Where to find me!

http://islamujeresyoga.blogspot.com
I am leaving this blog and moving over to here! Hope you come and join me...

HANDSTAND...

New work

Thought for the day

Every day, Satya Sai Baba of India posts a Thought For The Day. This was what he wrote for today...

All religions have taught what is good, and everyone should lead a righteous life based on this knowledge. If the minds are pure, how can any religion be bad? All the religions are different paths leading to one and the same destination. All devotees should experience this truth and live up to it in their daily lives. They should lead righteous lives and thereby experience enduring bliss. Only then will their spiritual effort be fruitful. Listen to the words of the wise, purify your thoughts and concentrate your mind on God. God can be installed only in a pure heart. The aim of all Sadhana (spiritual practices) should be to purify the heart.

The M word

Maverick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A maverick is an unbranded range animal, especially a motherless calf; it can also mean a person who thinks independently; a lone dissenter; a non-conformist or rebel. The word first arose in mid-19th century America from Samuel Augustus Maverick, a Texas politician with a large ranch full of unbranded cattle.[1]

Number of times Palin described McCain as a Maverick - 16, during the Palin/Biden debate.

Cali

Alignment

Saturday yoga is a bit more hatha-inspired. Usually during Sat nights, I just let my itunes shuffle have fun on it's own.
Some nights, it selects music as if I were actually selecting it myself. Faster movements, faster songs... Slower, more meditative flow, elongated rhythms. There are certain nights when it's just amazing, and tonight was probably the best...
In my classes, it's nice to have the students feel the rhythm and then align their breath to both the rhythm and the various movements. This is why I describe the yoga that I teach like a dance. For me, Vinyasa is a dance. Vinyasa is the sanskrit word for flow. Combining movement with breath. Generally in Yoga, when you move the body upward, you will take an inhale. When you send the body down or away, you exhale. Inhalo, Exhalo. Imagine the breath having no beginning or end point. Like a wheel, there is no space, no cadence, no time in between. Essentially the two are one. At first there will be the breath and you, eventually though, the two will coalesce, the duality will dissolve and only breathing will remain.

Beautiful...

The audio isn't the best, but it's a good intro into Snatam Kaur... one of the most beautiful female voices around.

Banana Tree Update

Pretty soon... PLATANO!

(Scroll down to see my first post. You can see how much my Banana tree has grown!)

Today

A slice of Cuba in the heart of Isla Mujeres

Cuba Cuba Cuba. I live for Cuba, though I have never been. It's just one of those places that a) I know I will love b) Have had a somewhat spiritual connection to for the past 10yrs or so now. Apparently, as I have been told about 25 times, I dance like a Cubana. This idea excites me, no THRILLS ME. I'm ready to make a trip now, but since I can't, I opted today to try a slice of Cuba on my own little island with a friend of mine. Dressed in all white, with a Cuban-inspired hat, I am off to the restaurant, Qubano.
Qubano is located in the centro just off of the main drag Avenida Hidalgo. Colorful with cute accents, Vivian has found a nice home for her delectable cuban treats. The caribbean air is filled with Cuban-style rhythms and passerby-ers yell an hola from the street to Vivian who is busy in the back kitchen making her daily delights. After a few minutes, a cold melon drink is brought to my table and our food follows shortly after. I had a vegetarian salad and J had both a salad and sandwich. The dressing was light but very tasty and the star of the salad was the homemade breaded goat cheese. J liked his sandwich very much, I wish I could have tried it because it looked very good.
Vivian also mentioned that on Fridays she makes a special dish. She said you can't miss it!
If you are on Isla Mujeres and in the need of some good grub, check out Qubano!

Walking along the malecon this afternoon

Places that I miss / My Favorite places to hang while in San Francisco

Herbivore

Naan n Curry (downtown locations)

Mekong (now apparently closed)

Cafe Intermezzo (Telegraph in Berkeley)

(sorry not my shots)

The piano bar at the Fairmont (Nob Hill)

(sorry not my shots)

Walking along the northern piers at night when no one is out

The Eco Trail


(I took these in 2006 on the trail)

Rainbow Grocery + their vegan baked goods



(sorry not my shots)


Goodbyes on Sacramento

(sorry not my shots)

The smell of the trees near Ft. Mason

Upper Grant Ave. in North Beach

Valencia Street

Huntington Hotel, both the spa and piano bar


(sorry not my shots)

Nirvana in the castro

Castro Theater



(sorry not my shots)

Lumiere
(sorry not my shot)


Rollerblading along the Embarcadero

The ferry building

Cafe Gratitude in SF



Foreign Cinema


(sorry not my shots)

When I return back, I plan on taking lots of shots at these places for you!

From Tonight's Class

"OM"

Serafim Tsotsonis

Chills...



3 more full tracks HERE by Serafim

Raw

To go deeper into your yoga poses, many yoga instructors will advise a more raw-inspired diet.

My yoga teacher in Miami advised us to all to go on a raw diet.  Many did give it a try and within about a week, began to notice pretty phenomenal results with both their physical and spiritual practice.  Along with the raw diet, my teacher also served E3Live after our sessions at the shala.  

Just thought I would pass this website along if you are on a raw diet and have never heard of E3Live.

French Collection

I adore this store in Playa.  You can practically smell Paris inside.

Jackie is the owner of French Collection.

Promises

As promised, pics of Posada Freud "Studio" in Playa Del Carmen.
PS- In low season, it's about $75/nt


Private entry to "Studio" on 5th 

You can see the glass door here, which is next to the Converse store.

Above the Converse store is the "Studio"  The windows circle around the side as well. 

Posada Freud Hotel Entrance on 5th.

After you enter through the glass door, you walk up a spiral staircase.

