December 2005 Issue 33

INTRODUCTION

This turns out to be the largest issue of The Akumalian since its inception a number of years ago, and the length is due to the stories about the holiday season.  But it's not all about the holidays, for The Comings and Goings also is the longest yet, primarily due to people coming for the Thanksgiving week, or to assess the repairs after Wilma.  Needless to say, there are other stories of importance as well.  Enjoy The Akumalian with a glass of holiday cheer, and from all of us on the Editorial Staff, we wish you and yours, wherever you might be, a very merry and happy holiday season and a very enjoyable and prosperous New Year.
 

CONSEJO DE DESARROLLO DE AKUMAL A.C.

            There was a General Assembly Meeting on Friday, December 9^th, and it was lightly attended, probably due to the last minute announcement about the meeting.  Plus, the BOD limited the attendees to "members only", which is somewhat unfortunate.

There was a good Security Report by Jorge Palma, and it seems the Akumal Council has purchased 2 more motorcycles (now have 4), to go along with the truck and 6 bicycles, for the six man police force dedicated to Akumal Hotel/Tourist Zone(s).  We now have a new commandant

While not funded by the Akumal Council, recognition was given to the tremendous efforts of Kay and Gary Walten from Loco Gringo on the landscaping project adjacent to the parking lot.  Not only did they coordinate this project, turning a problem area into something we can all be proud of, but they also provided the lion's share of the funding. It is a major step towards improving the entrance to Akumal.

            There now are traffic lights at the entrance to Akumal, and there are eighteen (18) sets of lights there.  Now the problem is a bureaucracy issue between the Federal government, who is responsible for the highway, and the state/municipal government that installed the lights, and as a result, it may be some time before these lights are activated.  Don't hold your breath.

Check out the Akumal Council's web site at www.arkumalcouncil.com for the 2004 Annual Report, the 2005 Business Plan, and the Akumal Council December Newsletter.  Watch for news of the next General Meeting, but be advised that General Assembly meetings are intended for current members of the Akumal Council, unless previous arrangements have been made with the Board.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The word "Christmas" means "Mass of Christ," later shortened to "Christ-Mass."  The even shorter form "Xmas" - first used in Europe in the 1500s - is derived from the Greek alphabet, in which X is the first letter of Christ's name: Xristos, therefore "X-Mass."

Today, we know that Christ was not born on the 25th of December.  The date was chosen to coincide with the pagan Roman celebrations honoring Saturnus (the harvest god) and Mithras (the ancient god of light), a form of sun worship.  These celebrations came on, or just after, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, to announce that winter is not forever, that life continues, and an invitation to stay in good spirit.

The figure of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) is based on Saint Nicholas, who became one of the youngest bishops ever at age 17.  At age 30, he became the Bishop of Myra, a port town on the Mediterranean Sea, that is part of modern-day Turkey.  He hailed from a rich home and became well known for supporting the needy.  He would often be seen, clad in red and white bishop's robes and riding on a donkey, handing out gifts to children.

During the Middle Ages, many churches were built in honor of Saint Nicholas.  In the 11th century, his remains were enshrined in a church in the Italian city of Bari.  It is told that the first Crusaders visited Bari and carried stories about Nicholas to their homelands.  The anniversary of his death, 6 December, became a day to exchange gifts.

During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Martin Luther tried to stop the venerating of saints and the feast of Saint Nicholas was abolished in some European countries.  The gift giver took on other names: in Germany, he became Der Weinachtsmann ("Christmas Man"), Pere Noel in France, Father Christmas in Britain and the colonies, and many other names.

SANTA CLAUS IN NEW YORK

The Dutch, under Peter Stuyvesant, founded New York - named New Amsterdam under the Dutch and renamed when the British took over the colony - and brought with them the celebrations of Sinterklaas, the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas.  Santa Claus is the American pronunciation of Sinter Klaas.

As early as 1773, "St. A. Claus" was mentioned in the American press.  In 1809, Washington Irving (the author of "Tales from Sleepy Hollow") wrote about Sinterklaas in his "A History of New York."  Irving described Sinterklaas as a rotund little man in a typical Dutch costume, with knee breeches and a broad-brimmed hat, who traveled on horseback on the Eve of Saint Nicholas.  In 1822, Clement Clark Moore, a poet and professor of theology, published the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (also known as "The Night Before Christmas").  Moore's Santa is a jolly old elf who flies around in a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer.  Moore even named the reindeer by the names we know them today, and the method by which Santa returns up the chimney.

