Sac-Be.com December 2011 Newsletter

December 2011 – #46 Up & Down the Coast
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a healthy and prosperous New Year. There is so much to be happy about during this Holiday Season. We want to encourage all of our readers to pick your favorite causes, give what you can, and spread the joy and spirit of the Holidays. We are looking forward to 2012 in hopes that the Maya are right and there is a shift to a more positive cycle, with hearts and minds open to Peace and Good Will.
What's New Reflected in this schedule is a week-by-week look at what Yoga in Akumal is planning. The Web site will stay current, so please check there for the most accurate picture. With the gracious seva of Ileana Cuenca, classes for the Hekab Be kids have resumed. Yoganitos! They want more, because they love it, so Yoga in Akumal is looking for a way to offer classes twice a week. A reminder, for those of you who love Akumal, is that The Akumalian is the best way to keep up on comings, goings, and lots of information about happenings.
	Ak-Nah Galeria Back Open in a New Location Richard Mazzola's gallery in Akumal
	Hekab Be Library Holiday Christmas Party, Annual Race and more
	Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Mahahual Barb Eller gives it a try
	When the USA Sneezes, Mexico ... Henry Saldana writes: 2012 Economic Outlook: Housing and Economic Forecast Points to Rising Activity
	World Travel Market Experience Several Akumal companies participated recently in the World Travel Market Show in London, by Myrna Bush
New Articles We have some great articles which show how different cultures can be, especially during the holidays.
	The Tides Riviera Maya Restaurant Review Chef's Dining Experience, by Michele Kinnon
	Black Friday in Mexico Jon and Vonda Look explain about no commercial pressures in paradise.
	Chaya, the Maya Spinach Tree Michelle Bradshaw writes that chaya is very high in vitamins and minerals, much higher than its other green, leafy cousins.
	Driving the Sac-be: Tips for driving in the Yucatan It's not difficult or scary driving in the Yucatan, but there are a few differences for us northerners.
	Mexico Dental Visit An emergency visit to a dental office in Chiapas, by Jon and Vonda Look
	My Birthday Trip to the Yucatan – Day 1 Day 1 of a 9 day trip following some the white roads of the ancient Maya, by Mike Pontius
	Traveling the Sac-be 2011 – Part One Lydia Linton Pontius writes about the 2011 family trip from Xcalak to Playa del Carmen.
	Villas Flamingo - Half Moon Bay, Akumal Review of this private villa boutique hotel on Half Moon Bay
Causes What is the perfect "one size fits all" gift for this holiday season? Please consider donating to Tierra de Animales. We are currently in need of donations for heartworm tests (which run approximately $365 for a kit) and supplies/labor towards our quarantine area. A donation would be much appreciated and can be made via PayPal to: donate@helpmexicandogs.org. We also have several bellies to feed. There are approximately 150 dogs that need food and care every day. Any donation is appreciated, whether it be large or small. Give the gift of life this holiday season!!! Michelle Kinnon writes: "For each of the 12 days of Christmas, the BuyPlaya Blog, better known as "Life's a Beach," will spotlight a charitable organization or giving opportunity. Some may already be familiar to locals and frequent travelers to this area. Others, perhaps those most in need of recognition and support, may be new to our readers. It is our hope to do this every year, with updated information and wish lists." Please read about what Michelle and her husband, Rob, are trying to do for the Playa area nonprofits. From Lisa Edwards at Tierra de Animales: "We are trying to raise some funds for 2 things: a box of Heartworm/Erhlichia tests to continue testing our dogs (they are more than double the price in Mexico than if I can buy them here and take them down; for a box of 30 it is $365 US. Also we DESPERATELY need to raise enough money ($2000 US) to finish our quarantine building for sick and injured dogs. We are stalled in construction until we raise the money for the roof, the materials for electrical wiring, plumbing and kennel material, and more blocks and tile for the individual stalls. [Below] is a picture of the building as it is today. We have the workers ready to do the work, just no funds; right now all of our money goes to food and medicine."
	Foundation Escalera: Building a School in Chiapas Jon and Vonda Look visit a school being built in the indigenous village of Nichnamtic.
Accommodations Sac-Be offers free listings for properties along the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya. If you would like to have your rental property listed, please complete the form on our owner's page. Or, if you are interested in learning more about other advertising opportunities, please contact us.
	Casa del Palma Home in Chan Chemuyil near Akumal

Events

December 16 Lol-Ha in Akumal re-opens with new menu items.

December 23 Gynn'Ak restaurant in Akumal is celebrating its second anniversary with a special menu, starting at 7:30 p.m. Price is $200 pesos and reservations are required.

December 31 New Year's Eve at Lol-Ha. Celebrate with a colossal buffet, a spectacular belly dancing show and dancing to the sounds of DJ Bijan Zade.

January 6 Three Kings, los Reyes Magos; please help ensure that the kids all wake up to presents by helping Akumal Toy Drive now.

February 22 CEA Silent Auction kicks off their annual Festival; the Gala Dinner will be Feb. 29, 2012.

March 15–18 Cancun-Riviera Maya first annual Wine and Food Festival.

March 18 Save the Date - Coco's Cat Rescue will be hosting an anniversary/cocktail party at Blue Parrot in Playa del Carmen.

Pet of the Month

Moonpie: black and white kitten. He seems to be very noble with any kind of cats, very calm. He's male, and a very quiet cat but good with any new members. Contact info@cocoscatrescue.org.

Limpy was rescued with a horribly disfigured front leg, most likely the result of a severe injury that was never medically treated. The bottom half of his leg simply dangled from the rest and made it very awkward for him to try and walk. While Limpy now has only three legs, he is a very happy boy and doesn't seem to mind it at all. He gets around just fine! He can run and do everything a dog needs to do. He LOVES attention, is very affectionate, loves to give "hugs," and would make a loyal and loving part of your family. Limpy is approximately 5-6 years old and would love to have a forever home with you! Contact Tierra Animales.

New Contributors

Myrna Bush - Myrna states that she is "oldest" resident in Akumal. She is the owner of Villas Flamingo and Villa Taj-Kumal. She grew up spending much of her childhood in Akumal; the daughter of Pablo Bush Romero, she comes by her storytelling skills naturally.