Across the street from the "Studio"

On 5th, in front of La Vagubunda

Posada Freud Hotel Entry

11years

It has been 11 years without a bite of meat/poultry in this body.
The most common question us non-meat eaters receive is where do you get your protein?
Here's a quick video about why/how that's all just a myth
PROTEIN MYTH

My Spanish

I can never remember if Mint is Mente or Menta. The Mexicans love it, because if I mess it up I have either replaced Mind with Mint or Mint with Mind.
Anyways, here's a pic of mojitos being made at La Bodeguita Del Medio.
I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Playa.

My angel swimming at playa norte (yesterday)

Trip report

P and I went to Wet N Wild for my bday. He thought it was more like Wet n Mild...but I thought it was a good mix of cheesy/cute and I found one slide to be particularly fun. Before we left, we went on my favorite 10times!
I think we got some great shots with the waterproof camera that I brought along. I will post those in a few days!
After Wet n Mild, we took the R1 bus to downtown Cancun and then hopped on an ADO bus to Playa. An hour later, we exited our bus and walked a few short blocks to our Posada.
We stayed at Posada Freud and were thrilled with our choice because we had decided on taking the Studio that faces 5th street.
Our whole place was windows! Even the ceiling! There was a cool private entry on 5th, right next to the Converse store, across from Diesel.
After you enter through the private entry, you walk up a spiral staircase and there is a loft-like space that they call the Studio.
I believe it's the only Studio at the Posada Freud.
P went and grabbed a bite to eat, while I got ready in the Studio and then we headed out around 10 for La Bodeguita Del Medio.
Around 11 all the great salsa dancers arrived. We met a Veracruzano and I danced with him for about 4 or 5 songs. He had a very unique style, but I don't think he had ever tried Cuban style salsa. He never threw me into a turn that was Cuban, but it was still fun!
After a bit of dancing, we left our new Playa friend and walked home. P gave me his shoes because I had been in closed-toe shoes and my feet were killing from the dancing! It was really nice to see Playa at a more quieter time.
It was also nice having a place right on 5th to walk home to.
I woke up aroudn 7am this morning and told P that we should again enjoy the calm 5th avenue that we never have a chance to see. We grabbed some drinks at Starbucks and then went over to Karma Bagels. P still likes bagels and I was excited for him to try them at Karma. Nope, closed. We then decided on La Vagubunda for breakfast.
I had a celery, chaya, orange, spinach drink and he had eggs florentine. We couldn't be more alike huH!
After breakfast, we walked a little on the beach and remarked how close the properties are to the water. Also the look of them beats a lot of the Cancun properties near the Westin (the south area). I'm just not into that fake, las vegas/pyramid/pretend mayan ruin look.
Around 10am we returned back to the hotel and hopped back on the ADO bus.
It was a great trip!!! And it was by far the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you to all those that sent happy bday messages! Much luv!

La Bodeguita Del Medio -Playa

To celebrate my big bday, P and I went here:

(sorry not my footage)

Taste of India

Awesome Indian food in Cancun! Located right near the ADO Bus Station

Av. Tulum Hotel Parador
Mza. 12 Lote 26 S. M. 5
Planta baja
Tel 892.7107

(Pics and such will be posted later today)

Birthday Suit for the Birthday Suit to wear on my Birthday!

Yesterday P and I went to Cancun and purchased a Birthday Suit for my Birthday Suit to wear on my Birthday!
Don't miss Zingara if you are in the Riviera Maya. It's probably the best place to get a Birthday Suit!

El Palomar Mini-golf

I grabbed this info from a site featuring "Things to do" in Playa del Carmen-

18 Hole Mayan Themed Mini-Golf Course
El Palomar Mini-Golf course is fun for the whole family!!

Come and enjoy a brand new, cleverly designed, 18 hole, Mayan themed, mini-golf course with sandpits, pools, fountains and cenotes.

Get away from it all and enjoy native birds, fish and turtles in the Mayan jungle, all while playing mini-golf!

El Palomar Mini-Golf. Be sure to make it a part of your Playa Del Carmen experience.

Open daily: 9am - 11pm
En el km 285 sobre la Carratera Federal hacia Xcaret (5 mins. al sur de Playa Del Carmen) - Quintana Roo
5min south of PDC!

My angel luvs the beach...

GORGEOUS!

P, BE and I all went to Playa Norte this morning...
Click on the pic to get a Full Screen view

Bright Eyes and I jump off bridge at Playa Norte

Watch as Bright Eyes and I jump off the bridge to Avalon at Playa Norte!

Bright Eyes and his new tricks!

Make sure you watch all the way through, because I think the 3rd attempt is the cutest:)

Power Yoga

Hola all! Just wanted to let you know that I will be conducting Power Yoga classes Sept 15-Oct 15 quite regularly.
The schedule is as follows:

Mon 7:30-9pm
Tue 7:30-9pm
Wed 7:30-9pm
Thur 7:30-9pm
Fri 7:30-9pm
Sat 7:30-9pm

(23rd and 24th I will be in Playa, so no class on these dates)

Oct 15 and on...
I will be making a new schedule. If you make it to class, do let me know what days and times are best for you.
I will be creating a new schedule based on the feedback I receive from my students:)

Namaste...............

31 Photos of the new Zama

I went to Zama today and took some shots for you Islaholics!

Here you go!

http://gallery.me.com/megdeclerck

Playa Here I come!

I'm planning a little Playa vacay and will be posting that trip here along with photos of course!
You ask what Playa? Playa del Carmen of course!! But before my trip, I will be going to Wet N Wild Parque Nizuc!
I haven't been on a water slide in maybe 15yrs, so this should be a trip!
Look for my big adventures on the blog next week!

PS to all of the islaholics, the beach beside Nabalam is going out to sea. Say your prayers for my favorite little beach.