Thomas Nast, the illustrator and caricaturist who created the donkey and elephant images to depict the US Democratic and Republican parties, contributed his own vision of Santa for Harper's Weekly magazine from 1860 until the late 1880s.  Nast depicted Santa in a red, fur-trimmed suit and a wide leather belt.  Each year he added more details to his version of the Santa legend, including the home-workshop at the North Pole and the Naughty & Nice list.

In 1885, Nast sketched two children looking at a map of the world and tracing Santa's journey from the North Pole to the United States.  The following year, the American writer, George P. Webster, took up this idea, explaining that Santa's toy factory and "his house, during the long summer months, was hidden in the ice and snow of the North Pole."

In 1931, Haddon Sundblom presented Santa as a plump human rather than an elf, with a jovial face and big beard in a Coca-Cola advertisement, (Coca-Cola was a client of Sundblom's advertising agency from 1924 to until his death in 1976).  Today, it is Sundblom's Santa that slips down chimneys around the world.

EL NACIMIENTO

In most Mexican homes the principal holiday adornment is el Nacimiento (Nativity scene).  The focal point, naturally, is a stable, where clay or plaster figurines of the Holy Family are sheltered.  The scene may be further populated by an angel, Los Reyes Magos (the Magi), the ox and the ass, shepherds and their flocks, and assorted other people and livestock.  It is not unusual to also find the forces of evil represented by a serpent and a grotesque Lucifer lurking in the shadows.  The figures may be simply positioned in a bed of heno (Spanish moss), or scattered throughout an elaborate landscape.

A major masterpiece may occupy an entire room, often near the front of the house for convenient viewing by neighbors and passersby.  The creation of the basic landscape begins with papel roca (paper painted in earth tones) draped over tables, taped onto boxes, crushed and shaped to form a multi-leveled, natural looking terrain that frequently includes a series of hills and dales, a cellophane waterfall, a mirror pond, artificial trees, cacti, palm trees, and little houses set to form an entire village scene.  Colored sawdust and a variety of natural mosses may be spread out as ground cover before the addition of strings of Christmas lights and the assorted human and animal figures.  The scene will not be completed until Christmas Eve when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger bed.

CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO

The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December - to party, spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends.  One of the biggest fiestas of the year - in small towns, big cities, the beach resorts, everywhere - Christmas in Mexico is celebrated in a variety of ways.  A common denominator is the Las Posadas, a recreation of Mary (on donkey) and Joseph searching for a "room at the inn."  Accompanying them is a choir of small children who knock on doors asking for lodging for the weary couple.  By previous arrangement, there are no takers.

Las Posadas (The Inns) is an annual Mexican tradition that commemorates the struggles of Joseph and Mary in their attempt to find lodging for the imminent birth of their child.  The nine days of Las Posadas symbolize the nine months that the Virgin Mary carried the Baby Jesus, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit.  Las Posadas lasts from December 16-24, leading up to Christmas day.

Each evening of Las Posadas, invited and even uninvited guests arrive at their host's house, playing the parts of the freezing Mary and Joseph.  Standing outside with lighted candles, they plead their case with the verses of Las Posadas, translated as:

In the name of Heaven
I ask you for lodging,
Because she cannot walk,
My beloved wife.

 The group inside sings in return:

This is no inn,
Keep on going,
I won't open the door,
In case you are a truant.

 Back and forth the singing goes, until the verses lead the hosts to realize just who it is that is pleading outside their home.  Then, of course, they open their doors to the visitors, and sing another verse.

 The festivities continue inside the house - pinatas are broken, villancicos (Christmas carols) are sung.  Traditional foods, such as bunuelos (fried, sugar-coated pastries), tamales and ponche (fruit punch) are consumed as family and friends celebrate the season.

