News from Cat In Puerto Morelos
This page contains the news from Puerto Morelos as reported by our
own "Cat" Brown.  This page only contains the text of her weekly
update.  To see the beautiful photos that go with the text visit her
blog at www.catinmexico.blogspot.com.  Cat has returned and her
new post is now up on her blog as well as here.

To allow for faster page loading, all of Cat's previous newsletters have been archived
and can be viewed here.
.
(Updated 7/6/08
Que Paso? July 3, 2008

Sizzling Summer edition! My trusty camera is in for repair (combination of yogurt spill and a fall in the sand)
and I am grateful to KK, Cindy, Cathy, Frank and Bill for sharing and to you for understanding the lack of
some illustrations. I am running book with myself to see if my FM3 renewal or the repair take the longest,
you really have to have a sense of humour to live here. On that note, happy to announce the Police now have
a telephone, 206 9104, there was, however, no money left for drinking water for them so if you can spare a
garrafon you know where it will be appreciated. After a petition from citizens, Governor Greg Sanchez
intervened and changed all the Municipal and Transito Police 10 days ago- we have a completely new crew,
hand picked for honesty. Wonderful news but of course they have not a clue where anything is so good
timing in handing over the laminated maps of PM donated by Frank (you can get your own copies on his
website vivapuertomorelos.com) Name of our new Chief of Police is Aurelio Pacheco, very friendly. Please
help the Police by keeping them informed, every report helps, even if it is just a stolen tyre, you don't know
how many others have been stolen, even if its only an attempted break in, they need to know. Our current
Mayor Manolo, seen here in the picture with the maps, finishes his term this week. The Municipal elections
are this Saturday so be ready for lots of noisy car parades and no alcohol sales on the day. Cablemas has
installed a payment machine on the highway between the ATM and Telcel at the traffic lights and there is
now an ATM at Ojo de Agua just inside the entrance. We had a lot of donations to distribute lately - some
supplies for the ambulance, anonymously given and baseball bats, balls and mits - thankyou whoever you
are, the kids were very excited. Blood monitors and sugar level testers went to the Public Clinic and general
supplies to the kinders and primary schools. The ambulance was off the road last week and thanks to El
Mundo par Puerto Morelos and the kind assistance of Marilyn O'Connor she was back at work shortly after.
The biggest achievement for the charity was the arrival and delivery of a shipment of goodies for the
Bomberos: The Sky Valley / Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Georgia, Chief Tom Sherburn and
fireman Mark Gramlich, sent us 9 full Air packs, back up tanks, many pants, jackets and helmets. The
Bomberos were very grateful and it is great they can now be better protected. On the left with KK and Barb
from Austin and on the right another silly hat day with me. Thanks to Liza Piorowski (Hola Asia) and Billy
Webb (Austin) for organising the transport of such a large and heavy shipment and to El Mundo para Puerto
Morelos for paying the freight costs. Bad dog - this brown pit bull cross lives on Rojo Gomez between Casa
Mermaid and Frank's house. It bit KK from Austin on the leg as she was walking past and has also attacked
other people and pets. The owner was given a warning to keep the dog secured inside so if you see this dog
loose on the street please report to the police or Leon. On a happier note we were pleased to welcome
back Valerie and John from Iowa, their efforts on our behalf netted 425 books which was enough to give
one to every child in the Primary school in the Colonia and to 2 classes in the Puerto school. It was a great
fun day for all and we celebrated at Habaneros to top it all off. Seen here celebrating are Valerie and John
with Frank, Marilyn and I. June 30th also marked the end of the school year and there were celebrations at
all the schools. I was at the Primary School in the Colonia helping hand out diplomas and prize medallions,
there were 46 students graduating, 22 girls, 24 boys. Each class presented a dance for our enjoyment, it
was wonderful seeing how happy they were and rewarding to see so many faces I knew that you all have
helped through the charity. The charity needs help at the moment, there are people to call on to do the odd
thing but we need people to do projects like distributing brochures, helping Frank sell tshirts, running an
event or finding visiting doctors prepared to do seminars all sorts of things. My time is full doing the
administration of this as well as my own company, distributing donations and co-ordinating with the groups
as well as building a couple of houses. So if you have some time to donate to the town please let us know.
Sign on the wall in Immigration in English today "It is forbidden by law for any of the office staff to receive
any gratification". Post script: Martina is taking her spa on the road to Minneapolis and Chicago "I will be in
Minneapolis with my stones ready to rock from July 10th to 25th then Chicago till August 7th I can be
reached at
massage@martinasasoasis.com
internet phone 250-244-1754"
So there's a little piece of Puerto Morelos going North!