Bonampak in Cancun

A day in Cancun downtown

Slideshow of my trip to Belize

How to get to Belize from Cancun or Isla Mujeres

Corozal, Belize - next to airstrip for Maya Island Air and TropicAir

Hola friends. I will be posting my trip report soon, but just wanted to fill you in on how to get to Belize from Isla or Cancun.
It's really not that bad of a trip, just a few things you should take note before you decide to do the trip yourself.
I will be reporting the costs for everything so you can get a good idea on how much to save up for your trip!
My trip went something like this:
Monday - Left my house around 11:10pm on a moto.
Purchased ticket for UltraMar ferry $35pesos.
Departed at 11:30pm Isla Mujeres
Arrived just before midnight at Ultra Mar Cancun
Took a taxi (w/ another islander) to downtown Cancun. Dropped off other islander near Portillo and Bonampak.
Arrived bus station, bought batteries and water at OXXO across the street.
Purchased 1st class ticket (one way) to Chetumal $227 pesos.
Bus arrives at ADO Bus Station around 12:25am.
Boarded bus at about 12:40am. Bus leaves promptly.
Stop in Playa Del Carmen briefly. Then on to Chetumal.
Arrive 6am sharp Chetumal bus station.
Depart bus and just before I set foot into the bus station, a woman working at the terminal yells "Belice?". I say yes and she points to a Linea Dorado bus leaving the terminal.
I hop on the bus and the driver tells me to pay when we are in Corozal, Belize.
Time to set clock back one hour b/c Belize doesn't use Daylight Savings Time.
The whole bus is stopped at Mexico border. (I think I paid around 200pesos to exit and reenter MX for a later date)
Again, another stop at Belize Border. "How long will you be in Belize for?" etc etc
Back on the bus, pay driver $100pesos. Exit bus about 15min later at road leading to Corozal airstrip.
Walk up the road and wait for the 7:30a Maya Island Air flight. (Maya Island Air has a discounted RT flight right now to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye).
Purchase two $35usd tickets RT Corozal to San Pedro, SP to Corozal.
Wait some more for flight.
Board flight at 7:25am, take off at 7:30am!
Arrive 7:55am San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
HAVE USD ready for when you enter Belize as they will not use Mexican Pesos.
There is only 1 place that I found that will exchange Mexican Pesos in Ambergris Caye- Milo's in the town of San Pedro.
ScotiaBank and the other banks will not.

Hi ALL!

I'm back! Sorry it's been awhile, but my computer quit on me, so (you would never believe) but I'm actually writing from an 8+yr old ibook! Since my last entry, I went to Belize. I started writing about my trip in a notebook (a Hello Kitty one to be exact) and will finish up my thoughts there and then write a post in regards to my trip. I took a bus to Chetumal from Cancun and then crossed the border in a Linea Dorado bus. Took a plane from Corozal to the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
In total I took just under 700 photographs! I would like to share those with you here as well!
If you leave on a 12:30am bus from the Cancun bus station, you can be in Ambergris Caye by 8am. That's pretty amazing!
The water wasn't the same as playa norte, but it sure was an adventure.
I will be sharing that with you within the next few days.

UPDATE

HOLA BLOG FRIENDS! MAJOR COMPUTER PROBLEMS... I WILL BE POSTING AGAIN NEXT WEDNESDAY.
LOOK FOR MORE ISLA/YOGA/YUCATAN UPDATES THEN.

Flowers in my neighborhood

Organic food in mexico article

Breaking the habit

In 2003 I worked at a private investment firm and struggled with the early morning hours.  I would grab the tallest, strongest, most potent coffee there was in San Francisco to help start my day.  Tully's, Peets, Coffee Bean and Tea, Starbux.  You name it, I was there.  Then I became really great friends with this incredible woman working at the firm.  She introduced me to fake coffee.  

Teecino makes about 10 or so different flavors.  You can find fake coffee/natural herbal "coffee" in most health food stores.  Of course, when I moved to Mexico, I thought there wasn't a chance I would find it here...UNTIL YESTERDAY!  I stumbled upon a little bag in a store called Nutrisse.  

It's on the 2nd floor in Gran Plaza, which by the way, I am always, 100% of the time, the only gringa in there.  The brand is called Kafrik and it is ground wheat toast.  Other brands that you can get in the states contain barley root and natural herbs.

I made my morning drink in a normal coffee pot and added ice and organic oat milk.  Oat milk can be purchased at the Greenery store in the Sport City complex on Ave. Tulum.

Wow!

I always walk away from my classes w/ Nancy and Margarita feeling complete nostalgia.  Maybe it's because I'm teaching in a foreign language.  Maybe it's because of how open they are to the practice of yoga.  I asked them this evening if they feel a lot of energy after their classes and they both nodded a huge YES!  I said the day after too?  YES they exclaimed!  I told them that you don't have to drink a red bull, you just have to breathe:)  We have energy already inside us that is stored away, it just needs to be accessed a special way.

They said "Next Saturday?" to me as they were leaving with huge smiles on their faces.  

Cat woman

endirectdesiles' photostream

Early in the morning when I go for my morning walks with Bright Eyes, I sometimes see these cats in the street eating.
A woman sets out 10 or so bowls and they all enjoy their breakfast simultaneously.

Angel at Fayne's last night

A little article about Chaya and Isla Mujeres

If you are vegetarian on Isla Mujeres

Here's the scoop! These are all of the things you can eat while vacationing on Isla Mujeres:
Rating system: 1 is edible, 5 is amazing.

1. Vegetarian baguette at Color de Verano (next to Jax) -5-
2. Sopa de Mariscos (that is if you eat seafood) at Lancheros (in centro) -5-
3. Hummus at Manana -4-
4. Hummus at Comono -4-
5. Hummus at Olivia -4-
6. Sabich at Olivia -5-
7. Fruit plate at Zazil-Ha -5-
8. Guacamole, my favorites are El Mekech Veradero de Oscar and Loncheria La Gloria -5-
9. Sunset Grill huge salad -5-
10. Vegetarian Tamale at ferry dock (between 3pm and 6pm) -4-
11. Elote/corn (Sold on the street) -3-
12. Pizza Margarite at Angelos (Pedro likes this a lot) -5-
13. Grilled Papa at El Meckech Veradero de Oscar -5-

*BTW, I am not in complete agreement with the veg food pyramid above. My philosophy is to eat more fruits and vegetables...
Just my 2 cents!

