Category Archives: January 2017
Editor’s Letter
“The Seven Social Sins are:
Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.
From a sermon given by Frederick Lewis Donaldson in Westminster Abbey, London, on March 20, 1925.”
There has been a lot of chatter about how crappy 2016 was. The list of mishaps for humanity and social consciousness is staggering; Brexit, the US election, Syria, school shootings, a return to misogynistic and racist comments being socially acceptable and all the fake news, to mention just a few of the cringe-worthy items that happened this year. Headlines have become so ridiculous and we seem to be living in a time where truth really is stranger than fiction. With all of that, most of us are hoping that 2017 will be better. However, I doubt it will be. How can I be so cynical? Because 2017 isn’t a thing, it’s time. People in 2016 were full of hate, greed and intolerance. We are those people. Continue reading Editor’s Letter
Babies and The Blues
By Brooke Gazer
Huatulco has some worthy non-profit organizations. Among those is Un Nuevo Amanecer, which helps children who suffer from a wide range of disabilities. With an eight-month grant from Beneficencia Pública, (part of the Federal Government), they have recently added a new proactive program to their already extensive list of services. Hospitals and midwives in our region can refer at-risk newborn infants to UNA, where they are evaluated and treated according their specific needs. These are babies who are at risk of developing a broad spectrum of physical and or intellectual impairments if left untreated. Continue reading Babies and The Blues
SNEAK PREVIEW: The New Books For 2017
By Carole Reedy
One of the pleasures of a new year is to check the publication dates of new books by favorite authors. Here are a few titles to whet your appetite. Some of my favorite writers are on this list! Yours too, I hope. Continue reading SNEAK PREVIEW: The New Books For 2017
Ecotourism—Getting it Right, Right Down the Road from the Eco-Resort
By Deborah Van Hoewyk
Marytere Farrell was born and bred a city—Mexico City—girl. She thought beaches first appeared through the windows of high-rise hotels in Acapulco, decorated with colorful umbrellas, pixilated with brightly tan bodies. Trees marched down neatly curbed esplanades or decorated urban parks. And then Marytere reached that age when young people slung on their backpacks and went traveling to find completely undecorated, un-peopled beaches and forests that were jungles. So now Marytere and Naim Sultan, her Lebanese husband, run Yiimtii. Continue reading Ecotourism—Getting it Right, Right Down the Road from the Eco-Resort
Pre-Hispanic Dogs in Mexican Culture
By Julie Etra
Dogs have been a part of Mexican culture for centuries, and I am not talking about perros callejeros, or street dogs. They came along with the first human beings during their migration to the western hemisphere from Asia, so yes, they were already here when the Spaniards arrived. And these migrant settlers bred their dogs and developed unique lineages with unique traits. Few of these breeds survive to the present time, just the Xolo described below, and the Chihuahua. DNA studies conducted on dog fossils by paleozoologist Valadez Azúa verified their common origin with the ancient dogs of Eurasia. However, the fossil remains found in America have variations in their genetic material produced by the geographic isolation of the continents. Continue reading Pre-Hispanic Dogs in Mexican Culture
Vacationing in Oaxaca with Your Dog or Cat; Not
By Alvin Starkman, M.A., J.D.
Bringing your dog or cat into Mexico to be part of the family vacation is easy, certainly if crossing the border overland, as well as if flying, as long as your dog doesn’t have a flat-ish nose which can present breathing problems (i.e. pug, boxer). Get the shots and a bilingual veterinarian certificate, and you’re golden. In fact, often papers are not even asked for. The same holds true for acquiring a Mexican pet and taking it back to Canada or the US. Our daughter did it both ways and was amazed at the laxness of regulation enforcement at both borders, though there was a kennel issue at the Oaxaca airport just prior to boarding for Canada with her one Oaxacan and her other Toronto-born cat. But why bring your dog or cat to Oaxaca with you for what is supposed to be your vacation? Is it to appease your insistent children who exert a ridiculous amount of control over you? Is boarding in your hometown too expensive? Or do you really think that your pet will enjoy the vacation with you more than being with other pets at a boarding facility or being with a neighbor or dog walker once or twice daily? Continue reading Vacationing in Oaxaca with Your Dog or Cat; Not
Rancho el Regalo, Coyula
By Larry Davis
My wife asked me to get her a new ride. I suggested something sporty. Maybe a convertible with air, leather seats, four wheel drive, single tuned exhaust. She said perfect…so I bought her a horse. What actually happened is we purchased a home in Salchi Bay 11 years ago and decided one day that it would be great to go for a horseback ride and explore all the beautiful local beaches. We were introduced to Francisco (Chico) Ramirez who had three horses and a hundred watt smile. After many great riding trips we asked if we could contribute to the ranch with some of our Salchi friends. The rest is history, with 27 head of cattle, 17 horses, 10 goats, 4 dogs and a rooster named Foghorn. Most of our goats get danger pay, as every time there is a birthday party or fiesta, one of their buddies goes missing. Continue reading Rancho el Regalo, Coyula
Still Secrets on the Oaxacan Coast
By Leigh Morrow
Sometime last fall the Mexican government declared a small community on the southern Oaxacan coast to be the latest jewel in its tourism tiara. Best known in the history books as a slaughterhouse for turtles, including the famous Oliver Ridley species, Mazunte had already become known in conservation circles for a large turtle sanctuary and museum aimed at preservation of the species, and stopping the illegal turtle egg trade. Yet the Pueblo Magico designation caught many off guard. This kiss of government approval for a tourism mecca was touted as providing a “magical experience” for tourists, by reason of the area’s natural beauty and/or cultural riches. Think Tulum, Palenque, Isla Mujeres. Continue reading Still Secrets on the Oaxacan Coast
Palmas Unidas Yard Sale and the Doghouse Café
By Deborah Van Hoewyk
On Sunday, December 4, Huatulco was treated to its first Bazar Navideño de Segunda Mano—a Christmas yard sale. More than 100 supporters of Palmas Unidas Bahias de Huatulco, one of Huatulco’s two animal welfare organizations, cleaned out their closets and store-rooms, donating housewares, books, tools, planters, clothes, and so much more. Continue reading Palmas Unidas Yard Sale and the Doghouse Café
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