
decompression chamber with efforts to save their lives.
Juan, Dick and Ramon are no longer living and I believe only Charo is
connected with diving today. Modesto, Tawa, and maybe Mitos live in
retirement on Cozumel. What fun we had with these gentlemen over a
twenty plus year span and they are not forgotten.
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Businesses
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. - U.S.D. per month.
Bancomer English Division
Contact Mauricio Sanchez at mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com or call
toll-free 01800-2282-728. Website: www.bancomer.com/pcu.
The CARIBBEAN BOL
Go bowling at Cozumel's only bowling alley. This cool place provides an
alternative to the Island's water sports and is also great in-door fun
on rainy days as board games, video games, and billiards are offered
upstairs for those who don't bowl.
Free bowling lessons and dollar specials are offered on Sundays. For
more information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.
La Casa de Marlín 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.
CUSTOM JACUZZIS
Contact: 869-1206
E-Mail: gabel90227@aol.com
MARY KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Priced in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997
or e-mail suecampbell4448@yahoo.com
Salsa Lessons at Playa Azul
Club Playa Azul provides Salsa lessons every Sunday afternoon from noon
to two. Lessons are for beginners and advanced dancers. There is live
music 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. It is a beautiful
atmosphere and lots of fun!
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS IN ENGLISH
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step Fellowship of men and
women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the
development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
The CoDA meeting in the area meets: Saturdays, at 11:00 a.m. In the
English AA ROOM, Ave 10 Sur corner of Calle 5 Sur, up the spiral iron
staircase, first apartment.
For further information contact: DeLea at 869-0369
CoDA is a non-profit organization supported by the voluntary
contributions of attending members.
Services
Chiropractor
Cozumel Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you
enjoy your vacation. Chiropractic care is available Monday through
Saturday. 872-1122 Cozumel Health Chiropractic Plaza Barracuda # 5 on
Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur
Dentist
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
Gardener
Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs! He is reliable and
very reasonable. Orlando 987-105-3000.
Handyman
Electrical Air conditioning and pluming Domingo Vega Chulum 987- 871-
0530
Official Translator
Monica Sauza Garrido
75 Ave. Sur #613
between Hidalgo and 7th
telephone: 987-872-5394
Therapist
Jose Rosado Cuevas 987-871-2065
Specializing in: treatment following Stroke and Fractures, Arthritis,
Early Childhood Stimulation, and Early Intervention.
email: mosag@prodigy.net.mx
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.
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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