*Shout out to Tom for reading my blog and all others that signed my buddy map! Thank you for being a part of my blog:)

Website

I'm working on graphics/photos/images for my yoga website. Just made this little image tonight.
Like? Dislike?

Yoga at Xbalamque

TARIFAS Y HORARIOS DEL YOGA EN EL HOTEL XBALAMQUE

YOGA KUNDALINI
8 A 9AM MIERCOLES Y VIERNES
7 A 8PM MARTES Y JUEVES

HATHA YOGA
8 A 9PM LUNES MIERCOLES Y VIERNES

COSTOS:
INSCRIPCION 75 PESOS AL 50% DE DESCUENTO
MENSUALIDAD 450 POR DOS DIAS A LA SEMANA
595 POR TRES DIAS A LA SEMANA
CLASES SUELTAS 80 PESOS POR CLASE NO ENTRA LA INSCRIPCION

Xbalamque is a hotel that has a spa, yoga, restaurant, bar, cafe, and hair salon. They are located on Yaxchilian almost across the street from 100% Natural. It is one of the downtown hotels that I have stayed in and I would definitely stay a second time. It isn't cheap, but it's very clean, there is a great pool, wonderful juice bar, and the staff is friendly. The location is great too...

Sale!

For those that are looking for great discounts in the Yucatan, go to Zara right now!! I highly recommend a visit.
The closest Zara from Isla Mujeres is at Plaza Las Americas. After you depart the Ferry, take a taxi (about $20-25 pesos)
to Plaza Las Americas on Avenida Tulum.

Revised August Schedule

Unleash your Atma (Truth)

August Schedule
Saturday 8/9- 7:30- 9pm
Sunday 8/10- 7:30- 9pm
Monday 8/11- 7:30- 9pm
Tuesday 8/12- 7:30- 9pm
Wednesday 8/13- 7:30- 9pm
Thursday 8/14- 7:30- 9pm
Friday 8/15- 7:30- 9pm
Saturday 8/16- 7pm Hatha (Beginner)
Sunday 8/17- no yoga
Monday 8/18- 7:30- 9pm
Tuesday 8/19- 7:30- 9pm
Wednesday 8/20- 7:30- 9pm
Thursday 8/21- 7:30- 9pm
Friday 8/22- 7:30- 9pm
Saturday 8/23- 7pm Hatha (Beginner)
Sunday 8/24- 7:30- 9pm
Monday 8/25- 7:30- 9pm
Tuesday 8/26- 7:30- 9pm
Wednesday 8/27- 7:30- 9pm
Thursday 8/28- 7:30- 9pm
Friday 8/29- 7:30- 9pm
Saturday 8/30- 7pm Hatha (Beginner)
Sunday 8/31- 7:30- 9pm

Email: megdeclerck@mac.com for more information

Please wear loose clothing and come on a moderately empty stomach.
Mats are provided.

My latest find...

Hint Water

Better than Smart/Vitamin Water because it's zero sugar!

If you are in need of hint water while you are living/vacationing in the Yucatan, you can find it at the Greenery store located inside Sport City (across from Plaza Las Americas).

Friday Morning Swim with Bright Eyes

Weird!

About 4mths ago, I picked up some gold eye shadow (for night time use) and look what is now considered HOT!

Places

Places I'm dying to travel to before I reincarnate into something else:
#1 Pondicherry, India
#2 Mysore, India
#3 Varanasi, India
#4 Canary Islands, Spain
#5 Bocas del torro, Panama
#6 Philippean Islands
#7 Morocco
#8 Tunisia
#9 Lake Aitlan, Guatemala
#10 Lake Montebello, Mexico
#11 Buenos Aires
#12 Patagonia
#13 Morro de São Paulo, Brazil
#14 The great wall, China
#15 Mekong river
#16 Hong Kong
#17 Tokyo
#18 Mumbai, India
#19 Dog Island, Panama

Where do you want to travel to?

Something is going on!

This evening, I looked outside and noticed Francis (my neighbor) had set up a display of candles and Kings on a little table in front of her home. Francis stopped by a little later and asked if she could have some bougainvilla off of my tree, which I noticed later would be placed on top of her little table.
Last time the family asked for some flowers, someone had died, so I was wondering what was going on. I then went over to the little table and asked if I could take a photo of the shrine and Francis said Sure, but we all agreed that it would be after our Wed evening yoga class. I was asking why the shrine was in front of her home and she started talking about her son. For a second I thought her son had died because I haven't seen him around for about a week and then we all laughed because they figured out what I was thinking in my head! Apparently he has classes in Valladolid everyday now, so that's why I haven't spotted him around the neighborhood.
After our yoga class, Francis told me her right hombro (shoulder) was hurting her. I gave her a 5minute massage and then showed her some exercises to do in the morning before she works at her sewing machine all day. I then applied some Tiger Balm and WOW what a reaction she had! She had never experienced flex-all or anything similar so her eyes were just about jumping out of her sockets! She couldn't decide if her shoulder was hot or cold! After applying the balm, we all went downstairs and walked across the street to their home. Unfortunately her son or husband brought the shrine into the house, but they all invited me in so I could take a picture of it. It's too bad I didn't have my tripod, but here's the best shot I have of it.
As for why the shrine was setup outside, I still don't have a clue, but I figure it is a Catholic holiday of some sort? Anyone know?

View

Looking NW out my bedroom window.

Storm

A storm came through the Yucatan last night and created some dramatic night time shots.

Placido Domingo at Chichen Itza October 4 2008

Thank you to CancunCanuck for initially reporting this!

Watch Placido Domingo sing Nessun Dorma HERE

Overwhelmed in Sephora, underwhelmed online?