Que Paso? June 8 2008

Call me sentimental but it feels like things are changing here. It is one of those Puerto Morelos days when
you remember why you love living here. Blue skies, gentle breeze, water calm, families laughing and
playing, baseball match on the field, taco stalls on the highway doing brisk business, friends waving at you
in the street and a neighbour offering help if you ever need assistance. This morning, a Sunday, I went to the
Police Station to deliver photos and number plates of a couple of suspicious cars some of the neighbours
had seen and I went into the Transito office and the woman made a real effort and the detective actually
came out of the other office to talk with me on a Sunday morning! He was interested and helpful and
thanked us for being so observant and said they are open all the time for us. Anyone baking extra cookies?
This week also saw a very important neighbourhood meeting about security in Puerto Morelos, our guests
included the US Consul from Merida, Karen Martin, and the Chief of Police from Cancun, Francisco Valasco.
The minutes of this meeting make VERY good reading and they are important for all residents of PM. So
please click HERE to read the minutes and be informed about what is going on and then just hit your back
button to get back to the newsletter. Great news also is that Puerto Morelos now has its own ambulance.
Leon's friend who owns '911', a company in Cancun, donated the ambulance for the Mother's Day
celebrations on 10 May and then said well why not let it stay in Puerto. June 8th saw the signing of a one
year lease for our ambulance - 911 is not charging for this service. For people who are going to the public
free hospitals and clinics it is free and for people going to private hospitals there is a charge, from 2500
pesos up depending on insurance and level of injury. BUT there is no-one paying for the paramedic, doctor,
drivers, fuel, maintenance. We need to put our thinking caps on. Leon is contacting the hotels and asking
them to each sponsor a paramedic. He is contacting Marina El Cid tomorrow to see if they will donate
diesel. There are 9 people now volunteering for the ambulance so it can only operate 8 hours a day.
Amancia has donated the monthly cost of a Nextel phone (400p) and he needs 8 more. He also needs 4 x
VHF units so that they can be in contact with Police, Firemen etc he also needs the supplies for the
ambulance - bandages, oxygen, gauze, solutions (I will have a full list) . This is a great step forward for PM
and we should all do what we can to help. Can YOU help? Do you know someone who can? Let 's work
together to keep it going. You can specify donations to the charity specifically for this if you want. This
ambulance is a great benefit to the poorer community here and a must for the locals and tourists alike. If
you need an Ambulance call Leon 998 115 6749 or the 911 company in Cancun 01800 640033/998
8872371/998 8793155. Kathleen from Mission of Love has located a fire truck for us and we are working on
getting that here, more on this later. Photo here taken on a rainy day with Police, Civil Protection and the
Ambulance arriving to remove a trouble maker in front of Amancia's! Beach Bar Ixchel doing well with the
volleyball being a great
attraction on the weekends for locals and visitors. There was also a party there last weekend to celebrate
the wedding of the son of the people who work at Tom's, Enuncio and Jolande. The recent visits of the girls
from Austin (thanks to the cheap fares from Viva Aerobus) saw fun on the beach too and Cindy and Abbe
singing at Cactuz. Cactuz had a live band also last Saturday who played reggae, rock n roll and ballads with
the lead singer changing wigs accordingly - great fun. Blue Marlin closed recently and the feisty Doña Triny
has opened her new restaurant there. Seen here Doña Triny elated and the priest blessing the restaurant
and guests, trademark artwork on the walls and the view from the street. Laura was excited at her birthday
party on Saturday at Caribbean Reef villas fun for children of all ages in a great location.


