Random Musings

MERIDA, YUCATAN.  Recently, I’ve been wondering. I’ve been wondering about the cost of the ‘1er Informe’ (1^st yearly state government report), which was featured in TYT last month here: http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/01/rolando-zapata-demand-more-from-me/. Specifically, the cost of the ‘advertising’ (i.e. propaganda) plastered on every available billboard, bus, bus shelter, taxi, etc., plus constant spots on the radio, TV and in print media.  For a couple of weeks before the ‘Informe’ you couldn’t go 50 meters without being assaulted by another billboard ‘informing’ you of the miracles the state government has performed in its first year. Then of course, there was the event itself, which featured entertainment and other diversions for the adoring crowd. How much, exactly did this cost? Was it, in the government’s opinion, a good use of funds?

While thinking about the state government and its ‘achievements’, I also wondered why, when Yucatán is already the safest state in the country, the government felt it necessary to hire hundreds of new police patrols? What, exactly, will they be used for?

While thinking about the new police, I wondered why we currently have vehicular ‘retenes’ (checkpoints) all around the city, manned by the state police, most of whom can be found either sitting in their cars, sitting under nearby trees for shade, or standing around playing with their mobile phones, rather than paying any attention to the passing vehicles? Will the new patrol officers be performing this same valuable function?

Keen to obtain answers to these questions, I contacted Governor Rolando Zapata’s press office, and sent them over. More than two weeks later, I am yet to receive a response, and I am not holding my breath for one.

As one of the other political parties is currently ‘advertising’ on billboards around town “Yucatán escuchará el informe, pero tambien preguntará” (Yucatan will hear the report, but will also ask). Good luck with asking.

* * *

Have you been to Sisal to see the new face of the town, as reported in TYT here: http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/01/the-new-face-of-sisal/? On a recent Sunday afternoon, we took a trip over there. It is indeed, lovely. Unfortunately, while the town looks beautiful, the same poor standards of service prevail at its restaurants and eateries. We intended to have lunch at ‘El Muelle de Sisal’, generally considered to be the best place in town. We arrived, and took a seat at one of the few vacant tables. There were still dirty items on the table from the previous guests, along with the leather folder containing the tip for the server. We waited. And waited. Several servers passed us, none acknowledged us or endeavored to serve us, or indeed clear the detritus from the table. After 15 minutes, we stood up and left. Apparently, no one cared.

Next stop was the restaurant right at the base of the pier, in a previous incarnation known as ‘Corsarios’, however without any current identifying name painted on the outside. It was busy, with most tables occupied. While wondering where to sit, we spoke with some customers already in the restaurant. They told us they had been seated for 45 minutes, and apart from their drinks, had yet to receive anything else they had ordered. This did not sound auspicious, so on we moved.

Hoping for third time lucky, we stepped inside ‘Restaurant Juanita’, a block from the base of the pier. Tables were available, and we were greeted relatively fast, although the waiter gave the impression he really didn’t care if we were there or not. The food was good (especially delicious was the fried fish in garlic sauce), the ‘botanas’ generous, the beer cold, and the prices reasonable; service speed declined however as the restaurant got busier.

Overall, I would recommend a visit to Sisal to see the newly painted buildings, and the beach of course is still beautiful. You might want to take a picnic with you though.

Hacienda Dzibikak – The most romantic hacienda in Yucatán.

Mérida and the state of Yucatán offer many venues for weddings and events, and indeed, many haciendas. Hacienda Dzibikak however, with its superb reconstruction and stunning panoramas is a truly special ‘hidden gem’, located 20 minutes driving distance from Merida, just outside Umán.   

Richard Nichols, was born in England to a Mexican mother and British father, and consequently was a frequent visitor to Mexico, along with his wife Lena, however always to Mexico City, where his mother’s family lived. They found that they didn’t enjoy the weather in the capital, and, during one visit, decided to come to Mérida, where they stayed at Hacienda Xcanatun, their first taste of hacienda life. Suddenly, an idea started to form in their minds.

Realizing that for the price of their small apartment in London, they could be the owners of a hacienda in Yucatán, Richard and Lena started investigating the possibilities, and in 2005, took the plunge with the purchase of Hacienda Dzibikak; at the time, an overgrown ruin. The development and reconstruction of the hacienda took 6 years, the first 4 years remotely from the UK, and the final 2 years on site in Mérida. It was, as Richard tells it, a nightmare, well beyond anything he could possibly have imagined at the start. Having seen the ‘before’ pictures, I fully understand the extent of the work that was done, and can only congratulate Richard and Lena on seeing it through to its conclusion.