One of my favorite stores in SF was Sephora. I could honestly spend 5 hours in that store looking, smelling, trying, applying, brushing etc etc. No other makeup/cosmetic store compares, with the exception of Brownes Beauty on Lincoln Rd in Miami.
So what is a girl to do if there isn't a Sephora nearby? Well, that has been my dilemma for the past 2+years. Ultrafemme just doesn't do it for me in Cancun, I'm sorry to report. Go to makeupalley.com!! It just about gives me the makeup/cosmetic fix that I need! Before a visitor was allowed to view the entire site without registering, now one must register, but trust me it's so WORTH IT!!! You can review your favorite (or least fav) product and women have even uploaded their own homemade mask concoctions! You can browse by brand or most popular or most reviewed. Everyone who is registered must give their skin type, hair color, eye color so you can assess if a given product may work for your unique needs. So before you buy that $50 skin cream, read the reviews first on makeupalley.com! It's the YELP of cosmetics! And boys, it is for you too!! May not sound like it, but I have seen Anthony products on there as well.
Happy browsing!!

You have been misled

From Soystache.com

A new marketing campaign suggests people who consume non-dairy products miss a "dairy opportunity". Supposedly, this "dairy opportunity" is an opportunity to consume dairy to benefit from it's calcium and other nutrients instead of consuming something else. To many, a true "dairy opportunity" would be to, instead of consuming dairy, consume more healthful non-dairy foods. Mothers milk from other species of animals is not designed for humans, especially after being treated with high pressure to alter molecules and after being subjected to high heat to pasteurize it. Fresh vegetable juices are loaded with nutrients. Greens offer amazing nutrition. Sesame seeds top the list for calcium content. So, take an opportunity to avoid dairy and eat or drink something truly health-promoting! It's worth noting: the first cow's milk on the list is actually #41 (not very good for being such a great source of calcium!!!)

The below listings are based on a 100 gram serving of each (the equivalent of 3.53 ounces), listed in a descending order from the highest amount of calcium to the lowest amount of calcium. We ended the table at "Milk, Human" (breast milk) as this is the only natural source of milk-based calcium for humans, which of course is intended for our infancy. The source of the data listed here is the USDA Nutrient Database: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl .

View foods rich in Calcium (Scroll to mid page)

Cancun dogs that are looking for a good home...

Adopt or donate Here

BTW, Rivergirl is working on revamping the RAP site and creating an English page

Sac Bajo

Back in March, I had a US soldier stay with me that had just returned from Iraq. I took him to the "monte" (jungle in Mayan) and we talked about his life in Iraq. He also told me he will have to go back in December...

Si Se Puede

New work

Bliss...

I just had a class with Margarita and Nancy (my neighbors). I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to share the philosophy/spiritual practice/exercise of Yoga with them:) Currently in a state of bliss...
Om

Core/Power/Ashtanga Schedule for August

Class schedule for ashtanga/power/core yoga 8/1- 8/15 is as follows:

8/1 Friday 7:30-9pm
8/2 Saturday 7:30-9pm
8/3 Sunday (Workshop - 5 breath yoga 6pm-9pm)
8/4 Monday mysore 8am-
8/5 Tuesday 7:30-9pm
8/6 Wednesday 7:30-9pm
8/7 Thursday 7:30-9pm
8/8 Friday 7:30-9pm
8/9 Saturday 7:30-9pm
8/10 Sunday (Workshop - 5 breath yoga 6pm-9pm)
8/11 Monday mysore 8am-
8/12 Tuesday 7:30pm-9pm
8/13 Wednesday 7:30-9pm
8/14 Thursday 7:30-9pm
8/15 Friday 7:30-9pm

Mats, belts and blocks are provided.
Please wear comfortable clothing and come on a moderately empty stomach

Email for more info: megdeclerck@mac.com

Roads near my house

A day downtown

Pedro and I spent the day in Cancun today. We bought a granite umbrella holder and carted it around with us while we made all of our stops. Our last stop was at Jako Herrajes for hurricane proof locks and handles for my clothes closet door. I will have to share a before and after pic of the closet b/c I think these handles will make a huge difference! As we were selecting handles, we left the granite umbrella holder outside the store (it was too heavy to carry inside) and I watched all the people slow while passing by b/c they were wondering what was going on with the box. I swear I should have had my vid camera because the tape could have been on America's Funniest Videos. These people were hysterical! From inside the store I could see all the action.
The first man parked next to the box in the Jako parking lot. He looked at the box when he came inside the store.
The second man pulled up in a truck, looked at the box as he was exiting his truck, looked at me and then came into the store.
He left the store and then went back to his truck. He started his truck and then opened his door. Then shut his door turned off the engine and then came back into the store, pretended to measure something and then grabbed a manager and the manager and he went out to investigate the box. The manager came back inside the store and asked me if it was mine. I said yes! "pero el quiere mi caja" But he wants my box!
The third man drove up on a motorcycle and parked next to the box. He actually picked it up to see if something was inside it. I couldn't help but laugh. He then was rearranging things on his motorcycle and at that point, I thought he was going to try to put it on his motorcycle. He then looked inside the store and saw me through the window gazing back at him.
The fourth was a boy who was just walking by trying to figure out if the box was trash or if someone had left it there by accident.
I just wish I had my video camera with me b/c everyone was so curious!

Sunday tunes..

I love the melody of this song and his voice...


Someone very close to me toured with this next girl + Luka Bloom
If you like Adele, you will like Sabrina. You heard it hear first!

Sabrina Dinan

86!

How can it be 86 degrees already at 10am! On my accuweather widget, the "real feel" is 99 degrees. I'm not kidding...it feels like it!

Sea Surface temps before Dolly


Current sea surface temps (after Dolly came through)

Playa playa playa?

Across from the ADO station in downtown Cancun, you will hear men yell "PLAYA PLAYA PLAYA".  They are the drivers of the little white buses that will take you to Playa for about 35 pesos.  I usually take the ADO buses because the seats are more spacious and the ride is less bumpy.  The ADO bus drops you off right on 5th in Playa.

Differences

I hate to compare, but I just can't help myself!  I went to Playa yesterday and noticed some differences...

Playa: On 5th, man trying on Cartier watch in UltraJewels

Isla: Only watch one can buy is in a furniture store, usually Timex, usually been on the shelf for 5years or so. Lots of dust.

Playa: Recycling

Isla: I can hear my neighbor across the street hit his soda/beer cans with a machete to crush them down to a more eco-friendly size.  He likes to do this at 6am.  

Playa: Vespa

Isla: Honda

Playa: Beach cruiser

Isla: Mtn bike, no brakes

Playa: La Santanera

Isla: Closed La Pena

Playa: Lacoste

Isla: El precio

Playa: Style

Isla: What you wore yesterday, today

I can't help but love them both though...

Ninos

Abigail

Abigail

Manuel

Brian

Manuel

Abigail

Abigail

Abigail

Abigail

Brian

Abigail

The boys were over from next door the other night.  Playing around as usual and making lots of noise.  A lot of wrestling too.  

Waiting...

A lot of living in Mexico consists of waiting.  I'm currently waiting on the following items:

A curtain rod for the 2nd floor doors (3 months) 

3 aluminum windows for the painting studio (1 month) 

Gas for my stove (4 days)

I'm so sick of hearing MANANA!  

I now realize why the kids get so upset with me when I say Manana we will go to the beach.  They think it will never happen!!!

Random Mexico

Guard, Merida

Isla Mujeres

Museo, Merida

Isla Mujeres

Futbol on TV

Sipping tea at Zazil Ha, Isla Mujeres

Palapa at Na balam, Isla Mujeres

Zapote wood, Isla Mujeres

La Gloria Colonia, Isla Mujeres

Iglesia, Isla Mujeres

Old Zocalo, Isla Mujeres

Near Bally Hoo, Isla Mujeres

Owner of Goofy Foot Surf and Jimmy Buffett's surf instructor, Tim Sherer

On his boat, Isla Mujeres

Turtle Farm, Isla Mujeres

Near Hacienda Mundaca

Vote Now!

Best tasting Margarita on the island.  Look to your right and vote now!

Tell your friends to vote too!!!

I will feature the winner in my blog when all the votes are in!

Internet is back!

We almost made it through Tropical Storm Dolly without a glitch, until last night when our Cablemas internet suddenly turned off. So close! Our internet came back on around 2:45pm today. Not bad.

The other day I was driving around the island and spotted this. It was located behind the Mundaca Cabanas.

If it was a sunny day...

We would see views like these!!!

Recycled doormat

Is this cool or what!?

available at Acacia 
Flip Flop doormat

Bazillions of flip-flops are made each year, but where does all the scrap material go? Some of it is used for these colorful doormats, thank goodness. Made by hand from foam and wire, rugged, lightweight mat can be used indoors or out. Colors may vary. 36" x 22"

Flip Flop doormat
Item# 50146
$39.95 

Awaiting Tropical Storm Dolly

Before I lose power, I just wanted to send you this link if you wanted to know more info about Tropical Storm Dolly.
Dolly

He's got a CRUSH!

Bright Eyes has a crush on a deer that lives near Casa O's. This crush is about 3 months old now. I don't see it waning anytime soon.

Watch as Bright Eyes goes in for a kiss!

Wrong title!

I should have titled this blog "Life's a bathing suit" because that's all I seem to be wearing these days.  Yes, that hot.  No not me, the weather.  Because of this sudden heat wave, I have been swimming at all hours of the day and night!  Pedro and I have been swimming once a day near our house and then at night at Playa Norte.  For the past 2 days, we have spotted a handsome lobster that makes our mouths water just 2 blocks from where we live.  We considered just for a moment capturing it ourselves and then opted that we would much prefer admiring it from up above while frolicking in the sea.  

This afternoon I took a siesta and guess what Pedro came home with!  No, it's not the one that was out front, but he bought it from the seafood store next to Pepe's veternarian clinic.  These langostas were caught today.  $240 pesos.  

Cocteleria Picus!

Or watch in high quality HERE

Jesus at Picus

Once you are seated, immediately a waiter will drop by with chips and salsa

Manuel Rios played "Lluvia" while I sipped on my Jamaica

Jamaica drink

Before
After
All awhile your feet are dancing happily below in the sand...

Yum!

Tortilla chips waiting for a to go order/ Para Llavar

Seafood platter

Banos 

Looking North from Picus entry

Facing South at entryway to Picus

(From Left to Right) Manuel Rios, Joan, Jesus, Ferneli

View towards Cancun

Poll winner and article

The poll has closed for best restaurant on isla and the winner is Cocteleria Picus!  Look for a full article on Picus tomorrow, complete with pics, menu, perhaps even a video!

I googled Picus this morning and came up with this article about Isla.  Take a look if you haven't already!

8 best islands for food article

The 8 best islands for food
Get out there and eat! Where to dine, cook, drink and fete
By Megan Padilla
updated 2:56 p.m. CT, Tues., Aug. 28, 2007


Mentioned in the article were:
Ko Samui, Thailand
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Oahu, Hawaii
Sicily, Italy
Jersey, Channel Islands
Penang, Malaysia
St. Martin, French West Indies
Guadeloupe, French West

Now getting to the good stuff, this is what it had to say about isla-

"Is it just us or do you, too, get intense cravings for authentic Mexican guacamole at least twice a day? You know the stuff: fresh avocados mashed in a stone bowl with tangy lime, sea salt, cilantro and garlic. Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancun, is one of our favorite islands on which to taste this concoction. But let’s not sell the island short; it also excels at tikin xic, a Maya recipe for fish flame-grilled to perfection. Try it near Playa Lancheros on Isla’s south coast (bring at least three hungry friends to split one fish).

The island is also known for its ceviche mixto – a little bit of everything from the sea. Raw fish and shellfish are chopped into tiny pieces and marinated in lime juice, which effectively “cooks” the fish, and then chilies, tomato, garlic and other spices are added. It is often served with fried corn tortilla chips; you can smell the hot corn wafting in the air. Order the ceviche at Picus Cocteleria right on the Caribbean Sea close to the ferry terminal. If you’ve had enough fish, head instead to the taquerias scattered about downtown (we recommend Super Taqueria Medina, which offers five different salsas at your table and has an excellent rotisserie). www.islamujeresturismo.com"

Sunday in Cancun Part 2

After visiting Mercado 23, I went to one of my favorite stores in Cancun - Triunfo. It is located near Plaza Las Palmas in downtown Cancun. I took tons of pics here. Triunfo has about 10 stores nationwide.

After about an hour in Triunfo, I proceeded on to Home Depot.
I'll take one of each please!!!


And then a brief stop in Chedraui...
Anyone understand this one?  You actually see a lot of this in Mexico.  Shirts that don't make any sense in English.

Sunday in Cancun Part 1

What a day I had today! I boarded Magana Ferry around 2pm and then took a colectivo over to Mercado 23. Colectivos are a great way to get around Mexico inexpensively. 1 way it is 4 pesos and cincuenta in Cancun. That is roughly 40 cents. Disembark at the corner where you will see the big red sign for Bomberos (Fire fighters). From there, look for the sidewalk to the right of the Bomberos building that leads on in to Mercado 23. This is a great trip for those that are vacationing in Cancun or Isla Mujeres. Skip Mercado 28. My taxi driver this evening informed me that it was Cancun's first market. The best time to go if you want to avoid crowds is Monday after 10am. If you want to enjoy the market when all of the vendors are out, check it out midday on a Saturday. Trucks drive up with all sorts of goodies then. I couldn't stop taking pics today, so I will have to post the day in 2 parts. Look for Part 2 on Tuesday.


Crossing the beautiful Caribbean sea

My packed colectivo on the way to Mercado 23

Colectivo

I met this beautiful girl named Carli in my colectivo.  

Cancun taxis are white w/ green stripes.  Isla taxis are red w/ a white stripe.

This is the building you will want to look for.  It is the Bomberos building.  Disembark here for Mercado 23.

Do look up when you are in downtown Cancun b/c the Flamboyan trees are spectacular.

One of the sidewalks leading into Mercado 23.

This man is my fav at the market.  He sells a huge bag of cut up coco with lime and chili.  All for 10pesos!  

Mango, cucumber and ?  

Sweets/dulces

Here is my bag of coco!  

This man's hat was pretty neat.  I had to shoot him w/ that photo fabulous pink wall!!

Woman selling guayas
Guayas

Shark teeth at Freshco

Freshco seafood + prices

More prices

Mamet, Guayas and Model

Pasta

Pasta, Beans, Rice

Mango

I didn't ask for this...but...

Aloe and mamet
Aloe and mamet

This restaurant is always packed.  I hear it has great seafood.  

The name of the restaurant is Doris

Look for Part 2 on Tuesday!

Save your Hair!

Having the opportunity to live in San Francisco for 7 years, I had the fortunate exposure to a load of incredible health food stores. Many carried brands I had never heard of prior to my arrival to the west coast. I think my best find in SF was SLS-Free shampoo. My hair had become an unmanageable dry stack of hay and was falling out in clumps daily. Immediately after I made the switch to SLS-Free shampoos, my hair stopped falling out! I then went on to the internet to see if there were others like me, and to my amazement, there were hundreds if not thousands of stories reporting the same conclusion. My hair is thicker now than it has been in 10 years.
SLS /SLES- Sodium Laurel Sulfate is an artificial foaming agent. SLS is used in shampoos and a whole sleu of other household/grooming products, including your toothpaste.
SLS is being reviewed currently as the source of:
Carcenogenicity, Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation, Protein Denaturing, Hormone Imbalance

AND

(The AJT report states that "Other studies have indicated that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain from skin contact. This poses question of it being a serious potential health threat to its use in shampoos, cleansers, and tooth pastes.")

I can recommend some shampoos to help make the switch easier for you:
My favorite for curly hair is JESSICURL.
My favorite for normal hair is Carol's Daughter (Sephora carries this line)
For Men/Women- Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo (smell the Tea Tree Mint Treatment Conditioner, it's pure magic)
For Men/Women- Nature's Gate Organics Fruit Blend Grapefruit and Wild Ginger (the conditioner is awesome too)
GNC carries a few and also your local health food store.

For more on SLS/SLES and the recent studies go to:
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sls-health-implications.html

New billiards spot

There is a new billiards spot on the island. It is located in La Gloria neighborhood next to Don Ruty.
I haven't been inside yet, but from the doorway I could see that it is extremely clean and there are about 5 tables.
Perhaps it is the same owners as Don Ruty? Check it out when you are here!

South end of the island

If you go to the south end of the island at this time of year, this is what you will see.

(Sorry the video isn't my own, nor is the location Isla, but you will get the idea!)

Restaurant on Isla

Don't forget to vote for your favorite restaurant on Isla!   (The poll is at the bottom of this page)

The winning restaurant will be featured in my blog next week, complete with current menu, pics of food, pics of interior & exterior, pics of wait staff, and views (if any).

Vote now islaholics!! :)

_________________________________________________________

In my comment section below, let me know what your favorite restaurant is if it isn't included in the poll, so I know which restaurant to include in my blog for a future poll.  Perhaps for best margaritas, or best guacamole! 

Salsa!

If you want to take salsa classes, Plaza Arte is one of the best schools in Cancun.  

It is located almost directly across the street from the new plaza Paseos Cancun.  Plaza Arte offers a variety of classes- Painting, Ballet, Tap, Salsa, Piano, Yoga to name a few.

There is even a bookstore in the building.  Probably the best bookstore in Cancun! English books are hard to find there though...