NOCHE BUENA

Holiday festivities culminate on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with the celebration of a late-night Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass).  Afterwards families head home for a traditional Christmas supper which may feature a simple fare of homemade tamales and atole (corn gruel) or other regional dishes.  A more exotic feast might include bacalao a la vizcaina (Biscayan cod) and revoltijo de romeritos (wild greens in mole sauce).  Roast turkey, ham or suckling pig are other popular menu items for those who can afford it.  Ponche (a hot fruit punch), sidra (sparkling cider) or other spirits are served for the holiday brindis (toast).  The evening is rounded out with the opening of gifts and, for the children, pinatas and luces de Belen (sparklers).  As these happy family gatherings generally last into the wee hours, December 25th is set aside as a day to rest and enjoy that universal holiday bonus -- el recalentado (leftovers).

            Incidentally, Santa Claus and the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof do not generally figure in the scheme of Navidad.  A Mexican youngster's holiday wish list is directed instead to el Nino Dios (the Holy Child) for Christmas Eve and the Reyes Magos (Magi) for Three Kings Day.

FLOR DE NOCHE BUENA

Its Latin name is Euphorbia Pulcherrima.  Its Mexican monikers include the ancient Nahuatl term Cuitlaxochitl (star flower), along with Catarina (Catherine), Flor de Pastor (Shepherd's Flower) and, most commonly, Flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Flower).

In the English-speaking world this illustrious holiday bloom is called the Poinsettia, named after Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, a U.S. diplomat who served as Minister to Mexico in the 1820's.  Like many  newcomers to Mexico, he was no doubt enthralled by the sight of the gargantuan shrubs covered in mid-winter with brilliant vermillion blossoms.  After experimenting with various methods of propagation, he returned home to Charleston, South Carolina with enough cuttings to begin the cultivation of these stunning plants in northern climes.

The bright petals of the poinsettia are not really flowers, but bracts or leaves that surround the true blossom, a rather inconspicuous cluster of yellow florets.  The bracts may be solid creamy white, salmon pink or scarlet, variegated or double blooms.

            Among pre-Hispanic tribes of ancient Mexico, the Cuitlaxochitl was more than just a pretty face.  The blood-red bracts were often placed on the chests of those suffering afflictions of the heart to help stimulate circulation.  They were sometimes crushed to a pulp to be used as a poultice for the treatment of skin infections.

A note of good cheer to those more inclined to be couch potatoes than gardeners: Modern-day Mexicans enjoy still another form of Noche Buena-- a rich, dark, bock-like beer distributed only during the holiday season.

DIA DE LOS REYES

The Christmas season continues unabated in Mexico through Epiphany, which is called Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day).  Echoing the arrival in Bethlehem of Wise Men bearing gifts for the baby Jesus, children throughout Mexico anxiously await waking up January 6 to find toys and gifts left by the Reyes Magos (Magi).  In some regions it is customary to leave out shoes where treasures may be deposited by the visiting Wise Men.

A special treat served one this day is the Rosca de Reyes--a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits.  Tiny figures of babies are hidden in the dough before baking.  There is much excitement as each partaker cuts his or her own slice, for whoever gets a piece containing a baby is obliged to host another party on or before Candlemas, February 2, when Mexico's holiday season finally comes to an end.

AKUMAL CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

            This year's Christmas Candlelight Service will be December 23 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the community stage in Akumal.  There will be a Live Nativity, Christmas and Holiday Music, Lighting of Advent Candles, and Chorus performed by English class of Miss Donna's will be part of the fun.  Please join in on singing and welcoming in the season of Christmas

LOS SANTOS INOCENTES

December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents, is a religious commemoration of King Herod's ordering the slaughter of all male infants in his kingdom, intended to include the Christ Child.  In Mexico, it is celebrated as day akin to April Fool's Day, an occasion for jokes and pranks.  The usual tactic is to approach a friend and ask to borrow cash or some object of value.  If fooled by the ploy, the victim may be given a candy or silly gift in return, along with much joking and name calling.  So beware or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!