While Richard and Lena had the vision of owning a hacienda, they were not so sure what they were going to do with it once it was reconstructed, and the arrival of the first wedding inquiry came out of the blue, when a passing ‘father of the bride’ knocked on the door one day. Four years later, the business has grown steadily, and in the years to come, this side of the business will doubtless continue to increase.

A big part of the appeal of holding a wedding in Mérida is the safety and security offered by the location, and this is proving a major attraction for couples from other parts of the Mexican republic, particularly the northern cities, where large family gatherings can be considered unwise. Destination weddings increase in popularity all the time, and the Mérida area is riding the wave started by Cancun.

The hacienda charges between $20,000 and $35,000 pesos (US$1550 – US$2700 at current exchange rates) for the venue for a wedding, accommodating up to 1200 guests for 8 hours. The average attendance at weddings to date is in the region of 350 – 400 guests. The big appeal of holding a wedding at Hacienda Dzibikak is the ‘homelike’ atmosphere, with attendees free to roam throughout most of the property. The rate includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe suite for the bride and groom.

In addition to weddings, the hacienda is popular for photo sessions, often catering to wedding couples who are looking for a spectacular location for their photos, even if they are holding their reception elsewhere. Other clients include ‘quinceañeras’ as well as corporate photo shoots, an area which they are particularly keen to see developed further.  Corporate events have been held at the hacienda, and a ballet with 300 attendees was a recent success.

While continuing to develop the wedding and corporate business areas, a future focus will be the rental of the entire hacienda, for family getaways or incentive events. Available for a minimum duration of 3 or 4 days, the hacienda can accommodate 12 people, with staff to cater to their every need, and will cost from US$15,000 per week off peak and US$25,000 per weak in peak season. Richard is currently working on a website featuring hacienda rentals, which in addition to Hacienda Dzibikak, is planned to showcase other haciendas in the area, providing a one stop shopping site for anyone in the market for a hacienda rental.  

A range of hacienda style furniture is also being developed, and Richard and Lena employ a fulltime carpenter on this project. Various items are on display at the hacienda, and can be ordered, to enjoy the ‘hacienda at home’ experience.

A major event in the hacienda’s calendar is the Mérida Music Festival; a partnership between Richard, musician Colin Gow, Sean Hennessy (owner of Hennessy’s Irish Pub), and Jürgen Eggers (owner of La Bierhaus); the third edition of which will be held this year on March 29. Six hours of live music will start at 2pm, and during the course of the afternoon and evening will feature Los Lásgori, Golden Years, Flus Boox, Eduardo Rodriguez (performing a Santana tribute) and CopyPaste (featuring Maydel García). Presale tickets are $225 pesos at Hennessy’s on Paseo de Montejo, and La Bierhaus – Colonia Mexico. Learn more at http://meridamusicfestival.com/?lang=en.

If you are planning a wedding, corporate or incentive event, or fancy taking over a hacienda for a few days for an unforgettable family reunion, why not consider Hacienda Dzibikak? Richard, Lena and their team stand ready to assist you with whatever you need. For more information, visit http://haciendadzibikak.com/?lang=en or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Khee.Tang

Chichi Suárez Bridge fully finished and looking great!

MERIDA, YUCATAN – Have you passed along the east side of the periferico recently? The new bridge at the Chichi Suárez intersection opened to traffic a few weeks ago; however is now fully open, with the glorieta under the bridge also in use, and beautifully landscaped. It’s a great example of the high quality construction that exists in Mexico, and proof of federal funds being put to good use. The stop light that used to be at this intersection was a major source of annoyance to drivers; the new bridge has made access to Chichi Suárez considerably easier, and avoids the need for drivers on the periferico to even reduce speed, let alone stop at a red light while passing through.

Thanks to AZ Publicidad (jherrera@azpublicidad.net) for the photos.

La Perla Tapatía

GUADALAJARA, JALISCO – While Mérida was rocking to the sounds of Maná at the opening of the Coliseo Yucatán (http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/02/22330/), we were far to the west, in Guadalajara, Mexico’s ‘second city’, famous for mariachis, tequila, and a unique style of cuisine.

