Get set for a week of world class singin' & fishin'

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. Limited supply - get yours now!

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 at the Soggy Peso - 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 the El Patio Restaurant & House of Music is hosting a big concert with a number of 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 at disco dance with Ashley and her boots

And ta da – the finale! The traditional Disco Dance Party 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 a 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 and Lawrie

You can also find us on the web at:

Humerous stories about critters we have known:

http://animalsandfamilymembers.blogspot.mx/

AND

The Adventures of Thomas the Cat: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Adventures-of-Thomas-the-Cat-Las-Aventuras-de-Tomás-el-Gato

Wbeymar & Karina, a new enterprise

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

Recently opened - Caribbean Brisas

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 - photo from the FB page

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 - available at both locations

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 - photo from the FB page

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

Lynda and Lawrie

You can find us on the web at:

Humerous stories about critters we have known:

http://animalsandfamilymembers.blogspot.mx/

AND

The Adventures of Thomas the Cat: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Adventures-of-Thomas-the-Cat-Las-Aventuras-de-Tomás-el-Gato

Making kids, big and small, smile

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 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 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.

More happy participants

Tonda, Tuggi, Kay and Kevin

Mickey, Minnie, Luz Medina 

You can find us on the web at:

Humerous stories about critters we have known:

http://animalsandfamilymembers.blogspot.mx/

AND

The Adventures of Thomas the Cat: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Adventures-of-Thomas-the-Cat-Las-Aventuras-de-Tomás-el-Gato

The late-afternoon "ah" factor

End of the day ritual 

It's become our end-of-the-day ritual, sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun set on another great day.  Ah!

The island has many great locations to watch the sunset.  Most of our favourite places are on the waterfront facing towards Cancun or Isla Blanca; locations where the brilliant colours of the setting sun are splashed on the ocean and echoed on nearby reflective surfaces.  

2002 at Villa Makax on westside of Isla

Our first trip to Isla Mujeres was in 2002. We stayed on the west side of the island at Villa Makax and the Rolandi Hotel.  

At that time golf cart rentals were not very common so we seldom left the neighbourhood.  I have very pleasant memories of standing barefoot in the surf with my glass of wine waiting for the sunset, and we all know good memories induce return visits.

We returned to Isla in 2005, after taking a trip to Bali, and then, as it turns out, one final vacation on the Pacific coast of Mexico.  We decided that Isla was better, much better!   

2005 Sunset Grill view 

On our second trip we explored more of the island, discovering other restaurants such as Sunset Grill at the north end of the island and Casa O's near the southern end of the island.  

2009 Lawrie at Casa O's Restaurante

Both restaurants were delightfully romantic places to spend a few hours savouring good food and beautiful sunsets.  

(The Casa O's property was sold a couple of years ago and has been converted to a lovely private home.) 

View near Brisas Grill and BallyHoo

Now that we are full-time islanders we have several other favourite places.  

A table on the beach at Brisas Grill on Rueda Medina is the perfect location to watch the sun ignite the sky with fiery pinks, oranges and reds before slowly extinguishing itself in the ocean.   





At Ballyhoo we usually try to grab the corner table to really appreciate the evening display.  

Besides the great show of the sun going down, there are usually boats coming and going, kids hanging out with friends, and fishermen bringing in their catch. There is always something to see, to photograph.

Sunset view from Soggy Peso dock

A little further south on the island are other good locations for sunset watching.  We are very partial to the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill, especially since the two large derelict boats that were blocking the great view have been towed away and turned into reusable scrap.  Sitting on the dock with a glass of wine is such a relaxing way to end the day - watching kayakers, and boaters enjoying a last bit of evening light. 

Jeff Current at Marina Paraiso

More recently Barlito's at Marina Paraiso has turned into another favourite sundowner hangout for us, especially on Friday nights when Jeff Current is belting out great beach tunes.  The location is spectacular. 

The jewel-toned lights hanging randomly from overhead tree branches creates a whimsical atmosphere.  The lights are far more romantic than the unfortunately standard florescent tube fixtures found in a number of local restaurants.  Recently Barlito's has added tall bistro-style tables and chairs tucked under tiny waterfront palapas, making the sunset viewing even better.  

My waiter sharing the rooftop view

We have one more favourite sunset location on the island.  It's private.  

Exclusive.  Our rooftop deck.  It's a great place for sunset viewing, for the late-afternoon "ah" factor, however, efficient bar service at this location is always a challenge.  The waiter grumbles when I ask for a refill.  He has to trek down thirty-eight stairs to the kitchen refrigerator, and back up thirty-eight stairs.  Sigh!


It's a good thing I know him quite well.



Cheers
Lynda & Lawrie

A playdate for adults!

A few months ago a good friend quipped that after reading our weekly blogs for the past four years, she had come to the conclusion that living on Isla was a never ending playdate for adults.  

That's a pretty accurate assessment of the situation, especially in the winter months when our northern friends return to share our pretty little sandbox. 

This past week was definitely a continuous playdate!  The 5th Annual Island Time Fishing Tournament began on Monday February 3rd.  It's a week-long festival featuring legendary fishing, talented musicians, and tantalizing food. 

The funds raised at various events during the week are donated to the Little Yellow School House;"to assist children who have physical, emotional, and learning disabilities." 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. 

Soggy Peso Bar & Grill - Brenda Nash Lamonica photo

We joined in the fun for three of the events:

Wednesday was the 4th annual Margarita Madness at the Soggy Peso Bar & Grill - starring three great guys who like to sing, play music, party, and sing some more. Once again Mal and Sally Richards, and their hardworking staff ensured that everyone had a great time. Only a few people unintentionally fell in the swimming pool this year!

