Yucatan News: Water and WWII
Spring Equinox Numbers Were Huge!
More than 200,000 people braved the risk of rain to see if Kukulcan, the Great Feathered Serpent, would have enough sun for his shadow to descend the staircase of the <em>Castillo </em>at Chichen Itza, or if the Rain God Chaac would be able to muster enough bad weather to obscure Kukulcan’s shadow. Kukulcan won the day and it was thrilling. Other archaeological sites also had larger than usual crowds. Oxkintok, one of our favorite, and rather out-of-the-way, sites, was open for the Equinox at dawn for the second time this year. Apparently, it too was built with the Equinox in mind. The site was opened at 5 am for anyone interested (and likely will be next year as well, so make a note!). Also, the price of admission at Oxkintok is only $47 <em>pesos </em>(as opposed to Chichen Itza, see below), and on Sundays it is free to Mexican nationals and anyone who can prove residency in Mexico. It looks as if much of the world is ready for spring and Yucatan is a great place to find it.
Spring at Yucatan’s Busiest Archaeological Sites
Rates have changed this year at two of Yucatan’s busiest archaeological sites: Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltun.
At the Maya Ruins of Chichen Itza, the ticket price for domestic visitors is $145 <em>pesos</em>. The ticket price for foreign visitors is $216 <em>pesos</em>. Exempted from paying are pensioners and retirees over 60, individuals under 13, those who are disabled, as well as students and teachers with accredited documentation. Parking lots are available for vehicles and buses, as well as a heliport for those who arrive by air. Free transportation is available to move tourists from parking lots to the main section of the site. The hours of operation are the same at many of the archaeological sites in Yucatan state, i.e. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a normal schedule. The light and sound show (Chichen Itza Kukulcan Nights) is usually available through a night tour. This past weekend, because it was the beginning of Spring, there was a weekend special that gave visitors the light and sound show without having to purchase the tour.
At Dzibilchaltun, the ticket price for domestic visitors is $101 <em>pesos</em>, and $130 <em>pesos </em>for foreigners. Exempted from paying are pensioners and retirees over 60, individuals under 13, those who are disabled, as well as students and teachers with accredited documentation. Parking is available for individual vehicles and for busses. The hours of operation for Dzibilchaltun are usually from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This can change during both the Spring and Fall Equinox.
ADO Special “Coins” Program
The ADO bus system is again advertising its domestic bus tours known as “Coins.” Last year, after being encouraged to save the change in their pockets, on a daily basis for a year, Mexicans who never thought they could afford to travel were in the busses and gone on vacation. The program was so successful that ADO is promoting it again. We think this is a great idea for everyone. Start saving those coins and see Mexico!
Water Quality in Yucatan
One of the most common questions visitors to Mexico ask is about whether they should drink bottled water or trust tap water. New statistics still imply that bottled water is the best choice. Yucatan has 30 wastewater treatment plants in the entire state and, unfortunately, many are only able to treat one to five liters per second. Some larger treatment plants are treating 400 liters per second, but they are in the minority. The biggest offenders continue to be pork farms, corn mills, open landfills, and underground oil. When populations grow as rapidly as they have done in urban Yucatan, there are bound to be water problems. Yucatan has more water than any state in Mexico... enough to carry the state for 30 more years in fact. But for now, bottled drinking water is still recommended. Please support any and all water conservation programs.
Yucatan Loses Last Hero of WWII
Sometimes, we Americans forget that World War II touched families around the world, including here in Mexico. The legendary Squadron 201 of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force fought its battles over the Far East. Three of their number were from the State of Yucatan: Resendil Varguez Magaña, Ricardo Quintal Pinzon, and machine gunner Lt. Ramiro Bastarrachea Gamboa. For their heroic actions during time of war, all three of these fine soldiers were awarded the <em>Medalla Servicio el Lejano Oriente</em> (Medal of Service in the Far East). <em>Don</em> Ramiro died, at the age of 93, just this past week. A large family, many friends, a proud state, and a grateful nation are left to mourn his passing.
Punishable Crime: Cutting the Ears and Tail of Pets
For many years, animal rights activists tried to talk to the owners and veterinarians of some pet breeds about the dangers of cutting the ears and tails of pets. Finally, their numbers were sufficient to pass animal abuse laws and veterinarians are bound to warn owners who request such services now that it is a punishable crime. Evidently, it has been a crime under animal abuse laws for some time but, without the specific language it has now, some pet owners and veterinarians simply ignored the law. Veterinarians have also finally begun to advise against the declawing of cats. Hopefully, this specific legal language is present in Yucatan’s animal abuse laws and, if not, perhaps it will be soon.
Migratory Health Issues
The IV Global Congress of Qualitative Health Research was held in Merida this past week. Representatives of seventeen nations where on hand, seeking proposals for offering quality health care as a human right. Notable among the nations represented were Brazil, Chile, the People’s Republic of China, Colombia and South Korea. As the population of the world continues to migrate, it is an error to ignore the fact that migrants bring health issues with them. Some of those health issues are related to economy and environment, and their new home nations must be prepared to take them on at that point. Universities and social groups around the world are working together to develop a global system that will ensure the basic human right to appropriate health care for everyone, no matter where they migrate in the world. That is a monumental project and everyone working on it should know how deeply appreciative the world is of their willingness to dedicate themselves to this cause.
Bus Drivers in Training for New Transport System
There will soon be 40 new buses in Merida, all connected to a central dispatcher. There are 90 bus drivers, who have been divided into three groups of 30 so they can learn the new system. These will be the buses of the new Metropolitan Circuit and a huge leap forward for Merida’s transit system. There will be more bus stops now too. With luck, the bus drivers will enjoy their new system as much as we hope the people will. We haven't heard if these buses are the same combustion engine designs that now ply the streets of Merida, but we are hoping they might be powered by something cleaner. <em>Vamos a ver! </em>(We'll see!)
Ministry of Education Fights Childhood Obesity Online
After being presented with the fact that Yucatan is first in the nation of Mexico in its rate of obesity, the State Government departments of education and health partnered with UADY to develop the Comprehensive Care Program to Combat Obesity in the State of Yucatan (PIAOY). This is an excellent program that is all online, and it is also being taught in schools. The online program helps parents to take charge of their own obesity issues so that they can work with their children to build a new and healthy lifestyle. To learn more about this program and to share it with friends, please visit the <a href="http://www.programaobesidad.yucatan.gob.mx/contenido.php">PIAOY website</a>.
Expat Passed Away in Progreso
On March 15, Richard Wilson died of a heart attack in his home in Progreso, Yucatan. He was affectionately called “Dickie” by his friends and was only 66 years young. The entire expat community mourns his passing and many have remarked that beach life will never be as much fun again without Dickie’s antics. Although we did not know Dickie, it speaks volumes when his friends laugh out loud at the mention of his name and then begin their next sentence with “Now – you have to understand – Dickie was a character…” Hopefully, someone will be able to laugh at memories of each of us after we are gone. Rest in Peace, Dickie.