Actually, we regretted missing the Maná concert, however had booked the trip to Guadalajara months ago, during one of Interjet’s online sales, and had secured tickets via Mexico City at an extremely good price. It’s not the fastest way between Mérida and Guadalajara (that honor goes to VivaAerobus which flies nonstop in 2 ½ hours, 3 days a week) but, as you will know if you have flown Interjet, it is by far the best airline in Mexico, and the most comfortable, with seat pitch of 34”, several inches more than other airlines.  Even with a transfer in Mexico City, is still a relatively fast way to travel between the capitals of Yucatán and Jalisco.  

Although a huge metropolitan area, Guadalajara is surprisingly manageable for the visitor, with the main areas of interest being concentrated in and to the immediate west of the centro historico. Unlike Mexico City, with its frenetic pace and perpetually stressed population, Guadalajara is much more laid back, and the Tapatíos (as the city’s residents are known) generally relaxed and happy. 

From the airport in Guadalajara, it is a $300 peso taxi ride to the center of the city, not unreasonable given the relatively long distance, and the traffic can be heavy, depending on the time of day.

We chose to stay at the Hotel One Guadalajara Centro Historico, located directly on Plaza de Armas, in the heart of the city. It’s a great location, convenient for exploring the center of the city, and with excellent connections to other parts of the city using the extensive bus network.

First stop for lunch was at Kamilos 333, the best place in town for ‘Carne en su jugo’, a local specialty, which is a type of beef stew, cooked with bacon, beans and a flavorful broth, including cilantro among other ingredients. The better known Karne Garibaldi is right next door, and a fierce rivalry exists locally, however for my money, Kamilos 333 offers the better experience.

Other ‘not to be missed’ culinary delights in the city include the famous ‘Torta Ahogada’ (literally ‘drowned sandwich’) which is a crunchy baguette style pork sandwich, drenched in a tomato based sauce, and Pozole, a pork and corn soup with tomato base.

As one would expect in a city of 6 million, there is a vast selection of eating and drinking establishments, with the centro historico being well supplied. Slightly more upscale is the area centered around Avenida Chapultepec in Colonia Americana, a 30 minute walk west from centro, or a short bus or taxi ride. Wandering around, we came across York Pub, a new addition to the Chapultepec scene, which offered a moderately authentic British pub atmosphere, great service and very reasonable prices.

Tapatíos love football (soccer), and Guadalajara boasts two top teams, Chivas and Atlas, each of which play at their own dedicated stadium. Having previously attended a Chivas game at the new Estadio Omnilife, this time we chose to watch Atlas play at the 54 year old Estadio Jalisco, which we found to be much more atmospheric than the newer and fancier facility used by Chivas. It’s also much easier to access, being only a few kilometers north of the center, on the route of the Macrobus.

An interesting side trip is the city of Zapopan, immediately to the north of Guadalajara, and part of the same metropolitan area. Accessible via the comfortable TUR bus service, for $12 pesos per person, Zapopan is best known for being the home of the Virgin of Zapopan, an image of the Virgin Mary, dating from the 16^th century, which has been credited with a number of miracles, and which is to be found at the basilica.

Less famous, but our main reason for visiting, are the seafood restaurants, offering fish and seafood brought fresh daily from the pacific ports. Fresh oysters and patas de mula (a type of black clam) are an excellent choice, and at $70 pesos for a dozen, reasonably priced.

The weather at this time of year could not be better – warm and sunny in the daytime, with highs around 29°c / 85°f, and overnight lows a cool 6°c / 43°f. Rain is virtually unknown during the winter.

If you fancy a big city experience, but can’t face Mexico City, then look further west to Guadalajara – La Perla Tapatía – it may be just what you are looking for.

IF YOU GO:

We travelled with Interjet (www.interjet.com.mx), with service from Mérida, via Mexico City. Sign up for their email alerts, and watch out for a sale! If you prefer to fly nonstop, and don’t mind the cattle car style of service, there is a nonstop flight three times a week with VivaAerobus (http://www.vivaaerobus.com/en)

We stayed at the Hotel One Guadalajara Centro Historico, part of Mexico’s Grupo Posadas hospitality group. We found it clean, quiet, comfortable and excellently located. A basic breakfast and high speed WIFI are included in all rates. Rooms on the front have a view across Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. http://www.onehotels.com/home

Kamillos 333 is located at Jose Clemente Orozco 333, in the ‘Santa Tere’ neighborhood. Details on their website: http://www.kamilos333.com/ or via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kamilos-333/194606397242926

York Pub is located at Chapultepec 179, in Colonia Americana. Details on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yorkpubgdl

For more general tourist information, check Visit Mexico’s website: http://www.visitmexico.com/en/guadalajara

