Get set for a week of world class singin' & fishin' on Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Sea Mistress heading out for world-class fishing

Holy cow! It's time for the 6^th Annual Island Time Fishing Tournament and Fiesta, a week of great entertainment and fabulous fishing. 

This year, the fun begins with a special concert sponsored by Casa de Los Sueňos on Monday, February 2^nd, featuring a repeat festival favourite, Jon Stone, and his partner Kristy Osmunson. It's a dinner-auction-concert with tickets sold in advance. 

For the serious fishing-folks who are participating in the fishing tournament, the Tuesday night boat registration and Captain's Meeting will again be held at Buho's on Playa Norte. 

After dinner, performers Jon Stone and Lew Brice will be entertaining the crowd and offering up auction items.

Margarita Madness - Nick, Lew, and Jon

One of the biggest changes in the programming this year is the switch of locations for our favourite event, the over-the-top Margarita Madness, traditionally held at the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill. This year it will be held on Wednesday, Feb 4^th at Fenix Restaurant and Lounge, located at Playa Norte. This hugely popular show gets underway at 1:00 in the afternoon, with Jon Stone, Lew Brice, and Joal Rush providing upbeat tunes and raunchy repertoire until around 5:00 P.M.

Thursday, Feb 5^th, the Little Yellow School House will host their traditional open house day at the school, with the students cooking up Mexican BBQ for visitors. It's a great opportunity to check out their outstanding efforts to educate local children who have physical, emotional, or learning disabilities. The funds raised at various events during the Island Time Fishing Tournament & Fiesta are donated to the Little Yellow School House. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The participants have fun, and the school receives a large chunk of money to help with yearly operating expenses.

By Friday night, Feb 6^th, everyone will be ready to rock! This year, El Patio Restaurant & House of Music is hosting a big concert with many talented musicians, including Natalie Stoval, Hailey Steele, Joal Rush, plus Jon Stone and his partner Kristy Osmunson performing as American Young. The fun gets underway at 7:00 in the evening, and I have no clue how late they will rock on! We might have to investigate – just research, you understand.

Getting ready to head out

Are you tired yet? Well, you are not finished yet. There are two more events to take in before the week is finished. 

The Saturday night official wrap-up at Buho's will feature the trophy presentations, dinner, and auction and more great tunes from Jon Stone, Lew Brice, and Joal Rush. 

 I don't know how these guys can maintain their energy to entertain every night of the week.

Lawrie, Ashley, and her boots

And ta da – the finale! The traditional Disco Dance Party is held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, Feb 8th, at Brisas Restaurant on the beach. It's a celebration of the end of another great event.

In between all of the entertainment, dinners, and auctions, some people actually go fishing! Go figure! 

Why would you want to spoil a completely fun week by heading out at dawn, on a big boat, rocking and rolling in the waves, then stick cold squiggly things on sharp hooks, all just to catch fishies? Dang – some people just don't know how to have a good time.

Sailfish lure

Seriously, this is a great event that benefits many islanders. 

As one of our island “gringo” friends likes to say: “Come on down!

Hasta luego, Lynda, Lawrie, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky

The Price of Dreaming!

White sand beach, original lighthouse

Most of us like to dream about a holiday away, somewhere different than our hometown or city, perhaps someplace warm to break up the chill of the winter months. 

Dreaming costs money!

Until a month ago, our number three spot in readership was held by Russia, just behind the USA and Mexico. Now, with the ruble in a free fall against the American dollar and other world currencies, they barely register anymore on our daily and weekly totals. I guess their vacation dreams have been dashed by the economic downturn.

Tarzan's on the Beach

On the other hand, until a few weeks ago, when France was attacked by terrorists, we had very few followers of this blog from that country. Suddenly, the French readership has increased dramatically. You would think that they would be hunkering down at home, instead of dreaming of vacations in the Caribbean.

Harbour with Navy boats, and a car ferry

Scratching our heads over the sudden shift in readership, we compared, via various internet sites, wages and cost of living in Mexico and France. The average monthly wage, after taxes, in France is around $2700.00 (USD), but everything except the nationally protected French wine and bread is much more expensive than in Mexico.

Kite surfing at Playa Norte

Then, when we compared the basic cost of living in either Mexico or Russia, a few surprising details stood out. First, the average monthly salary for workers in both countries was very similar, hitting around $700.00 (USD). The basic foods such as vegetables, meat, eggs, and bread are similar in prices, but the Russians pay much more for rental accommodation, entertainment, restaurant meals, clothing and utilities. If that's the case, there is very little money available for vacations.