FACT AND RUMORS

            It is a fact that Tony James showed up at the wedding party at Blue Sky on Friday, November 25^th, with a bandage on the bridge of his nose and a good-sized red welt right between his eyes.  Unfortunately, neither Tony nor Judy would supply a photo, and Por Esto is maintaining exclusivity on the ones they have, brokering deals with The Inquirer and numerous London tabloids.  There has been a lot of speculation and rumors on how these injuries unexpectedly came about, and some of these include: 

• Judy got mad at Tony's inability to fix and restore the hot water, and she hit Tony with a piece of PVC pipe
• Tony wanted to wear a gaudy, bright, colorful, Hawaiian shirt to the wedding on Saturday, and Judy threw the invitation at Tony, hitting him on the bridge of the nose.  Tony wore a white Guayabera and beige slacks, and he looked like part of the wedding party.
• Tony was ogling one of the young, female tourists at the Beach Bar, and somebody - Judy or the woman's boy friend - hit Tony right between the eyes with an ice cube from a Cuba Libre.
• Other reported rumors are just too spicy to be reported in The Akumalian, but Por Esto claims other rumors are factual, and they do have the photos to support their claims.

 Through all of this, Tony maintains that it was an accident.  No, he did not run into a door, but a cross beam from the Lol Ha Beach Bar construction site.  Will we ever know, "The Rest of the Story"?

A SANTA SIGHTING OVER THE PACIFIC?

Denny & Diane reported they saw Santa Claus somewhere over the Pacific Ocean on their way to Sydney.  The Air Canada pilot reported that Santa usually uses the open South pacific for his test runs and to try out new reindeer.  Something went wrong on this one.  Will Santa recover in time?
 

DID YOU KNOW?

The first reference of a fir tree decorated for Christmas is at Riga in Latvia in 1510.  In 1521, the Princess Helene de Mecklembourg introduced the Christmas tree to Paris after marrying the Duke of Orleans.  There also is a printed reference to Christmas trees in Germany, dated 1531.  Another famous reference, to 1601, is about a visitor to Strasbourg, Germany (now part of France) who noticed a family decorating a tree with "wafers and golden sugar-twists (barley sugar) and paper flowers of all colors."

The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German settlers and by Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War.  In 1804, US soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (Chicago) hauled trees from surrounding woods to their barracks.

Britain was introduced to the Christmas tree in 1841, when Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert brought a Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal family.  The custom of the Christmas tree spread quickly to the middle class, to working people, and throughout the colonies (where the Empire's flag would sometimes top the tree).

HANUKKAH

The joyful Hanukkah celebration of the Jewish people occurs in December, usually at the same time as the Christmas season, and this year (5766/2005) Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 25th.  Traditionally, it commemorates the rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem.  Hanukkah was first celebrated over 2,000 years ago after the Jews, under the leadership of Judah the Maccabee (the Hammer), recaptured the Temple from the Syrians.  Because the Syrians had occupied and defiled the Temple, it had to be ritually cleansed.  Also, the Jews needed to find oil for the sacred lamp.  According to legend, the Jews found only one jug of oil which was enough for the lamp to burn just one night, but it burned in the lamp for eight days and nights.  These eight days and nights became the Hanukkah festival, which Jewish people have celebrated ever since in many lands and under many different circumstances.

The story also says that when the victorious Jews first entered the Temple, they found eight iron spurs abandoned by the Syrians in their flight.  On these Spurs the Jews stuck eight candles, and the light was the origin of the special menorah (candlestick) which burns during the festival.

Hanukkah has usually been celebrated more in the home than in the synagogue.  On each night of Hanukkah, the family gathers around the menorah and lights and blesses the festive candle-- one on the first night, two the second, and so on, until in the final evening all eight are burning.  They exchange gifts, play dreidel games, eat latkes, and retell the story of the victory of the Maccabees and the little jug of oil that burned for eight days.

KID’S PINATA PARTY

            On December 25^th there will be a Pinata Party for the kids at Lol-ha Beach bar, at 11am.

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life, which claims no ties with any religion. 

Kwanzaa, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26, 1966.  Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles.  Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa.  Kwanzaa seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa was born out of the whirlwind of social and political changes of the sixties decade.  The sixties represent one of many eras during which the African and African-American struggle for freedom and self-identity reached its historical peak, spawning multiple revolutionary movements.