Touring the markets of Mérida

MERIDA, YUCATAN.  If you live in, or have visited Mérida, chances are you’re aware of the markets. The region south of Calle 65, east of Calle 60 is the main market area of the city, with Mercado San Benito and Mercado Lucas de Galvéz being the best known. Perhaps you have been inside one or more of the markets, or are even a regular visitor, shopping like a local to pick up the freshest seasonal produce. Or, maybe, like many expat residents and visitors, you find the markets too confusing or even a little intimidating, and, while you would like to go in, you haven’t done so for fear of getting lost, or of not knowing what you are buying. Recently, I discovered there is a solution for anyone who is in the second group, who wishes they were in the first.

Mercado Lucas de Galvéz 

Whether you are ‘market shy’ and want to learn the ropes, or a regular market shopper who would like to gain more knowledge, “Rosa’s Market Tour” may be for you. Born and brought up in the UK, Rosa Soares has lived in Mexico for 14 years, the last 6 of which, in Mérida. As a housewife, married to a local man, and living in Mérida on a local budget, necessity initially took Rosa to the markets, where she found her pesos stretched considerably further than they did at the supermarket. Day by day, she explored further, finding she had an interest in the products on sale, the vendors, and their stories. As time went on, her knowledge expanded, as did her desire to share it. Fast forward to March, 2013, and “Rosa’s Market Tour” was officially born.

Visiting the 'molino'

Now, almost a year later, Rosa is finding ever increasing interest in her tour, both from resident expats, keen to learn how to shop like locals, and visitors with the desire to see this unique side of life. Although she hesitates to describe herself as an ‘expert’, Rosa’s knowledge of the markets, the products on sale, the vendors, their backgrounds and way of life is truly amazing, and although already a regular market visitor myself, I learned a great deal from her, when I joined her on a recent tour.

The tours generally last around 4 hours, and take place on demand on weekdays, with no more than 5 people in a group. Rosa talks about the history of the markets and the city in general, highlighting points of interest while walking around and between the markets. She includes folklore and anecdotes, as well as product and shopping knowledge, making this a fascinating tour even for those who are not specifically interested in market shopping. Tours cover all the main markets in centro, and are customized on a per tour basis according to time of day, seasonal produce, etc. Upon request, Rosa also customizes the tours further according to interests of the participants, for example bakers, or cake makers. I’d encourage any resident expat or visitor to take Rosa’s tour; it’s almost guaranteed to teach you something new. Wear good walking shoes!

Did you know that 13 types of citrus grow in Yucatan?

Rosa’s latest venture is collaborating with two locals who have developed an all-day gastronomic workshop tour, which they operate approximately once a month. The tour features a village near Izamal, highlighting pre-Hispanic cooking methods, visiting a local Maya family, and culminating in a meal, which the participants help to cook. During the day, you’ll learn how to make your own achiote / recado rojo paste, muc bil pollo, and the refreshing drink pozole. All ingredients used are sourced from the family’s vegetable patch, farm, or village. While the muc bil pollo is cooking in the pib (underground pit oven) there are options to visit surrounding attractions. Rosa is on hand as translator and to explain what is happening. It sounds like a brilliant way to spend a Saturday or Sunday (which are the only days the tour is offered), while helping to promote, preserve and sustain an authentic rural village in Yucatan. The reasonable tour price includes transportation from Mérida.

Rosa can be reached via her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helping-Hand-Rosas-Merida-Market-Tour/360136987428531 or by email at rosameridamarkettour@hotmail.com

So what does it cost to live in Mérida?

MERIDA, YUCATAN.  I often get asked this question; indeed more often since my last column mentioning the ever increasing cost of living in certain European countries (read it here: http://tinyurl.com/m8vthna if you missed it.)

It’s not such a simple question to answer as you might think. Generally, I answer that you can live as cheaply in Mérida as you want to. Want to live like a local on a local budget? You can do it. Want to live like a movie star on a much lower budget than you would need to do so in California? You can do that too. For the purposes of answering the question, the following figures are based on my own experience and knowledge of the basic minimum costs for essential and / or mandatory living expenses, i.e. things you are required to pay, or which constitute basic living requirements for most people. Beyond these, it’s up to you. For ease and simplicity, all figures are quoted in Mexican Pesos. For conversions, I recommend www.xe.com – which as of press time is quoting $13.5 pesos to US$1 USD, $18.5 pesos to €1 Euro, or $22 pesos to £1 GBP. Basically you can divide the figures I quote below by 13.5, 18.5, or 22 to get the figures in USD, EUR, or GBP respectively. Or head over to www.xe.com and let them do the work for you with constantly updated rates.