El Rey Polo Club has just received 9 new horses and one of them is mine! Meet Popeye currently in training
(and so is his rider), we are getting along famously and of course just what I needed - another challenge.
Talking of which I poured the floor for my second story on the new houses last week, that machinery just
gets me all worked up! The new houses are going to have a great view of the mangalar and the sunsets.
Cindy's daughter from Texas seen here with our mobile pastry van, one of the other delicious treats in PM.
Have you ever been to Aktun Chen? The horses were from there so I got to go recently and although dry
caves are not my favourite these were very interesting, the caves are extensive and the guide informative.
Kids also loved the small zoo they have on site too. Our wonderful cactus next to the Police station bloomed
again recently, it is an extraordinary survivor. And can any one tell me what is this new road block, seen
Sunday on the road to El Cid??Mmm? Now go back and read the minutes of the meeting

Que Paso? March 27

Water water everywhere nor any drop to drink! (Thank you Mr Coleridge) The water
trucks are called in every day this week to Puerto Morelos as we have not enough
water for our homes. Villa Morelos Phase 2 has opened and the water flows there
before here, hey great design! Alternate theory is that there is a big leak somewhere.
Nothing coming from the street supply so we are having to fill the cisternas from the
trucks, solution not in sight, please feel free to scream at Aguakan. Puerto Morelos
Development - as mentioned the new plan is to approve a rise in density to
accommodate another 240,000 people, a very small amount of information came with
this announcement and no mention of improved water, power, drainage, shops,
sewerage, paving, utility services, schools or clinics to accommodate such a dramatic
rise in population. The group protesting this plan has requested 2 months delay so
that the full plans can be investigated. Apparently some of the building approval is in
the flood prone areas which means it will flood into other areas including where our
potable water is stored. If you would like to go on the alert list for all notices about
these plans and protests please write to ptomorelostienevoz@hotmail.com.

Fishing tournament - shaping up for another rumored intense battle the 2008 Cesar
Martin Rosado Puerto Morelos Fishing Torneo is scheduled for May 23,24 & 25 with
Cozumel and Playa del Carmen competing. The rival group with the alternate dates
and Isla Mujeres and Cancun is yet to announce their dates.

Fashion TV event at El Rey - yes it is Fashion week in Cancun and all the models will
be out and around town. 4.30pm on Saturday 29 March at El Rey Polo Club there is an
exhibition match with local, Merida, Mexico City and Dominican Republic players,
followed at 5pm by a fashion parade. All you polo and fashions fans are invited! There
are cocktails and we are wearing white! Sponsors include Melia, Lola de Alejandro,
Carmen Steffens, SKYY, BMW, FIJI and Corona. Photos from El Rey Cup Tournament
and the Copa de Maya at the Yucatan Polo Club.

Walking in Puerto Morelos can be hazardous imagine if you are a little unsure on your
feet. One of our wonderful guests recently donated several walkers brought from
nursing homes in the States. They are seen here with the Mayor's wife Maru being
donated to DIF's rehabilitation centre in Puerto Morelos, thank you.

Quebecois are everywhere here but one of our most favourite groups is on its way
back. Jacques is bringing a group of 16 year olds on April 12th for 2 weeks from
Escuela Polyvalente des Monts, Ste-Agathe des Monts, in Quebec and they will be
working at the Primary School, Kindergarten and Casa del Cultura. Please give them
your support when you see them around town and please we need some paint bought
and delivered to the kinder for them, I have the colour sample at my place.

Carless Cat - anyone have a car I can rent for 3 weeks while mine is repaired?
(Neighbour drove into it while it was parked!)


Que Paso? March 21

Puerto Morelos Development - Everyone wants to know what happened after our well
attended well spoken meeting last Sunday voicing our opposition to the Government
plans for the rapid expansion of Puerto Morelos? Well, apparently, zilch, our message
went back to the people actually in power and has resulted in no changes. It is
thought that with the change of governor's next week the old governor will ratify the
current proposal and wash his hands of the problems as all pending issues have to be
closed off. The hard working people who have pushed this campaign so far are asking
if you could PLEASE help stop this and be at a protest meeting Saturday 22 March
starting at the traffic lights at the highway from 9-11 in the morning (tomorrow)
followed by a press conference at 1100 at Ojo de Agua. Try and wear green and white
and bring a protest banner for the walk to make the point.

In case you haven't noticed it is Easter and Spring break at the same time and Puerto
Morelos is bouncing, there was even a queue (look it up in an English dictionary) at La
Petita today! If only they could remember to pick up the garbage before Easter. I did
notice today lots of water delivery, funny that we don't have enough water now what
will it be like with thousands more houses!

Coming soon (2 weeks) on the left past the Handicraft Market is Caktuz! a lounge bar
and restaurant and garden grill aimed and designed as a locals hangout for relaxing
eating and drinking, I can't wait.

Then again whatever happened to Baraka, well I already reported that Alise opened a
casual dining place with Johnny (wrong Johnny I stand corrected) above the
supermarket which is going very well. The old premises has been taken over by
Lomas Travel no less (of travel agent fame - El Dorado, Hotel Azul etc) and they open
on April the 1st a restaurant called Paradise Pier, I questioned why it was in English
and he said all the clients will be 'American', they will bus people in with a package of
transport, lunch and snorkeling. Apparently Lomas Travel has had snorkeling licenses
for some time and not used them, mmm what do you think? The menu will be
"Mediterranean" live lobster ( I said its not lobster season he said oh we have
'arranged' that) , steaks, carpaccio and locals are welcome. Will have a lounge
atmosphere and soon to come beach club.

Also today in Puerto Morelos was the reenactment of Jesus carrying the Cross, on e
of the wonderful traditions of this town that keeps us in love with it.

What is that bus you ask me? Well yes we now have a party bus courtesy of the
Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau who thought we'd like a music bus around
town at night. Step right on , only 10 pesos, drive around town and look in your
neighbour's windows.

Easter is also close of term at the schools and the kinder had a wonderful celebration
with dancing and costumes and the local boys also have their costumes and props
ready for celebrations! I have broken ground on my new building project and, thanks
to my wonderful friends,

Alex and I have found a place to live for three weeks, I will be at Tina's on Rojo Gomez,
all ended well


Que Paso? March 7, 2008

Well it is a little windy this week (the sand dunes are up and over the wall at Casita
Blanca) and a norte forecast to come in tonight but it is still a far cry from shovelling
snow as it's 29 degrees Celsius, totally clear blue sky and 66% humidity.

New Puerto Morelos Development Plans were presented last Tuesday morning at the
Taxistas Syndicate but as they did not alert the public in the newspaper they are doing
it again for your benefit on Sunday 9th at 10am in the Square in the Puerto, please
wear white if you can. At 6pm on Saturday at the Casa del Cultura there will be a short
video about this which will prepare you to fully appreciate what the government will
be presenting the next morning, the main alert is that several thousand new houses
have been approved to be built in the region around the colonia increasing the
current density. Whether or not this is wise without drastic infrastructure
improvements and with our current troubling crime increase will need to be
discussed on Sunday.

On that note please be aware we are coming in to Santa Semana (Easter) , please
make sure your properties are secured and your guests are advised to take normal
care with their possessions as they would at home.

The new Senior Citizens Centre opened this week behind the library in the Colonia. Dr
Jorge our favourite vet has up and moved to the colonia, when you drive past Pemex
and turn right at the 7/11 you then take the second street on the right and you'll see
his place half way down that street on the right.