Mujeres: Lunes a Viernes 8:00 a 9:00 (Women only, Mon- Friday 8am-9am)
Mixto: Lunes a Jueves 20:00 a 21:00 (Mixed, Mon-Friday 8pm-9pm)

Tel. 8868621/8482759
e-mail: salsa@plazarte.info

Mensual: $ 400 (Monthly 400 pesos)
Ins. Anual: $ 200

**********************************************************************************

PS- Scroll down to the bottom of the page to vote for your favorite Isla restaurant!!

It's Yoga (Plaza Nichupte)

It's Yoga has opened it's doors and offers class for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
It's Yoga has several locations now- South Beach, San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Cancun

Here is the info you will need to take a class there:

Horarios para informes:
8:00-11:00hrs
16:00-21:00hrs

Clases Principiantes e Intermedios (Beginner to Intermediate)
Lunes 7:00am, 8:30am, 18:30hrs
Martes 7:00am, 8:30am, 20:15hea
Miercoles 9am, 18:30hrs
Jueves 7:00, 8:30, 18:30hrs, 20:15hrs
Viernes 9:00, 18:30hrs
Domingo 9:30hrs

Clases Intermedios y Avanzados (Intermediate to Advanced)
Lunes 20:45hrs
Martes 18:30hrs
Miercoles 7:30, 20:45hrs
Viernes 7:30, 20:45hrs

Tel: 889.9927

Some gorgeous music...

If you watch any episode from Nip/Tuck, you will be blown away by the selection of beautiful tunes...
Here are a few!


Wax Poetic feat. Norah Jones - "Angels"


Bebel Gilberto - "Lonely"


Rufus Wainwright - "Vibrate" (Live in Vienna)


Poloroid - "So damn beautiful"


Debussy - "Claire de Lune"


Koop - "Baby"


Beethoven - "Moonlight Sonata"

Marakame!

My favorite restaurant in Cancun is Marakame.  A hidden oasis that reminds me of Coconut Grove (Miami) and a bit of Berkeley, CA.  Check out the salad bar 1pm-5pm for 85 pesos.  Today, I had the most amazing sopa de champinones (Mushroom soup).  At night, it's quite romantic underneath their palapa upstairs.  I took a short video for you today of it!  God I love this place!

Marakame Cafe
Circuito Copan L.35 SM 19
Tel 887.10.10

Cubanos

NY TIMES article 

The first photos feature a boat that still can be found on the Eastern side of the island in La Gloria Colonia (near the English School).  The story is that there were 20+ cubans on that boat.  

The second boat landed June 2006.  There were 18 cubans on that boat and I believe all of them were caught by Mexican officials/armada.  The photos were taken a half hour after the boat arrived.  I inspected the boat that day and it had an incredible energy to it.  Remaining still inside the boat were empty gasoline containers, oars, boots, crackers, 1 or 2 hats, and plastic bags, but I still could feel the presence of those that had crossed the Caribbean.  For me, it was quite tangible and it had a profound effect on me.  These cubans had just risked their lives for freedom.  A word we sometimes take for granted in the States.

I asked around to my neighbors on how long the voyage would take and received some pretty conflicting numbers.  Some said 7 days, others said 3 days.  I think it depends on the current and also the amount of gasoline you have on board.  The engine inside the boat was said to have been of a Russian lawnmower.

How to get across!

The more expensive option, the lancha! This will be about $100USD one way. One night I missed both ferries and noticed a lancha was taking off for the island. I called over to them and hopped on with a friend of mine. Thankfully my friend realized the capitan of the boat was his neighbor! No charge!

UltraMar ferry. Tickets are $35pesos for Tourists, $25pesos for Residents

UltraMar

Car Ferry. Passengers are 15pesos and the trip is about 45minutes.

And of course my favorite, Magana (sounds like Ma ganya). 35pesos for Tourists, 25 pesos for Residents. For the whole month of December, all of the Magana boats are decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights.

***Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to vote for your favorite Isla restaurant!

Bougainvilla

Last night around 10:30pm I heard my neighbors yell "Buenos!" downstairs at the entry gate. I was on the 2nd floor in the back, so I barely heard them yell, but then I went downstairs and noticed the "Buenos!" was for me. Sometimes it's hard to tell in this neighborhood because the houses are so close together. I went to the entry gate and said hello to Margarito and Margarita (his daughter). They are my neighbors who live directly across the street from me. They asked if they could take some bougainvilla flowers off of my tree. I said sure, but wondered why we were doing this at 10:30pm. They then broke the news that our neighbor who lives 2 doors down has died. It was the man that lived next door to the Panaderia (the bread shop). Margarito and Margarita wanted to take some flowers over to the family.
About 1 week ago, I saw a man at that house shoveling gravilla (gravel) from the street into his house. It was odd because I saw him three days in a row doing the same thing (I think even wearing the same shirt each time) and I felt like I was experiencing some weird déjà vu. Each day I passed him, I made the effort to say hello with a big smile.

Graduation Day!

Ninos eating saborines

(From Left to Right) Brianna, Flor, Joselyn

Abigail

Brian, Rafael, Abigail


Brianna
Brianna



The school



Yesterday morning I was invited to Brian's Graduation. Brian lives next door to me and he is the one in the yellow shirt that went to Cancun with me on Saturday. He usually comes over and tells me when there will be dancing on the island. Bailando. He knows if there is dancing, I will be sure to drop by! I went to his home at 6pm to check on the name of the school and he was still there. I asked what time does the event start? He said 6pm. I said what time does the dancing start, he said 7pm. So I took off on my moto around 7pm and went to 3 different schools. All the wrong ones. I finally figured out which school this was and noticed when I arrived that most of my niño friends had already danced or performed. Abigail, Marianinne, and JoseLyn were all still in costume. They looked adorable. I finally figured out when it was ending that it was Graduation Day! The school had a magnificent view of the island.