Let’s start with housing. You can rent a house in a ‘fraccionamiento’ for $2000 - $3000 pesos a month, or less. For a shorter term stay, a house in centro, or for a larger house, maybe with a pool, you’ll pay more. Thinking about buying? Check one of the many real estate websites for an idea of what is available, at prices well below what you would pay for an equivalent property in Europe or North America. Annual ‘predial’ (property tax payable to the city) is due in January. With a discount for prompt payment, mine was $105 pesos (yes, $105 pesos…) for the year. Annual garbage collection fee (in centro) is $140 pesos if you pay in advance for the full year. In outlying neighborhoods it is slightly more expensive. If you own your house, and are not a Mexican citizen, depending on your property location, you may own via a ‘fideicomiso’ (bank trust) which involves its own fees (usually in the range of $6500 pesos per year); your real estate agent would tell you more about these trusts, which are hopefully due for abolition in the next year or so, following which they will no longer be required.

Your bi-monthly electricity bill (from CFE) will depend (obviously) on how much you choose to use. If you live in a smallish house, use your air-conditioning only at night in the bedroom during the hotter months, and cook with gas, chances are your bill every two months will not be more than $600 pesos. On the other hand if you have central air-conditioning, which you run all day, every day, at a temperature of 18°c (65°f), it’s easy to multiply your bill by ten. My bi-monthly water bill (from JAPAY) is normally $62 pesos. Gas for cooking is supplied from the many trucks driving around town, which will fill your gas canister, or sell you one if you don’t have one. A refill costs around $350 pesos, and, unless you are cooking all day every day, will last for a long, long, time.

To keep in touch, a basic phone/internet package (from TELMEX) is $389 a month, which includes 100 local calls, 100 minutes of long distance in Mexico, and unlimited fast internet. If you use Skype or similar for your international ‘keeping in touch’, you will pay little or nothing extra. Want a cell phone for emergencies? Buy one at Oxxo, using Telcel’s Amigo system, which is ‘pay as you go’. The phone will cost you around $300 pesos initially, and a monthly top up of $50 pesos is needed to keep your credit active.

Not into cleaning? While not truly a ‘necessity’, a cleaning lady is a luxury that many people enjoy here in Mérida, and approximately $200 pesos per 4 hour session is a guide price. Don’t want to do your own laundry? Chances are, your cleaning lady will do it for you as part of her duties if you wish (and if you have your own laundry machines), or head to the nearest ‘lavanderia’, where for between $7 and $9 pesos a kilo, it will be washed, dried, and folded for you, and ready 24 hours later. Fancy having someone clear the weeds from your garden? $50 - $200 pesos will take care of it, depending on the size of the garden and of the weeds!

How about getting around? This depends on where you choose to live, and on your personal style. In centro, more or less anywhere is within walking distance. For traveling out from centro, or if you live outside, the buses are frequent and cheap, at $7 pesos per ride. Metered taxis are another option, with a ride in the main part of the city unlikely to exceed $50 pesos.

Can’t survive without TV? Broadcast TV is free. I rarely turn mine on, and consequently don’t bother to contract any additional service; however a good budget option (with some English language channels) is VETV (part of Sky) which charges $169 pesos a month. The bigger satellite and cable companies charge more, have more English channels, and offer a variety of packages.

What about eating? Do you want to do all of your shopping at Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club? Expect to pay accordingly. Prefer to head to the markets (San Benito and Lucas de Galvez in centro or the many smaller neighborhood markets around town)? Expect to pay like a local, and enjoy the freshest and most seasonal selections. If you find the markets to be confusing or intimidating, there is a cure for that… Watch for details soon in an upcoming column! Eating out is the same. If you choose to eat in the upscale, air-conditioned restaurants in some parts of north Mérida, you can expect to pay prices comparable to those found north of the border. Or you can enjoy lunch at a ‘cocina economica’, where you will find fresh, local dishes, varying daily, and unlikely to cost more than $60 pesos including soup and a drink.

Healthcare costs – This is a biggie, and one on which you should do your own research, depending on your own situation. I pay less than US$500 (US dollars) per year for a policy with a reasonable deductible. For minor ailments, many pharmacy chains have doctors on the premises, usually free or almost free ($20 – $40 pesos per visit) who will diagnose the problem and propose a treatment).