By creating Kwanzaa, African-Americans sought to rectify the cultural and economic exploitation perpetrated against us during the months of October, November, and December (the Christmas season).  During this season, corporate America typically ignored the quality of life concerns of African-Americans, yet encouraged participation in the commercialism of Christmas.  Additionally, African-Americans did not observe a holiday that was specific to their needs.  A review of the major holidays celebrated in the United States would reveal that not one related specifically to the growth and development of African-Americans.  The development of Kwanzaa assumed a reassessment, reclaiming, recommitment, remembrance, retrieval, resumption, resurrection, and rejuvenation of the "Way of Life" principles recognized by African-Americans.  These principles have strengthened African-Americans during their worldwide sojourn.

Today, Kwanzaa is recognized by millions throughout America and the world.  It is celebrated often in community settings provided by homes, churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools, and places of work.  Kwanzaa allows African-Americans to celebrate the season without shame or fear of embracing their history, their culture, and themselves.
  

THE FULL MOON

The Full Cold Moon occurs on December 15, 10:15 a.m. AST, and among some tribes it is referred to as the Full Long Nights Moon.  In this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and the nights are at their longest and darkest.  The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and the Moon is above the horizon a long time.  The midwinter full Moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low Sun.
  

COMINGS AND GOINGS

This past month had large number comings and goings, especially over the Thanksgiving week holidays. It's supposed to be a "slow time" between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but people are still coming.  And once again, a number of comings and goings are going to be missed, but……

 Comings:

• Jack & Ann Kennedy   were back for an extended stay.
• Nance & Creighton Walker were here at 7 Seas, briefly.
• Tony, Joan, Cassy, and Alex Gonzalez celebrated Thanksgiving in Akumal.
• Tom & Judy Baxter visited for a short time.
• Jim & Kathy (Sonheim) Farrell popped in for a bit.
• Laura & Ryan Bush were in town over Thanksgiving school vacation.
• Bud & Alice Blatner returned for the holidays in Akumal.
• Bente Palmer is back again after an extended vacation trip to Oz and whirlwind business trips to Beijing and Shanghai.  She’s staying with Phoebe, who must be back as well.
• Oveta & Gary Vardell hopped over for a bit.
• Susan Meade has been in and out a couple of times.
• Wally Koenz was in Aventuras with "the boys".
• Wendell & Lynda Day are (still) in Aventuras.
• Lynn Chase and Rick Tompkins returned to Aventuras for the holidays.
• Larry & Karen Kantor were back on the Lagoon for two weeks.
• Salvador and Tricia are back, and staying for a spell.
• Rhett Schober returned from Japan.
• There was a confirmed El Moreland sighting in South Akumal.
• Don Fox was at the Beach Bar last week.
• Ron & Shari Stern are back, and they now own property in North Akumal.
• Michelle & Dave Bliss are back for a very short visit, without the boys.
• Lynn, from Casa Luna was in town.
• David Richards made a brief appearance at the Beach Bar, but no bucket of margaritas.
• And, Didiere Jackson is back!!
• Ryan still did not come down to Casa Colibri; February.
•  

 Where in the world is Bob Mulgrew?

DID YOU KNOW?

The earliest Latin calendar was a 10-month one, beginning with March; thus, September was the seventh month, October, the eighth, etc. July was originally called Quintilis, meaning fifth; August was originally called Sextilis, meaning sixth.  And, December: from Decem, Latin for "ten".

THE WINTER SOLSTICE

Wednesday, December 21, marks the Winter Solstice - the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.  The precise moment of the 2005 solstice will be December 21, 2005 at 1:35 P.M. EST (18:35 UT).

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice.  Hence, the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, "sun" and -stitium, "a stoppage."  Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.

            In astronomy, the solstice is either of the two times a year when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, the great circle on the celestial sphere that is on the same plane as the earth's equator.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn, and the summer solstice occurs either June 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Cancer.  In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter and summer solstices are reversed.

The reason for the different seasons at opposite times of the year in the two hemispheres is that while the earth rotates about the sun, it also spins on its axis, which is tilted some 23.5 degrees towards the plane of its rotation.  Because of this tilt, the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight (creating winter) while the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (creating summer).  As the Earth continues its orbit the hemisphere that is angled closest to the sun changes and the seasons are reversed.
 

AKUMAL'S SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC

The spay and neuter clinic was held on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 & 13, at the Secondaria in the Akumal Pueblo, and it was considered a HUGE success by all involved.  The group saw about 112 dogs and cats and one quadamundi, and over 60 surgeries were performed (35 Saturday and 25 Sunday).  The clinic was well run, very professional and everyone seemed to be a perfect fit for the roles they filled.

Kelly, Jen, Bart, Dani, Scott, and Rocio did a phenomenal job of pulling this together, as they worked like mad from concept to clean up.  Annie, Miranda, and Maggie did a fantabulous job in recovery, and Lucy, Sarah and Alex added their help and support wherever needed.  Sandra, Juan, Salvadore, and the other vets did an amazing job, and VIDAS (Veterinarios Internacionales Dedicados a Animales Sanos) was just great with their support and help with supplies.

Rocio went to the schools on Thursday and Friday and talked to the children and handed out permission slips for them to take home to their parents, in case the parents could not bring their pet in, and the children had to.  This worked out well, and it also gave the kids a way to tell their parents what they had learned.

This was truly a special event, because it showed how to make an area sustainable and what happens when a community works together.  It was like seeing the fruit of many people's hard work, dreams and visions finally come to be.

The morning after the Akumal Clinic Jen, Kelly, Rocio, Dani and Scott were already talking about the next ones.  The goal is to do a clinic every 6-8 week from now until spring.  Chemuyil, Coba Road, and Hidden Worlds are places they are looking at for the next event.

Congratulations also go to the SPA Tulum group, who worked amazingly hard to set up their Mexican Business.  This is a vital step in being able to see the shelter become a reality, and if anyone wants to see progress at its best, be sure to stop by Juan's clinic.  Hard to believe it all started in an empty laundry across the street.

The core group (Jen, Rocio, Kelly, Ann, Maureen, Carlos, Lydia, Ana Laura, Gary, and Joyce) had a great meeting the following week.  One subject discussed was about getting a website going to highlight all the animal groups in the area, and what they are doing, when.  It will be helpful to have a united front.  The idea is that this would be done under the umbrella name of SPAY (Society for the Protection of Animals Yucatan), which was inspired by the Tulum group.  It means the same thing in Spanish and English.  Alex and Lydia will be working on ways to use Yucatan Environmental Foundation as the US non-profit for this. 

PLAYA DEL CARMEN OPENINGS

            The Hong Kong restaurant is now open for business at its new location on the west side (left hand side going north towards Cancun) highway MX307.  It's just slightly south from Playa del Carmen, and there also seems to be a drive through for picking up "take-out."  Have not seen any Hong Kong motor bikes making deliveries to Akumal yet.

             Wal-Mart Super-Store, on the corner of 30^th and 8^th behind the Municipality, is OPEN for business and the last minute Christmas shopping.  It has an underground garage!  Have not been there yet.

 A huge Un-Named Building is being built on the corner of 30^th and Av. Constituyentes, just up the street from the new Wal-Mart, and we have not heard anything about what this might be.  It has been reported that this is going to be a Commercial Mexicana MEGA store.

PROPERTY TAXES

            Speaking of Playa del Carmen and the Municipality, there is a 25 percent discount on property taxes paid before December 31^st.

LEFT-HAND TURN RULES NEED TO BE EMPHASIZED 

            It's high season, and the tourists are flocking to Akumal, and it is absolutely imperative that all landlords, property managers, and rental agents emphasize the left-hand turn rules and the importance of them.

            Unfortunately, there was accident last week at the entrance to South Akumal, because the driver (not a tourist) did not know about, or apply, the left-hand turn rules.
 

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT LOL-HA RESTAURANT

            The Lol-Ha restaurant will be the scene of another one of its wonderful New Year's Eve celebrations.  Unfortunately, the menu is too long to include here.  It's basically a shortened version of the regular menu, with five special appetizers and eight main courses.

Reservations are required for the 6:30 and 9:00 pm seatings, and a deposit of $10USD per person is required.  And, there is a $10USD cover charge for the second seating, which includes music by a DJ, dancing, party favors, and the fantabulous midnight celebration. 

E-mail Laura for reservations at laura@hotelakumalcaribe.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Gutes Neues Jahr

 Feliz Año Nuevo

 Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu

 Shanah tovah

 Szczesliwego Nowego roku

 Buon Capo d'Anno      Godt Nytår                     Gott Nytt År

 Bonne année            Gelukkig nieuwjaar              Xin nian yu kuai

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