Public walkway on south-east side of Isla

Looking at our readership numbers again caused a bit more head scratching; the Czech Republic followers have also increased substantially in recent weeks. So, once again, we compared the basic average wages and cost of living. The average worker in the Czech Republic earns around $1000.00 USD, but their expenses are slightly higher than in Mexico. It's pretty much evens out.

Sand and sun and surf - Playa Norte

Figuring out why the sudden decline in Russian readership was easy. They have less money to spend on non-essentials. But deciphering why the followers in France and the Czech Republic have dramatically increased…not a clue! I guess they finally discovered this part of Mexico, this little island paradise.

Beautiful gate painted tropical orange

Weekly, we write about living in paradise on a tropical island, and we love it here, but it is not about a place so much as it is about an individual paradise. Whether your paradise is spending time with family, friends, your favourite critter, a great glass of wine, or just relaxing, life is meant to be enjoyed.

Wherever you live, keep dreaming! Eventually, your dreams will materialize. We all have our personal notes from paradise.

Hasta luego, Lawrie, Lynda, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky

Wbeymar & Karina, a new enterprise, Caribbean Brisas Bar & Grill

Recently opened Caribbean Brisas

Vivid colours of sunflower yellow, tangerine, and turquoise blue entice passersby into the newly opened Caribbean Brisas Bar & Grill. 

Located on the eastern perimeter road about four blocks south of our house, it's a great place for good food and fun people-watching.

Wbeymar Maldonado Silva and Karina Avila Gonzalez, owners of the original Brisas Grill, located on the beach on the west side of Isla, opened a second locale this week. 

The new eatery features a simpler menu, with some of the favourites from their original restaurant: fajitas, ceviche, salads, grilled fish and pasta. Wbeymar also added a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and other snack-type foods that can be enjoyed while basking in the afternoon sun on their large patio.

Wbeymar & Karina

Born on Isla, Wbeymar and Karina were high school sweethearts. They have been married for almost nineteen years and are still happily in love. 

They have three charming children, a son and two daughters. Other family members also live on the island: Wbeymar has two brothers and four sisters, while Karina has one brother.

Evening at Caribbean Brisas 

Wbeymar has been in the restaurant business for most of his working career, starting at Na Balam as a dishwasher and working his way up to captain of the waiters. 

From there, he moved on to the two Rolandi locations, the restaurant on Hidalgo Avenue, and the hotel restaurant in Sac Bajo. 

His next career was at Garafon National Reef Park as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

My favourite Sopa de Limon 

Eventually, he decided to get involved with owning and operating a business, partnering up with Angelo in their original, smaller location on Hidalgo. 

When they parted company, Wbeymar and Karina took the plunge and started their own restaurant, Brisas Grill, located on the beach a little bit south of Ballyhoo.  

Coming up to their 6^th anniversary in business they decided to diversify a little and open a second location – Caribbean Brisas.

Evening at Caribbean Brisas 

The original Brisas Grill on the beach is still our favourite place to sit with our toes in the sand, watching the boats come and go in the harbour while sharing a tasty meal. However, the new location is a nice, easy walk from our house, so this might become a new favourite of ours.

If you are touring around the island, stop in and give them a try. Good food, and very nice people!

Hasta luego, Lawrie, Lynda, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky

Unique souvenirs of Isla Mujeres!

Iconic location on Isla - great for photos!

Displays of delicate sea-glass jewelry, stacks of quirky hand-painted signs, decorating accessories, greeting cards, and hand-crafted clothing overflowed the tables that vendors had set up in the municipal plaza in Centro.

A great souvenir - bilingual book

This month, the Artists' Fair was held on the first Friday of the month, instead of the first Thursday – that being New Year's Day this year. 

Since the all-night New Year's Eve party in Centro didn't wrap up until late in the morning, not many vendors or customers would have been able or willing to attend an art fair.

On Friday afternoon, Lawrie and I packed up a stack of books, a display table, chairs, tablecloths, banners and assorted other paraphernalia to set up our booth at the fair. 

Island Girl hand-painted fun signs

It reminded us of when we were still working for a living, attending big conventions and trade shows, lugging in heavy boxes and display items. 

 At least here the location is small and intimate, and we didn't have far to walk. We even planned ahead this time and had a small two-wheel hand-truck for the heavier items.

Souvenir-hunting tourists and locals.

The fair was busy with friends and tourists, cruising around to examine the various displays. 

Several local restaurants had samples of their food for sale at ten pesos a taste. Barlito's, Gringo Burgers, Sonny's Pizza and Due Torri were some of the ones that we noticed - serving up yummy samples of wings, fries, burger bites, pizza, lasagna, and even apple pie. The idea was a big hit with the roving crowd.