Island Time Fiesta at Marina Paraiso

On Friday night a new event, the Island Time Fiesta, encompassed the large waterfront location of Marina Paraiso & Iguanas Restaurant.  

Organized by Tiffany and Brad Wareing, plus Carlos Espindola and Tani Cornell, it was a very successful and entertaining evening.  

Shortly before sundown, as we strolled along palm covered wooden walkways, we were greeted by the blood-pounding sounds of flamenco guitar music, and the rhythmic tapping of feet on a wooden stage. 

Fabulous!  

Female impersonator

As darkness fell, the second act, a troupe of female impersonators from Cancun, took the stage.  They performed complicated dance routines, that included energetic moves, while lip-syncing to popular songs.  

Their lead performer had a quick sense of humour, and even though the words were in Spanish we understood the intent.  

Our own, soon to be famous, Jeff Current

To wrap up the night, talented islander Jeff Current played guitar and sang fun tunes about sun, sand, and island life, interspersed with his good humoured jokes about islanders: "You might be an Isleño if ....."   

Well-known for his quick sense of humour, his secret has been exposed. He can sing, and sing well!  Plus he plays a mean guitar. 

Dispersed throughout crowd were food stations supplying a variety of yummy Mexican delicacies including tacos and a savoury paella created by the Marina Paraiso staff.

Logan Day showing off the yummy paella

Another food station provided custom-made marquesitas, those hot and crispy dessert crepes that can be slathered with chocolate, or Nutella, or bananas. Yum! 

The participating sport fishermen donated a heap of just-caught fish, wahoo, grouper, mahi mahi, that were turned into exquisite fish and chips.
  
The very happy crowd of over 600 attendees settled around the stage, or comfortably relaxed at tables scattered around the waterfront property.  With music, and food, and soft ambient lighting it was a perfect venue to relax and enjoy the tropical evening.

Disco Dance at Brisas Restaurante on the beach

On Sunday, the final Island Time Fishing Tournament event was the annual Disco Dance with Isla's renowned DJ, Rosa Sirenas playing tunes and keeping everyone dancing.  

We had a lot of fun trying out various dance routines, faintly remembered from years past, and entertaining the startled passersby when they glanced into the interior of Brisas Restaurante. 

Having fun at Brisas Restaurante

"What the heck are they doing?"  Seemed to be the common question both in English and Spanish.  "Having fun, just having fun." 

In all cases the proprietors of the venues: Soggy Peso Bar & Grill, Marina Paraiso & Iguanas Restaurant, plus Brisas Restaurante donated the use of their facilities, plus a huge chunk of the bar and food revenue to the sponsoring charity.  They are over-the-top good citizens.  Thank you everyone for a fun week, and for your support of a worthy cause.   


We need a rest!  No more playdates for this week: please!

Curtis Blogin, Bob Frye, and Lawrie at Brisas Restaurante

Hasta Luego

Lynda & Lawrie

It’s a wrap!

I hear y’all were at a disco ..."

“I hear y’all were at a disco dance before comin’ here.” She said in her husky Georgian drawl.  Her grinning smile and the tone of her voice implying: a disco dance?  Really?

Well, yes, most of the crowd assembled to listen to E.G. Kight’s rich voice belt out southern-fried blues had been at a disco party thirty minutes before.

E.G.’s second performance at Jax Bar & Grill was the final event in a week-long string of festivities – all aimed at raising funds for two well-known island charities.

Enjoying E.G. Kight's southern blues

The majority of the events were focused on raising money for the very significant Help a Special Child Inc. (The Little Yellow School House) while this second concert by E.G. Kight was solely to benefit the Isla Animals society. 

Hair of the Dog - starting point at Jax

Another event the Hair of the Dog Poker Run organized by Paul Ricker and Brook Prinsen was also a very successful first time event for the Isla Animals society.  

A group of fifty-two participants all clad in vivid green t-shirts met at Jax Bar & Grill on Saturday morning, and set off on their adventure as a group.  

Get Down Tonight!  Ashley, Lawrie, and Betty

The bar-hopping revelry yielded over $1000.00 to help with spay and neuter clinics, or vaccinations for the many dogs and puppies being sheltered and fed by the organization.  

The final fundraising event for Help a Special Child Inc. (The Little Yellow School House) was the disco dance hosted by Brisas Restaurante.  

The proprietors Karina and Wbeymar Maldonado contributed fifty percent of the beverage revenue to the host charity.  

DJ Rosa Sirenas

It was a fun way for the volunteers who helped with the fishing tournament, the music festival, and the t-shirt sales to unwind, relax, have a few laughs.  

Special guest DJ Rosa Sirenas kept everyone grooving to the music until it was time to boogie on down the road to Jax, and the final E.G. Kight concert.

And just to keep everything interesting the national Mexican carnival celebrations started on Friday, so at times the two boisterous events overlapped each other with raucous music, booming sound systems, dance troops, noisemakers and whistles competing with speeches and awards ceremonies.  

One of the colourful Carnival entries

At one point during the disco dance we had two separate sound systems on the street booming out salsa music for the carnival dancers, and our DJ blasting disco tunes. 

How do you dance to that?  

Is it salsa-disco, or rock-and-roll salsa?  It was all good fun.

But now it’s over, wrapped up for another year; two amazing back-to-back events; the six-day long Island Time Fishing Festival intersecting the five-day Mexican carnival celebrations.  

Great Carnival band - beating on the drums  

Whew!  It’s nice to get back to a quieter routine. 

Hasta Luego          
Lynda and Lawrie