Playa del Carmen Now Has an Animal Protection Act!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

As I noted at the end of Friday’s post about bullfights and cockfights, Playa del Carmen had just passed an animal protection act! Here’s an excerpt from a local news source, dated Friday, May 17:

Representatives in the [state’s] 13th Legislature unanimously approve the new Animal Protection and Wellbeing Act. The law presents a legal mechanism which will protect not only pets, but also all species of animals, by establishing new standards to guarantee wellbeing, care and proper treatment, to avoid mistreatment, cruelty and suffering.

The law applies to the state of Quintana Roo, which also includes Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum and Costa Maya.

This is an important step in a series of actions that have already been taking place to help protect animals.

Many expats are involved in animal rescue and shelter as a way to contribute back into the community that has given them their new home.

I’m proud to be living in a part of Mexico that is taking decisive steps in the right direction to protect animals!

-by Bea Lozano

Let Earth Day Inspire You – Eco-Lifestyles in Mexico

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

Earth Day (today, April 22) is an inspiring day for many of us. It reminds us that we need to take action to prevent pollution, live sustainably and protect wildlife and natural vegetation. It also reminds us of the possibility of living in harmony with nature.

It’s one of those things many of us support and think about, but when it comes to taking action and making it happen, there’s always something in the way or a reason why we (apparently) can’t make the leap right now. Sure, we all recycle, ride our bikes when we can and hope the government will cut back on pollution – and those things are great, but it would be nice to have the right chance to just go out and do it.

Here’s something that’s surprising for many people who haven’t lived in Mexico; it’s easier to live an environmental lifestyle here!

But you may ask yourself – why is living in Mexico better for an ecological lifestyle? Consider these points:

Mexico has a huge variety of natural settings, wildlife and biodiversity. In many parts of the country, there have simply never been the resources to develop these areas. Fortunately, as resources have increased with recent economic growth, many large protected areas, such as Sian Kaan, have been created.

Ecological residential developments are becoming increasingly common. Because of the point mentioned above, more residential developments are being designed with sustainable principles. Many are even being designed in a fully sustainable design, integrating nature and offering an ecological lifestyle in very close contact with that nature. (See, for example, Pueblo Sac-Be near Playa del Carmen.)

Eco-lifestyle is supported by a deep-rooted spirituality. Many people who want to live in harmony with nature also seek out the spiritual element of that lifestyle. The strong roots of Mayan mysticism, combined with the recent influence of Tibetian monks and yoga, in the Yucatan Peninsula have created a place where spiritual health, environmental health and bodily health are one and the same. (See, for example, Holistika, a new eco-village in Tulum.)

The cost of living is lower. While an eco-lifestyle is more natural and closer to the basics, up north it tends to cost considerably more. This is often one of the factors that prevents people from taking the dive. In Mexico, the cost of living is considerably lower – even for natural products and lifestyle – leaving people more freedom to choose the lifestyle that is best.

So, don’t be content to put a poster up on your fridge for Earth Day. Let this day inspire you to start something extraordinary! You may not change the world today, but you can start the steps to change your own lifestyle drastically for the better, and inspire others to follow you.

-by Bea Lozano

Tulum is One of the Best Places for Camping! – Pictures

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

When people think of traveling or vacations in Mexico, they think of resorts, hotels, luxury homes, comfortable condos, etc. All of this is readily found at great prices, so it makes sense. But what many people don’t realize is that Mexico has extraordinary camping locations. Tulum is one of these.

Camping in Tulum is excellent for many reasons. You’re right on the world’s most beautiful beaches. The weather is always warm. You’re surrounded by nature, but at the same time, there’s always a little shop or stand with food and snacks nearby. The starts and moon are simply amazing, as are the sunrises (as I pointed out on Monday.)

Take a look at some of my pictures from our recent camping trip on Tulum’s beaches:

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

Camping in Tulum just feels so good, so relaxing, so refreshing! Of course, being able to go take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea in the morning is a wonderful way to start a day.

I recommend for anyone to try camping in Tulum or other parts of Mexico if they get the chance.

-by Bea Lozano

Camping in Tulum, I Saw the Most Spectacular Sunrises

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

A couple of weeks ago, we went camping in Tulum. I got up before daybreak to get some pictures of the sun rising over the Caribbean – some of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll see, especially in the setting of the Mayan jungle, wide, sandy beaches and clear water of the Caribbean.

To start, take a look at the moon over the sea earlier in the night (you might have to adjust your screen a little see it well):

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

Check out your dream condo in Tulum

Now, here’s a sequence of pictures, showing the sunrise from the first light over the horizon, until the sun is fully up in the sky. Notice the fishermen’s boats lined up just off the beach:

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico
(Notice the dogs who came to enjoy the sunrise!)

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

And, just for fun, notice this nifty tool I found, which adds the time, date and weather to the pictures:

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

As anyone will know who’s gone camping, it’s easier to wake up earlier – and, here in Tulum, in the middle of nature, with the sound of birds and the waves, it’s just that much easier yet.

Next week, I’ll share some pictures of the rest of the camping experience.

-by Bea Lozano

The Mysterious Underground World – Dos Ojos Cenote, Playa del Carmen

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

Living in Mexico can be hot sometimes! But is there anything better to do on a hot day than relax in a fresh, crystal clear naturally made pool of water? Well, around here we call them cenotes. There are so many of them, but my favorite is Dos Ojos (2 eyes), named for its 2 large swimming holes. These cenotes are linked to caverns that run up and down the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Dos Ojos is about 10-15 minutes north of Tulum, almost opposite Xel-ha, another great place to relax on asunny day.

It’s entrance is located right on the highway. From there you need to travel inland about 2km. If you are driving yourself, you just pay the entrance fee and continue on to the cenote. If you don’t have transport, there are tours available. After arriving at the entrance you can talk with the happy staff and they can offer you guides, snorkeling tours or diving tours. You can also rent equipment from them if you don’t have any of your own.

On the drive inland towards the Cenote, you can catch a glimpse of nature at its best. There are some animals about, and you can always see birds flying around.

The Cenote itself is quite large even though it might not look that way. It’s a very popular site for diving and snorkeling. There are some hammocks around that you can relax in. I would suggest taking a picnic lunch, but just remember not to lave any garbage lying around. There are some stores to buy cold drinks and snacks or a special souvenir. All in all it’s a great day to be had buy the whole family.

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