As mentioned, these are my own observations; things change by the day, and, very much according to your lifestyle. I’ll be interested to hear your comments.

What’s happening in Merida this week? The Merida Fest (formerly known as the Festival de la Ciudad) continues, and will run until January 31, as reported in TYT here: http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/01/the-merida-fest-continues-offering-daily-events/

The program is available here: http://www.merida.gob.mx/cultura/contenido/festival_programa.html

Over in Valladolid, the Expo Feria has just started, and will run for the next two weeks, as reported in TYT here: http://tinyurl.com/mgosasc. If you have never been to Valladolid, it’s a great excuse to make the short trip over there.

The program is available here: http://www.dondehayferia.com/expo-feria-valladolid-2014

Fancy trying somewhere new and different for an evening out? This week we discovered “Boyis Bar”, on Calle 35 in Col. San Nicolás. It’s a strange location, and an interesting concept – it styles itself as a ‘Cantina Urbana’, with industrial style decoration complementing the waiters dressed in coveralls and hard hats. It all sounds a bit like ‘The Village People’, but is actually a pleasant choice for a night out in a local setting. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/boyisbarmid for specials, directions, etc.

And finally this week, if anyone is interested, we know of a great potential business opportunity for someone interested in opening a bed and breakfast or small guesthouse in Merida, or who just wants a lot of space for inviting family and friends to visit. It’s a 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom house on the east side of centro, 20 minutes walking distance (13 blocks) from the plaza grande and cathedral. It’s unique in design, with a huge yard, event area, roof terrace, etc. It’s been on the market for a while, and the asking price is $1,500,000 pesos (US$111,500 US dollars at today’s exchange rate). Doubtless it needs some work, but could make a great project for the right person. We’re not involved in any way in the sale of the property, however are keen to see this unique property developed to its full potential. Contact stewart@theyucatantimes.com to be put in touch with the seller.

Back in the Land of the Maya

MERIDA, YUCATAN. And… we’re back. I must say, it’s nice to be back in the sunshine here in Merida, which, despite the occasional cold front (norte) blowing across, still provides one of the best winter climates in the world in my opinion.

Recently, I have been hearing from various British friends who live in Spain. There is a huge British expat community in Spain, both on the mainland and the island of Mallorca. They moved there for the weather and the lifestyle, but recently are reporting growing concern about crime, and the cost of living. It seems that as the Spanish economy heads downhill, crime is rising, and new taxes and utility cost increases are affecting the lives of the residents. To coin a phrase, there is trouble in paradise.

Britain’s “The Independent” newspaper reports that two in five expats living in Spain said that the cost of eating out had risen by more than 15%, while 71% reported an increase of more than 10% year-on-year on fuel. Housing prices and tax increases also were a concern.

According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, there has been a worrying hike in crime rates over the last few years, in particular violent crimes and burglaries.

It’s sad to see Spain, a country I like very much myself, heading down this path; one which is being shared by other European countries at this time.

For those who have the ability to take advantage however, it also presents an opportunity; namely, to look across the Atlantic, to Mexico, and the Yucatan peninsula, which offers a high standard of living at a bargain price, great weather, and a language with which Spanish residents will already be familiar. One need only browse the pages of www.theyucatantimes.com to find a myriad of reasons to consider living in Yucatan.

Winter in Yucatan

What’s happening this in Merida this week? The Merida Fest (formerly known as the Festival de la Ciudad) is now on and will run until January 31, as reported in TYT here: http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/01/the-merida-fest-continues-offering-daily-events/

The program is available here: http://www.merida.gob.mx/cultura/contenido/festival_programa.html

Have you been to Bule Beers yet? With its “African Safari” theme, it sounds tacky, but in fact it somehow works. Beers (‘medias’) are an incredible $10 pesos each on Mondays before 9pm, which, as far as we know, is the cheapest beer in town; $12 pesos each Tuesday to Sunday before 9pm, and a reasonable $23 pesos each after 9pm. A menu of light meals is also offered. Bule Beers is located just down the road from City Center mall, not far from the periferico. For more details, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bule-Beers-Mérida/1396158183935269

And don’t forget to visit our friends at Canada Burger! In addition to their regular burgers and poutine, their new mini burgers are now taking Merida by storm! Visit their Facebook page for more information and directions: https://www.facebook.com/amocanadaburger

For our review of their food, see: http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2013/10/a-canadian-cheeseburger-in-paradise/