New restaurant El Faro has opened above the supermarket, managed by Elisa (of
Baraka fame) and Johnny Mastermarino (general PM fame) have joined forces to
present this excellent addition to our range of eating establishments. It has a short
menu you can get excellent rib eye, cajun fish, chicken fajitas. I had the fish which
came with steamed broccoli and rice, it was very good and deep fried calamari to start,
yum. Good wine list. One starter, 2 main courses, 1 bottle red 500 pesos. The service
was excellent and there was a live band playing some great tunes, I can see dancing
happening Thursday nights! James McLean tonight and John Cooker on Saturday,
guess that makes it a new music venue really.

High season has brought with it some very generous visitors, thank you to the
Canadians who brought the whole suitcase of very well selected items for the schools
( I did not get your email) , to the Kuliks for the suitcase of beautiful children's clothes
and to the many many other people who have brought bags of goods for the schools
and clinics. The ink for the primary school's printer was greatly appreciated. Anyone
coming soon that could bring a cartridge for their copier (Samsung SCX-4216D1(XAA)?
We distributed items today to three kindergartens and to the primary school in the
colonia. The kitchen and lunchroom we built is a great success, Susan from
Massachusetts seen here enjoying the sopes.

Get an attitude and tell them what you think. The Mexican government is doing a
survey of the problems foreign residents have settling here. Its purpose is to collect
information, analyze the main difficulties, and propose policy changes to facilitate
migration to Mexico. So it only takes a few minutes and maybe you'll save someone
from the Immigration office drama just click here.

El Mundo par Puerto Morelos also helped 2 families in trouble recently. Genny Lorena
Medina 1 has a son with a heart condition and Social Services is paying her bus fare
to Mexico City for the appointments and hopefully an operation, your donations
enabled us to give her 1500 pesos for food and accommodation while she and the
children are there. Niconora and her family were evicted this week and her friends are
helping find her new premises and help to put her son into school, the charity helped
out with food for the family for the week.

Tomorrow March 8th is International Womens Day and there is a March for Peace
starting at 10am at the Lighthouse, you are invited, they ask that you bring flowers,
maracas, incense. Marching for Peace in Afghanistan, for Peace in Puerto Morelos and
for Peace in our Hearts. Women in Kandahar, one of the most violent Afghan
provinces, were the first to declare they will gather on March 8th, and they were soon
followed by women in Kabul. They have asked women across Afghanistan to start their
own March 8th events. They believe only Afghans can stop the violence against other
Afghans. They want to stop the killing of their sons, husbands, brothers, fathers and
families. You can sign their petition here. Peace to you all.

Our dear friend Sandy (Peter Ratzlaff b. Jan 29 1956) passed away on February 14th in
his home in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Family and friends from his home town of
Vancouver flew in and joined other Puerto Morelos friends in scattering his ashes in
the sea on February 21st which was followed by a party in his honour at L'Oasis in the
town square. Sandy is survived by his four brothers and a sister and their families.
Sandy's life was full of adventure and travel from Canada and USA to Europe and
Thailand and Australia. Sandy spent much of his time in Puerto Morelos helping other
people and enjoying the atmosphere of Mexico. His wonderful skills as a chef will well
be remembered as will the many dinners and happy occasions that surrounded him.
His warmth, friendship, love of life and laughter will be missed by all the people and
animals who knew him. I miss him more than words I have. There is a celebration on
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at The Clubhouse, Capilano Mobile Home
Park, Sundance Crescent and Welch Street, West Vancouver. You can leave a
message for his family here.
PM Charity Fund Info
Donations can be left at
Mamas Bakery or Dive Puerto
Morelos. Cheques
may be made out to
Commonwealth Housing Corp
and in the memo line write
FBO: El Mundo para Puerto
Morelos.  Send to their
on-the-ground
co-ordinator c/o Kay
McMillan, 4115 Honeycomb
Rock Circle, Austin,
Texas 78731-2015 The funds
will be transferred to Puerto
Morelos and you
will receive an official
acknowledgement.
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