Lior, Isabel and Maya - young fans!

In our location, we enjoyed a steady stream of fans dropping by to say hello, or to purchase our book: The Adventures of Thomas the Cat – Las Aventuras de Tomás el Gato. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the storyline of this first book, it begins with our adoption of a tiny stray kitten and ends on Isla Mujeres with the grown-up Thomas making friends with a number of the local animals. 

Written in both English and Spanish, it makes a unique souvenir of your vacation to Isla Mujeres, and is a purrfect gift for the youngsters in your life. 

Sandra, Yesterday's News handmade items

One charming young lady by the name of Isabel stopped by to inform me that she owned a copy of the book and had read it all by herself, several times. Impressive! Being avid readers ourselves, it makes us smile to know that youngsters still enjoy reading.

The second book, The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky, is underway.  (I have ideas for many more books in the series.) Now, if I could only convince Thomas to do personal appearances.

Brenda LaMonica, Eileen Regn, Isla Animals

Whatever your preference for a souvenir or a keepsake, the Artists' Fair is a great location to find that special item, for you or a friend.

Hasta luego, Lawrie, Lynda, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky

Making kids, big and small, smile on Isla Mujeres Mexico!

Freddy Medina & Yadira Velazquez 

"Santa! Elmo! Mickey! Minnie! Batman!” dozens of little kids ran giggling and laughing towards the parade. 

Participants riding in the decorated vehicles tossed glow sticks, small gifts, and candies into the shrieking hoards.

This was the second year that Freddy Medina and Yadira Medina Velázquez asked us to participate in a Christmas parade wearing the Mickey and Minnie Mouse costumes that were originally purchased for a Hallowe'en party at Villa la Bella. 

Marcy and Chuck - our drivers

The costumes are hot, clumsy, and exhausting to wear, but when we see the smiles on the faces of the kids, it's well worth the trouble. Behind our foam mascot-heads, Lawrie and I were grinning from ear to ear – not that anyone could see our smiles.

Our good friends Chuck and Marcy Watt again volunteered to be our drivers, plus enlisting their visiting friends John and Di Worhaug as the official candy-tossers for our golf carts. 

 Numerous other friends joined in with decorated golf carts or rode the funny bus. Too much fun!

A little Minnie Mouse!

The collection of vehicles was assembled at a wide spot in the road, next door to our house. 

Everyone was on time! Wow! 

And this year we had two motorcycle policemen assisting at intersections, keeping the parade vehicles together. 

At six in the evening, we started off with a flotilla of fifteen decorated vehicles and a collection of motorcycles.

No one had any idea where the parade route would take us. The bus driver and his navigator were responsible for deciding the route. 

It all depended on whether or not the bus could fit in a particular street, or if it would be too narrow. 

Dick, Tony, Paul and Mim

Even with these precautions, the folks riding on the top of the bus had to duck a few times to avoid low-hanging electrical wires. 

The excitement was all part of the fun as one of the bus riders would yell: Down! 

And then: Okay, clear!

Barlow, Brad, Tiff and Lior

We began by heading south, winding through the various neighbourhoods, up and down streets, around the Super X-Press, past the parks: waving, waving and waving.  Ahead of our vehicle, I could see Freddy (Elmo) dancing and waving for the entire two hours. That takes a lot of stamina!

Julie, Patty and Deb

Eventually, we turned north along Rueda Medina, passing the various restaurants and hotels, still waving and having a great time. 

Anna Karina and Lazardo

At the Soggy Peso entrance, the parade came to an abrupt stop while one of the ladies on the bus made a mad dash for the baños! Upon her smiling return, off we went again, winding our way through Centro, turning the corner at Jax Restaurant and finishing at Brisas Grill on the beach. 

Wbeymar Maldonado and his wife, Karina Avila, hosted an extended Happy Hour at Brisas Grill for the motley crew, allowing us to unwind and rehydrate.

As I gave Freddy a hug and a thank-you kiss on the cheek, I realized he was soaked with perspiration, right through Elmo's thick red fur. Have a couple of cold beers, my friend, you've earned it!

Freddy and Yadira 

Thanks again for including so many gringos in your fun. Our faces hurt from smiling!

Happy New Year to Everyone

Lynda and Lawrie

This week's photo credits: Deb Rosa Sirenas, Diana Worhaug, Kevin Petty, Marcy Watt, and the Medina family.

Tonda, Tuggi, Kay and Kevin

Mickey, Minnie, Luz Medina 

Hasta luego, Lawrie, Lynda, Sparky, and Thomas the Cat

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky