Valentine's Day golf trip to Mexico

via thegolfchannel.com

What makes a worthy Valentine's Day golf destination?

Guaranteed sun, for one. Spas, fine dining, some exotic flair and top notch service helps, too.

Mexico fits this bill in a lot of different ways, especially in February, when the weather is guaranteed balmy when other parts of America can be susceptible to winter chills.

I've visited to two resorts in Mexico that can make for a quick romantic escape, whether your spouse is a big golfer or just likes sunshine, spas and cervesas.

One resort I just returned from is the Fairmont Mayakoba. It's just 40 miles from Cancun's airport on the beautiful Riviera Maya, but far removed from the spring break crowd, and has all the elements of a dynamite Valentine's Day getaway: a sprawling, village of casitas weaving around canals that's quiet and spacious, fine dining options and the fantastic Willow Stream Spa. The golf course closes Valentine's Day weekend to get ready for the PGA Tour event, but there's plenty of other golf courses nearby to play – or just skip the golf altogether and hang beachside.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Mexican Leader Seeks Climate Commitments at Davos

via abcnews.go.com

Facing down the skeptics, Mexico's president urged governments and companies on Friday to cough up the cash to fight climate change and avoid a repeat of the failure at Copenhagen to set binding targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

With a worldwide shaky economic recovery under way, Felipe Calderon pleaded for aid and investment from executives and political leaders at the World Economic Forum, hoping to unite the world on a firm blueprint to slow the warming of the planet.

This year's big U.N. climate change meeting — being held Nov. 29-Dec. 10 in the Mexican resort of Cancun — will be challenged to succeed where the 2009 meeting in Copenhagen failed.

"We need to try to learn from our mistakes in Copenhagen," Calderon said. "If we can find an economic mechanism ... we will be on track."

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Canadian chef creates taste sensations at gourmet resort

via windsorstar.com

Lit by studio lights, Canadian chef Pierre Mourez beams out from a half-dozen giant television screens hanging from the restaurant's thatched roof.

Mourez is executive chef at an all-inclusive, adults-only gourmet hostelry, where cooking classes allow guests to bring back more than suntans to the chilly north.

Typically, many in his audience at this resort, 35 minutes south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, are on honeymoons or celebrating anniversaries. The well-travelled chef puts on a terrific show -- on this particular day finishing off his sea bass dish with a fiery splash of tequila.

Directing a staff of 75 chefs and 25 pastry chefs, Mourez creates a global array of menu choices for Eldorado Royale Hotel and Spa's seven restaurants. With the demands of 24-hour room service in the 600-suite property, along with running dining spots that specialize in Mediterranean, Asian, Oriental, and Mexican cuisine, you'd think he'd be too busy to give cooking lessons.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Local dancers are Mexico-bound

The Studio MC Performance team, a group of 20 dancers between nine and 17 years old, will perform five shows in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in February.

The dancers are hosting a fundraiser to help pay travel costs. Silent and live auctions accompanied by refreshments will take place at the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre on Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30. For more info call 403-932-1330.

via cochraneeagle.com

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One week delay of the recovery of beaches

The beach recovery project will be a week late at this beach resort, because they were suspended for maintenance work to the technical team, said the president of the Cancun Hotel Association, Rodrigo de la Peña Segura.

The informant explained that this is the normal procedure that should be performed to maintain technical equipment in top condition, so work was temporarily suspended, they will start again in three days to end the dumping of sand in Cancun.

As you will recall the beach recovery project in Cancun expects the dumping of sand in 10.7 kilometers of coastline, of which only 500 meters are left to be filled, at the end of the project 5.9 million cubic meters of sand have been deposited "The Ollita" of Punta Norte Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

Via:
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/noticia.asp?cx=15$3403000000$4234391&f=20100127

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Now Resorts & Spas Opens in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Now Resorts & Spas, a new brand of luxury lifestyle resorts, has launched to provide guests the ideal vacation environment to relax and reconnect in a spectacular setting.   The announcement was made by Alex Zozaya, president of AMResorts, provider of sales, marketing and resort brand management services. 

Now open in Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya, the first property, Now Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, is the latest addition to AMResorts family of upscale resort brands, which also include Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, The Zoëtry Collection, Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas.   Now Resorts & Spas will treat every guest to Unlimited-Luxury®, where everything is included.  The signature vacation concept caters to couples, friends and families with desirable locations, elegant accommodations with stunning ocean views and first-class amenities and services.

While every property will offer a unique flavor, look and experience, overall brand features will be shared.  These include: Finely appointed, oversized guest rooms and suites with ocean views and private terraces, wireless internet access, flat screen TVs with surround sound systems, daily refreshed mini bars, 24-hour room and concierge services, multiple gourmet dining offerings and full-service spa and fitness facilities. Wedding services and honeymoon packages also will be available at every resort.

via hotelinteractive.com

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Ten beauties of the island who aspire to be the queen 2010

via abc.es

At the launch yesterday of Queen 2010. nine of the ten candidates candidates attended, one of them suffered an injury- where on Friday, 5th of Feb tread the stage with carnival designs, Councilman Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Roque Diaz, underlined that "the beauty of women of the island is more than reflected. Thus, in his view, "the jury is going to have it very difficult."

On the other hand, said that despite the economic crisis, has kept the number of candidates for the various contests-with companies that sponsor them. Diaz also invited citizens to "escape from the crisis and to participate in this event with good vibes."

In his view, "people have wanted to have fun and escape, so we must transmit positive energy." Thus, pledged that everything will be "the most dignified manner possible," while staked by local artists.

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Problems on Carnival Destiny force line to cancel cruises

via usatoday.com

The 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny is experiencing a propulsion problem that will force the cancellation of two upcoming cruises and the modification of three others.

A Carnival spokesperson tells USA TODAY the problem began last week and is affecting the 14-year-old ship's sailing speed but nothing else. The Miami-based vessel will undergo a last-minute, seven-day dry dock starting on Feb. 13 to resolve the problem, the line says.

The three modified cruises all take place prior to the dry dock. The five-day cruise departing Jan. 30 will now visit Cozumel and Costa Maya instead of Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. The four-day cruise departing Feb. 4 will visit Cozumel only; a call in Key West has been canceled. The five-day cruise departing Feb. 8 will now replace the scheduled call in Grand Turk with a stop at Freeport, along with visits to Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Bingo Day Caribbean Cruise Competition

If you enjoy playing free bingo, Bingo Day is as good a site as any to play, they give you a 200% cash match in free bingo money when you make your first deposit. But if you want to play at a site where you have the opportunity to win one of three Caribbean cruises valued at £12 000, then Bingo Day is the only site to play on.

The Annual World Championship Bingo Cruise has become world famous, last year saw their 21st anniversary cruise and this year Bingo Day and the network they operate on is giving away three pairs of tickets onto this cruise. This is a VIP prize if ever there was one! And remember each winner gets to take a guest, so it is fun, all the way.

This year the cruise is heading into the Caribbean on the 6th November 2010, so the timing is perfect too, a real taste of the sun before the winter sets in for what always seems like an eternity. The prizes are all inclusive and this includes 7 nights, setting out from Miami, so air tickets to and from this port are also part of the prize. Mod cons feature in the Deluxe Staterooms which have already been booked for the winners, and ports of call will be Cozumel – Mexico, then gorgeous Grand Cayman and finally stunning Jamaica, before returning to Miami.

via bingobase.com

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Story: In Cozumel, Mexico

It's been a while since I've visited the Caibbean this time of year and I am reminded of why I love coming at this time.  For one it's our 25th wedding anniversary, the other reasons are the weather and the crowds or lack there of.  The weather is great.  Upper 70's - low 80's during the day and upper 60's low 70's at night and there is always a nice breeze.  You can lay on the beach all day and not sweat profusely.  The crowds are minimal, which means you can get a table at any restaurant, you don't have to hunt for a chaise lounge and there are little to no children. 

Whenever I come to Mexico, the first thing I want is guacamole, limes, jalopenos and a an ice cold cerveza.  When I arrived at the hotel it was lunch time so that's exactly what I did.  I also had some seafood ceviche that was so fresh it tasted like the sea.  We had lunch on the beach and watched people parasurfing.

via chicagonow.com

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U.S.,Cuba, travel summit,Cancun,Mexico

Dozens of representatives of the U.S. travel sector will meet with their Cuban counterparts in a public forum to discuss the potential for travel between the U.S. and Cuba.

The meeting will take place at the U.S.-Cuba Travel Summit to be held at the Gran Melia Cancun Hotel in Cancun, Mexico, from March 24-26, 2010.

This historic gathering is being organized by Alamar Associates in association with the NTA and sponsored by The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Other sponsors to date include Marazul Charters, Vigilant Worldwide Communications, and The Americas Group.

A Cuban delegation of more than 20 officials and travel specialists traveling from Havana will include ministry officials as well as representatives of all of the major Cuban travel/tour operators.

“Over the years, these Summits have proven useful and successful in providing U.S. company executives practical information about how to do business in Cuba and whom to contact,” said Kirby Jones, president of Alamar Associates.

via traveldailynews.com

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Leading Hotels new members.

via 4hoteliers.com

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is situated on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, ten miles from Playa del Carmen. An exclusive, ecologically-sensitive resort, it features 132 free-standing one-, two-, and three- bedroom villas, all with private pools and appointed with unique Mayan-inspired furnishings with Asian touches. Dining outlets include Saffron, serving contemporary Thai cuisine; Tamarind, for Mediterranean-inspired specialties; Oriente, for buffet breakfast and modern Mexican fare; Sands, serving light meals and cocktails; and Reflections pool bar. For relaxation, the resort offers swimming pools, the Banyan Tree Spa, a beach club and golf. In addition, there are four meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 180 people.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Cancun launches tourism project that adds to the neighboring islands

Cancun is to become a great comprehensive destination, including various activities such as dining, fashion, adventure, and ecology, among others, also adding to its tourist projection outlying islands: Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel and Contoy.

This purpose will be the main focus of his class in 2010 in a campaign bearing the title "Treasures of Cancun and the Caribbean, officials confirmed to local media sector.

The islands of Holbox, Contoy and Cozumel, with Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos Boca Church were already part of the wonder of visiting this location, and are now grouped under the umbrella brand Cancun, one of the most important tourist sites in Mexico.

via:
http://www.caribbeannewsdigital.com/es/noticias/30834/mexico_cancun_lanza_proyecto_de_promocion_turistica_que_suma_a_las_islas_vecinas

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Collective baptism in Isla Mujeres organized

At the request of residents of Francisco May, the municipality of Isla Mujeres managed with the Catholic Church, the collective baptism of 52 children and adolescents in this community.

The support was possible because the prior proceedings, the municipality took the Civil Registry to the community. Staff from that office a few weeks ago gave birth certificates to parents of the 52 registered, which allowed minors to have an identity document requirement in order to comply with other formalities, including the religious.

In an interview, Manuel Garcia Garcia, secretary general of the council, who attended on behalf of the municipal president, Alicia Ricalde Magana, said that never before did a mass registration in this community, to illustrate that even had children over 10 years did not have the identification card.

via:
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/noticia.asp?cx=15$1310000000$4232582&f=20100124

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Midfielder Zepeda scores 3 as Atlas upset champions

Striker Javier Hernandez scored twice for Guadalajara to take his tally to four goals in two matches, his opener a header after only two minutes after Omar Bravo had flicked on a cross from midfielder Xavier Baez.

Hernandez lobbed goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo for his second in the 26th, defender Jesus Molina pulled one back and full back Hector Reynoso made it 3-1 before halftime.

Mexico striker Miguel Sabah also scored twice as Morelia won 2-0 at home to America, who had begun the tournament with a 5-1 rout of San Luis last weekend.

San Luis recovered to upset CONCACAF Champions League title holders Atlante 3-2 away in Cancun on the Caribbean coast with two goals from 35-year-old midfielder Braulio Luna.

Atlante's new Peruvian signing Johan Fano hit both the home side's goals in the space of four minutes to give them a 2-1 halftime lead.

via football.uk.reuters.com

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Valentine's Day getaways for lovers and cynics

via northjersey.com

With Valentine's Day falling on a Sunday this year, numerous hotels are offering special weekend packages. Make it an overnight celebration instead of showering your loved one with candy and chocolates – or rebel against couples by spending a night with your best friends.

* Do Not Disturb at Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Choose from three all-inclusive resorts throughout February, all offering packages for the occasion.

Cost: From $250 at Velas Vallarta Suite Resort; $399 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; and $405 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, all per person per night, based on double occupancy.

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Story: Start marriage in style with wedding cruise

"A mailbox in Ruston is what I call home," laughed Tonya Givens as she sat in my travel agency. "I am a construction pipeline inspector. Travel is what I do for a living, so, when Mike proposed to me on Labor Day in New York City, the thought of planning and worrying about a wedding overwhelmed me.

"That's why I called Mary Margaret Brenner at your travel agency. Together, we decided that the easiest, quickest and best thing for us to do with our time constraints would be a wedding-moon — combining a destination wedding with a honeymoon.

"My fiancee, Mike Brown, is the superintendent for a construction company, so since his crew would be off for Christmas, we decided the holidays — less than few months away — would be the perfect time.

"I told Mary Margaret I wanted to marry on a beautiful sandy beach in the Caribbean, and she made it happen. On Dec. 26, we sailed aboard the Carnival Conquest from Galveston, heading to Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Cozumel.

via thenewsstar.com

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Low fares make March fine time to travel

February, with its Presidents' Week commemorations, is a popular month for travel; March is less so. I regard six different travel opportunities in March as remarkable bargain opportunities:

$601 for five nights in Cancun (Maya Riviera), including round-trip air from Miami, from Vacation Travel Mart (www.vacmart.com, phone 800-288-1435). Here's a five-night package to the white-sand beaches of the Maya Riviera directly south of Cancun, at the Allegro Playacar Resort Hotel, including three meals daily, unlimited drinks and beverages, unlimited sports and entertainment. That's throughout March (and until April 4).

via kansas.com

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Almost ready the filling of beaches

In less than a week will culminate the work of dumping sand in Cancun as part of the beach recovery project, which has plans to fill 10.5 km in the area between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, said in charge of work of the Trust Recovery Beach, Edgar Ordóñez.

So far 9.7 km of coastline have been completed, there are only 800 meters, which are being worked now. I estimate that in less than a week will conclude this phase of the project, he explained.

He said the dumping of the total 5.9 million cubic meters of sand end at the height of Royal Solaris. filling began at Punta Cancun in November.

The interviewee added that the width of beaches will be achieved by depositing the sand taken from the banks "The Ollita" of Punta Norte Isla Mujeres and Cozumel is 35 to 40 yards.

Edgar Ordonez recalled that Solidarity was completed 4.2 kilometers with 800 thousand cubic meters of sand in that municipality and are also significant advances.

via:
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/noticia.asp?cx=15$3403000000$4231529&f=20100123

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Anna Fishkin Tulum Mexico Landscape Photography

via bloginity.com

Have you ever looked at a photograph and simply said “This cannot be real” this is what you’ll say when you’ll see Anna’s landscape pieces. William Albert Allard said “You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper.” Anna Fishkin ventured down to Tulum, Mexico to witness illustrated sunsets and manages to capture the capacity of pigments to a photograph describing the true natural beauties that will certainly knock you out unconscious.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

France wants G28 to guide climate change talks

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday proposed setting up a group of 28 countries to guide global negotiations on climate change and avoid a repetition of last year's chaotic talks in Copenhagen.

In a New Year address to the diplomatic community, Sarkozy said United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December had failed because of the huge number of countries involved in preparing the accord.

"The main lesson from Copenhagen is that you can't negotiate in a round of 192," Sarkozy said, arguing that national leaders had arrived in the Danish capital to sign the accord only to find an illegible text full of disputed clauses.

via in.reuters.com

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Scdoris completes long ride to Mexico: Sports | adn.com

Oregon's Rachael Scdoris, who broke ground by becoming the first legally blind musher to finish the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, has gone even farther. Scdoris and partner Diego Gonzalez Joven rode into Cancun, Mexico, on Saturday to complete a 7,100-mile ride on a tandem bike that began more than three months ago in Anchorage.

via adn.com

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U.S. Executives Slated to Meet with Cuban Officials

Dozens of representatives of the U.S. travel sector will meet with their Cuban counterparts in a public forum to discuss the potential for travel between the U.S. and Cuba, according to the National Tour Association (NTA). The meeting will take place at the U.S.-Cuba Travel Summit to be held at the Gran Melia Cancun Hotel in Cancun, from March 24-26, 2010.

This historic gathering is being organized by Alamar Associates in association with the NTA and sponsored by The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Other sponsors to date include Marazul Charters, Vigilant Worldwide Communications, and The Americas Group.

A Cuban delegation of more than 20 officials and travel specialists traveling from Havana will include ministry officials as well as representatives of all of the major Cuban travel/tour operators.

“Over the years, these Summits have proven useful and successful in providing U.S. company executives practical information about how to do business in Cuba and whom to contact,” said Kirby Jones, president of Alamar Associates.

via travelagentcentral.com

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AirTran has 3-day airfare sale, too

The AirTran 3-day sale actually hit my mailbox several hours before Southwest. Same gig, though. Airfares start at $49 each way from Baltimore. Here's one difference: if you want a quick pre-spring break trip to the Caribbean, AirTran will get you there - Southwest won't. Fares to Nassau, San Juan and Cancun start at about $98-$99 each way. Montego Bay starts at $129 each way; Aruba is $169 each way. Book by tomorrow for travel by March 10 to the Caribbean and Florida and May 26 to all other destinations.

via weblogs.baltimoresun.com

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A new beach debuts at Ritz-Carlton, Cancun

A new beach is born at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun marveling the sophisticated traveler. The Caribbean oceanfront resort has recently added to its world-class facilities a 300 feet deep beach as part of Cancun's $71 million beach recovery project.

The colossal enterprise contemplates extracting and pumping more than 5.2 million cubic meters of sand using 2,137 tons of equipment, which is equal to 4,470 linear meters of pipe use on land, floating and submerged for the restoration of the sand. As a result, the white-sand beach in front of the resort has been restored and is larger and more gorgeous than ever before.

via home.nestor.minsk.by

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Quintana Roo recognized as a safe entity

Quintana Roo ranked as one of the tourist entities that offers higher levels of security to its visitors, placed the Security Program Manager of the Organization of American States (OAS), Alejandro Diaz de Leon for the opening of a safety course in tourism that takes place in the Hotel Association.

The informant said that the OAS has established a qualification criteria in regard to the importance of quality in the different tourist destinations, so the course is held in Cancun, which is a leader in international tourism.

At this point, Diaz de Leon acknowledged that Cancun is the place that receives more foreign tourists, not only in Mexico but throughout Latin America, hence the importance of the hotel staff is ready to successfully overcome any eventuality, as hurricanes and other risk situations.

He added that when Cancun was hit by Hurricane Wilma in October 2005, there was a good handling of the situation, so that the destination is recognized as one of the safest, which is very important.

via:
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/noticia.asp?cx=15$1516000000$4228896&f=20100118

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Feds catch Medicare-fraud fugitive in Mexico

Federal agents caught up with suspected Medicare scammer Jose Luis Perez in the resort town of Cancun and flew him back to Miami over the weekend to face a $179 million healthcare fraud indictment.

Agents received a tip that Perez had traveled to Cancun last summer after he found out he was facing arrest on Medicare fraud charges. They passed it on to the FBI's legal attaché office in Mexico City, which confirmed Perez' identity and location.

Mexico's Immigration Service then arrested the fugitive without incident, according to U.S. authorities. They said Perez, 34, was brought to Miami late Friday. He is scheduled to have a federal court hearing Tuesday.

via miamiherald.com

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Convention delegates nominate their PRI candidates in Quintana Roo

The PRI will designate its candidate for governor in Quintana Roo by convention delegates, said their leader, Cora Amalia Castilla Madrid

He reported that this same method is used to nominate candidates for the municipal presidencies of Othon P. Blanco, Lázaro Cárdenas, Tulum and Cozumel and politicians lack the municipal councils of Benito Juárez, Solidarity, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Carrillo and José María Morelos define the method by which candidates to select their communes, but most likely it is the same as indicated.

Also, the official said the municipal political boards approved the PRI to be allied with the PVEM and Nueva Alianza in the next election.

via:
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/noticia.asp?cx=15$0928030800$4228801&f=20100118

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Update: Punta Colonet Port and Riviera Maya Airport Plans

The Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT), the leading agency of networks and communication channels in Mexico, plans to redesign the bidding processes for two of last year’s major projects: Punta Colonet in Ensenada, Baja California; and the construction of the airport in the Riviera Maya.

 

Punta Colonet was launched as a project in early September 2008, but that same year, in October, the SCT announced a new schedule of activities within the bidding process. A few months later, in early 2009, it announced that the mega project would be postponed.

 

This project was originally proposed as an attractive alternative to handle containers of Asian origin that could not land directly at the Port of Long Beach, California, in the U.S., due to saturation, and after that forward the goods to the U.S. via rail.

via mexidata.info

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Spring break fever -- Go here, not there

You may still be saying Happy New Year to your nearest and dearest, but believe me, Spring is right around the corner - Spring Break that is - and if you've been entertaining thoughts of fun in the sun, the time to book is now.

"Spring Break Week" is a term I hear all the time but in truth, it's a bit of a misnomer. With the wide variety of school calendars all over Arizona - traditional versus year-around schools, high schools versus colleges - "Spring Break" is more like a month. And that month would be March.

Although Spring Break may conjure up visions of partying college students, there are plenty of great destinations where families and couples won't feel out of place. The trick is knowing where the party folks will be - so you're not!

Cancun - This is a gorgeous and fun destination, but stay far away from the "Hotel Zone" during the month of March. Check out some of the resorts on the Riviera Maya. Most of the "adults only" properties don't allow Spring Breakers and many of the resorts are too far away from a large town to attract any attention from the pub-crawling crowd. Check out Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras or even Tulum

via azfamily.com

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A Mother-Daughter Getaway to the Yucatan Peninsula

via luxurytravelmagazine.com

Is it time to return to Mexico's stunning beaches and warm hospitality? A recent pre-Christmas getaway to the Yucatan Peninsula allows me to respond with a resounding...absolutely!

In lieu of gifts this year, my sister-in-law Cathy and I decide to vacation with our daughters (both 23, an age when the benefits of traveling with mom are again apparent). In a careful review of the all-inclusive resorts around Cancun, the Paradisus Riviera Cancun Resort (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) emerges as an enticing alternative to the busy Cancun-strip properties. Located in Puerto Morelos along the Riviera Maya, the Paradisus is closer to the airport and the Mayan ruins we plan to visit, and it offers a full complement of activities and restaurants. Cathy and I exchange emails. The girls post messages on each other's Facebook "walls." And we are ready to go!

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Update: WBA/WBC/IBF meeting | Boxing News

via fightnews.com

The WBA, WBC and IBF have concluded their meeting in Cancun this weekend where they announced the beginning of a new cooperation between them. Present were WBC president José Sulaimán, WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaimán, IBF president Marian Muhammad, WBA executive vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and attorneys Gabriel Peñagaricano and Robert JB Lenhardt. The meeting was a result of an initiative by the IBF.

“This is the next great step in the evolution of our sport,” said Muhammad. “The world of boxing is waiting for true leadership, and in our alliance we have the capacity to provide and to reinforce that leadership.”

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza commented, “My expectation is that we can continue with the good things and to tighten the relations of the organizations for the development of the boxing.”

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School Grants by 37 thousand 500 pesos in Isla Mujeres

With resources from the Ramo 33 benefits 118 elementary students in the municipality Isla Mujeres

* On Friday, the payment of two months starting from November to December 2009, announced direct Social and Economic Development

With a resource of 37 thousand 500 pesos from Ramo 33, the municipality of Isla Mujeres will pay scholarships to 118 primary school pupils in the insula, Rancho Viejo and Francisco May.

This was announced by Ivan Sanchez Hugo Montalvo, director of Social and Economic Development, who said that beneficiaries can collect their payment of two months from November to December 2009 from Friday.

He stressed that the beneficiaries of the insular, will be held an event in which the scholarship will pay for two months, this Friday at six pm in the council room.

Also commented that the benefit consists of a bi-monthly payment of 320 pesos for each child, so to make the payment of the 118 scholarships resource was invested 37 thousand 760 pesos

Via:
http://yucatanalamano.com/noticia/becas-por-37-mil-500-pesos

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Apollo's gymnasts take third place in Cancun Classic

Behind gold medal performances from Ebony Walters, Kristin Blades and Morgan Byrd, the Apollo Gymnastics Center Level 10 team placed third at the prestigious Cancun Classic last weekend.

Walters captured an individual championship on the uneven bars and won the senior division all-around title with an overall score of 35.725. Blades, a Battlefield High School senior, was the individual vault champion and placed third in the all-around with a score of 34.675, while Byrd claimed the individual floor exercise championship en route to a fifth-place finish in the all-around.

Apollo also had four of the top 10 performances in the junior division to finish third in the team competition with a score of 107.7.

via www2.insidenova.com

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Tourists have spoken, Cancun’s beaches are back and better than ever

via elitetraveler.com

Tourists are in awe and locals couldn't be happier: Cancun has finally gotten its beaches back. As the $71 million project continues, the results can not only be seen, but are already being enjoyed by all.

The project commenced on September 4th, 2009, delivering more than 2,000 tons of pipeline material to the destination and more than 1.3 billion gallons of sand to replenish all of Cancun's Hotel Zone seashore.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Louis Vuitton, and more in Focus for Shop and Drop at Luxury Avenue Cancun

via elitetraveler.com

Luxury Avenue, a upscale luxury shopping concept is creating a environment encouraging elite shoppers to stay a bit longer according to a press release received by Elite Traveler. Under the concept of Who, When, What, a number of high end tenants are being featured, including: Burberry, Cartier, CH Carolina Herrera, Coach, DKNY, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, LongChamp, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, MontBlanc, Paul & Shark, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tous

WHO: Luxury Avenue, an innovative concept in travel retail, brings together the worlds most sought after designer boutiques complemented by immeasurable value in the luxurious vacation settings of Cancun and Los Cabos, Mexico.

WHEN: The Luxury Bar and Café located on The Mezzanine Level of Luxury Avenue Cancun is now open daily from 12:00pm - 9:00pm.

WHAT: Luxury Avenue Cancun's newest venture invites shoppers to stop, drop and sip after a long day of shopping in the mall's brand name boutiques. The Luxury Bar and Café offers a welcome respite for visitors to the Riviera Maya's only boutique shopping mall.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Mexico real estate rebound means great deals for U.S. Veterans

via veteranstoday.com

Since 2004 Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya in Mexico have been considered one of the fastest growing areas in the world for real estate. In the past year the Mexico real estate market has seen a decrease because of many factors but mainly the slowing economy in the United States and Canada. Because of this a project in Puerto Morelos, Mexico has surfaced allowing foreigners to get in at very low cost with no risk. The investors that take advantage of this opportunity early stand to gain the best return on their Mexico real estate investment.

mexicoPuerto Morelos, Mexico, January 7, 2010 - There is an area between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico called Puerto Morelos. It is a small village of less than 2,000 people known mostly for fishing. In the town you will a few stores, restaurants, and some fruit stands. This is an area that is mostly overlooked or passed by on the way to Playa Del Carmen.

Just North of Puerto Morelos there is a private subdivision of homes. The homes were built by a private Cancun developer for Mexican people and until now has only been marketed to them in Spanish. Due to the slow market last year the developer has agreed to release blocks of homes to foreign investors.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Discounted Airfares – Airtran Airways... | Gather

Want to get away to the warmth of San Juan, Montego Bay, Aruba, Nassau, or Cancun? Airtran Airways is promoting an Airfare Sale for discounted flights to and from several different cities, including some of the winter getaway locations listed above. You have to book the flights before January 14^th, and is first come first serve as seats are limited.

The fares range in price starting at $39 all the way up to $219 for a one way ticket. There is an extra $15 fee for the first piece of luggage, and up to $25 for the second piece of luggage per person.

You have to book 10 days in advance for the flight and you have to take your flight before March 10^th for some of the locations and before May 26^th for others.

via gather.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Oswaldo Sanchez's goal is simple: Play better

via latimes.com

Oswaldo Sanchez's play in goal was a big reason why Mexico made it to the second round of soccer's World Cup four years ago. Which is one reason why Sanchez thinks he should be wearing the tricolores again this summer in South Africa when Mexico opens play in the 2010 tournament against the host nation on June 11.

"I've been in three World Cups. And I'd like to go to a fourth," Sanchez said. "But I have to play well for that to happen."

So far, that hasn't happened. With Memo Ochoa, one of the world's top young goaltenders, virtually guaranteed the starting job for Mexico in South Africa, Sanchez, 36, entered the winter needing some big performances to catch the eye of Mexican Coach Javier Aguirre, who could use an experienced veteran backup to help mentor Ochoa.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Trafficking probe nets 20 Mexican migration agents

Prosecutors say they have detained 20 Mexican immigration agents posted at the Cancun international airport on suspicion of migrant trafficking.

The Attorney General's Office says the agents allegedly allowed Chinese citizens into the country with false passports.

The office said Friday that the investigation began on Nov. 24, when a group of 35 Chinese citizens were detained at an airport in the western Mexico city of Guadalajara.

Officials found that agents in Cancun had put entry stamps into their false passports. The statement said other authorities at the Cancun terminal are being investigated.

The terminals serves both the Caribbean resort of the same name, and arriving flights from a number of countries.

via etaiwannews.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

They want to regularize squatters in Isla Mujeres

Before a new outbreak of violence in the possession of land in the irregular subdivision "La Guadalupana", the municipality of Isla Mujeres granted registration cards to local residents and make them part of the registry of citizens of the municipality.

Manuel Garcia Garcia, Secretary General of the island community, explained that with the registry, the inhabitants of irregular settlements can handle various official documents such as voter ID and others.

The announcement came hours after the invasive group had a series of antagonists altercations that were about to reach the showdown over the ownership of the land.

Garcia Garcia said that with this regularization process, residents may also access their records from home or neighborhood, as the case-and that precisely is its first official document to confirm that they are inhabitants of irregular settlements La Guadalupana.

Posted via email from Cancun Mexico News

2011 Ladbrokes Poker Cruise Announced

via onlinepoker.net

Ladbrokes Poker has put players out of their misery by announcing their next poker cruise. During the cruise you will stop at Ladabee, Falmouth Jamaica and Cozumel Mexico.

The fourth Ladbrokes Poker Cruise is going to depart from Florida in January 22, 2011 for an eight day Caribbean Poker Cruise and return on January 29th. Ladbrokes is advising all package winners to arrive in Miami on January 21st so there is time to rest up and if your flight is delayed you won’t miss the boat.

The cruise is going to be on the ‘Oasis of the Seas’ and there will be plenty to keep you busy aboard the cruise ship plus there will be the Ladbrokes Poker Room where the Poker Festival will be held.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Bikini time: Fuel TV airs TransWorld Surf Model Search

via globalsurfnews.com

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 January, 2010 : - - Airing Saturday, January 9, at 9:00pm ET/PT and re-airing several more times over the next month, FUEL TV will showcase 'The TransWorld SURF Model Search 2007.' And at 9:30pm ET/PT, FUEL TV will air the 'TransWorld SURF Swimsuit Issue 2008.'

This year, we journeyed to the beautiful Riviera Maya, near Cancun, Mexico to shed some clothes, and to make some magic. Led by 2008’s Miss TransWorld SURF, Heather Rose, this foursome turned the sexy up to 11, and the rest is history. Come with us to see what really happens when the world’s best surf magazine tries its hand at a Swimsuit Issue.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

The Mexico Tourism Board Announces First Social Media Trip Giveaway

via elitetraveler.com

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) is excited to announce its first Facebook giveaway- an amazing 4-Day, 3-Night trip for two guests to the popular tourist destination of Cancun. Winners will stay at the luxurious Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, and will include roundtrip airfare.

By simply becoming a fan of the MTB’s Facebook Page by December 28th, users are automatically entered to win. http://tinyurl.com/winmexicotrip. The trip is a way to give back and thank the growing online community of Mexico fans.

The Mexico Tourism Board launched their official “We Visit Mexico” social media presence on Facebook among other sites including Twitter, Youtube and Flickr, to talk to travelers in a more personal way.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Grupo Aeroportuario Traffic Up

Earlier this week, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (PAC) announced an increase of 0.4% in total passenger traffic for December 2009, compared to the year-ago period. Domestic passenger traffic increased 1.8%, while international passenger traffic decreased 2.1% compared to December 2008. 

The increase in domestic passenger traffic resulted mainly from increase in passengers at the Merida, Cancun, Veracruz, Villahermosa and Cozumel airports, respectively. The decline in international passenger traffic resulted mainly from a decline in international traffic at the Cancun airport, a prime tourist destination. Major Mexican airlines companies reported a decrease in passenger traffic and the reason was the outbreak of swine flu in the country. Declining business and leisure travel in Mexico affected local airlines' business to a larger extent. In the third quarter 2009 the business environment showed no real improvement.
 
Airlines all over the world are facing difficulties, primarily due to the collapse of the global economy. Declining business and leisure travel is affecting airlines' business to a larger extent. 

via benzinga.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

All-inclusive getaway to Cancun for $599

Run from Old Man Winter and escape to Mexico with an amazing offer from CheapCaribbean.com.

The package includes:

- Round-trip airfare from Atlanta to Cancun

- Five nights at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda Beach Resort and Spa in a Deluxe Garden View Room

- All meals, drinks, and tips

- Non-motorized water sports, fitness center and sauna use

Trips are valid on trips taken through March 24.

via ajc.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Who's responsible to tell you if your flight's been canceled?

via usatoday.com

Question: In March 2009, I made reservations on Travelocity.com for a November diving trip to Cozumel, Mexico. Apparently the airline cancelled the international leg of my itinerary back in April, but Travelocity did not notify me of this. I did receive an e-mail in May noting changes to my domestic flight times, but it said nothing about my international flight, and the e-mail specifically stated that I did not need to contact Travelocity about the changes.

In October, about two weeks before my trip, I logged onto Travelocity to confirm my reservation. Only then was I informed that the international flights had been canceled. I spent hours on the phone with Travelocity representatives, who were polite but full of contradictory information. They placed all the blame on the airline, and repeatedly asserted I had been informed of the change. They also were not able to help me book new flights. First they offered alternate flights to nearby Cancun, then rescinded the offer, and offered later flight dates, but said I would be responsible for the additional fare.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

First Hand Look at Ritz-Carlton, Cancun’s New Beach

via travelagentcentral.com

Travel Agent was in Cancun last week where we had lunch at the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. The only part of the afternoon better than the grilled jumbo shrimp we ate, or one of the new beach villas we sunbathed in, was the site of Cancun’s new beach.

I visited the same property roughly two years ago and the beach was pretty much nonexistent. And now? The Caribbean oceanfront resort has recently added to its world-class facilities a 300-feet-deep beach as part of Cancun’s $71 million beach recovery project.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Continental’s First Class Service to Cancun

via travelagentcentral.com

We recently flew Continental Airlines' first-class service to Cancun as part of Travel Agent's trip to the Riviera Maya.

And we can say the service is comparable to most top-of-the-line carriers. Now, it was only a roughly four-hour flight and not the 13-to-15-hour journeys we’ve taken aboard first class before, so there was less pressure on our friends at Continental.

Nonetheless, the service was top notch and we wouldn’t have been disappointed if our flight was longer than it was. There were roughly 20 seats or so in First Class, all spread out adequately from each other, giving you enough space to store some carry-on bags in front of your seat, still without enough room to stretch your legs. This is something I keep an eye on since I hate stowing my smaller bags up top and then fighting for them as soon as the seat belt light goes off when the plane lands.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Jeremy Hazell, Men's Basketball, Athlete of the Week

via shupirates.com

Junior Jeremy Hazell continued his scoring binge, averaging 31 points and shot 40 percent from downtown in two games last week. Hazell scored 38 points and added five steals in against #5 Syracuse on Tuesday night to bring his scoring average to 39.5 ppg in BIG EAST play. On Saturday, the 6-5 guard poured in 24 points against Virginia Tech in Cancun, Mexico and pulled down four rebounds.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

DPD Chief Kunkle "Lucky to Have Choices" While Considering Post-Retirement Plans - Dallas News - Unfair Park

via blogs.dallasobserver.com

After spending the holidays in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Kunkle remains confident of his decision to retire. "I'm very happy," he says. "I'm lucky to have choices, and I'm lucky to be able to not work if I don't want to work at my age. And I'm lucky to have good health and a wonderful wife, so it's pretty good."

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Our Stay at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya

via travelagentcentral.com

We recently returned from a four-day stay at AMResorts’ flagship Zoetry property, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, and Travel Agent can say without hesitation that it is one of the finest luxury resorts we’ve ever stayed at in all of Mexico.

We stayed in room Mombasa (all suites have names), a one-bedroom, beach-level, luxury suite with a plunge pool. The resort has just 90 rooms and is located on a very quiet part of the beach between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, so if it's quiet you are looking for, this is the place to be.

The food was absolutely amazing, especially the property’s La Canoa restaurant, an elegant AAA Four Diamond restaurant that features the resort’s French chef's "La Cuisine de los Soles," a delectable fusion of styles using the spices and chilies of several warm weather countries. You would never be able to tell this was an all-inclusive as all restaurants are a la carte and premium liquors are included.

But the best part of this resort, hands down, was the service.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Seth Petruzelli to Go Five Rounds With Ken Shamrock in Mexico -- MMA Fighting

Seth Petruzelli and Ken Shamrock are set to face each other in a five-round light heavyweight title fight for the debuting International Unlimited Fighting promotion on March 6 in Cancun, Mexico.

Petruzelli made the announcement Monday on his social media accounts and according to the colorfully-haired fighter, the event will air on pay-per-view and will feature other former K-1, PRIDE and UFC fighters.

Petruzelli and Shamrock once shared the same spotlight in October 2008 when the two were booked as main event opponents for Kimbo Slice at the disastrous, final EliteXC card on CBS.

via mmafighting.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Mexico rebounds with discounts

Hammered by the Great Tourism Crash of '09, Mexico says now that, "It's Time to Go." While it's still too early to tell whether visitors will come in their usual numbers during the country's peak winter season, there are signs of a recovery.

Mexico depends greatly on tourism -- an estimated 22.6 million foreign tourists visited Mexico in 2008 and spent about $13 billion, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. What Time Magazine headlined this summer as "The Curse on Mexican Tourism: Guns, Germs and Recession" kept visitors away by the millions for months.

During the spring peak of Mexico's problems -- the blazing battles among drug cartels in a few cities, the devastating outbreak of swine flu that brought commerce to a near halt, and the effects of the lingering global recession, particularly in the United States -- tourism numbers fell by about 50 percent. Last spring as an example, always-popular Cancun experienced hotel occupancy levels of 21.3 percent, Puerto Vallarta recorded a low of 29.2 percent and Acapulco's hotel occupancy nose-dived to 16.7 percent. Thousands of service employees were laid off as a result.

via postbulletin.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Mexico reopens oil ports after bad weather clears

Mexico reopens four of its five main oil exporting ports in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday after bad weather cleared, the Mexican Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) said.

    The four ports, Coatzacaoalcos, Dos Bocas, Cayo Arcas and Frontera, were closed on Saturday and Friday because of rough seas.

    The only major oil exporting port that remained closed is the one on Carmen Island in Quintana Roo State in the Mexican Caribbean, the SCT said in a statement.

via news.xinhuanet.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Tackle the sharks with one of the best dives you'll ever experience.

via newsoftheworld.co.uk

SO there I was in the depths of the Caribbean Sea with the world's biggest shark heading straight for me.

Frozen with fear, the only sound I could hear was my heart beating along to John Williams' Jaws theme.

Dum, dum . . .

There was no escaping the 36ft beast, its giant mouth wide open ready to gobble up anything in its path.

Dum, dum . . .

But there was no girlie scream or calls for a bigger boat.

Because the mammoth creature was in fact a whale shark, which only eats algae, plankton and other tiny sea creatures - a kind of veggie monster.

One of nature's most spectacular wonders, it was oblivious to little me swimming alongside it.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

New Condo Hotel Opens in Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya, the Mexican region south of Cancun, is a stretch of white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean Sea that has recently been bustling with new developments and investments. Sergio Segura, an innovative Mexican architect, is blending the local tropical landscape, ultra-modern luxury, and his signature soft curves to create exquisite, luxury condominiums.

El Taj Oceanfront is his newest gem and an addition to already existing four luxury condominiums by the developer Jack Perlman, all located steps from the beach. The new condo, located right on the sugary sand beach, is scheduled for the grand opening this week.

The developer Jack Perlman, a native New Yorker who accidentally got stranded in Playa over 15 years ago and never left, stresses that “in size comparison to Miami Beach or San Juan, Playa del Carmen is a tiny jewel, as all luxury condos in all of Playa can fit into two high rise buildings,” meaning that the town will always have the charm of a small fishing village, and new developments will only add glamour and stability, but will not take away the magic of the place.

via elitetraveler.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

News in pictures on Saturday

via straitstimes.com

People raise their arms to welcome the first rays of sunshine of the new year on Playa Delfin in Cancun, Mexico. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Why Mexico over traditional Florida?

Barnstable property tax bills will be mailed this month. Happy New Year. On average, it takes us about three minutes to transact our roughly $1,500 semi-annual property levy at the efficient and courteous Barnstable Town Hall collector’s cage, but it took us nearly two hours to pay a $1,697 real estate tax in Mexico two weeks ago. 

So which transaction is more satisfying?

Despite the long line snaking around the pay windows testing our patience outside the “Palacio Municipal,” or City Hall, in Playa del Carmen, we choose Mexico for a mostly pecuniary considerations. (Imagine our town hall being called a municipal palace? King Klimm? The Royal Council holding court for the unwashed masses?)

We prefer Mexico tax-wise because the levy, for 18 months, was $1,697 Mexican pesos (MN) for our 2-bed, 2-bath 1,039 sq. ft. condo a block from the beach, on the golf course, with a 90-foot lap pool outside the door. That amount, even at a declining exchange rate of 12.85 pesos per U.S. dollar, represents only $132 U.S. And that was for 18 months!

What I decipher from the paid bill sitting innocently next to my laptop is that our annual tax is $1,164 MN, or, $90.53 USD. I’ll guess the reason the line was so long around the McDonald’s-type outdoor walk-up collectors’ cages at the palace was that if you paid your real estate tax between Dec. 1 and 18, you got a 25 percent discount. Now there’s a fat-chance idea we’d like Barnstable’s councilors to consider.

via barnstablepatriot.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

One Dead in Mexico Shipwreck

One man was killed when a boat carrying him and six other family members capsized in a lagoon near this Caribbean resort, Mexican authorities said.

The family was out on Laguna Manati on Monday – in an area known as Boca Paila, near Cancun – when the boat was hit by a large wave and capsized shortly before nightfall.

Some of the victims managed to make their way to a camp to alert the authorities, and a navy rescue unit, a Red Cross team and groups of fishermen subsequently began an intense search of the lagoon, which has an outlet to the sea.

Jose Luis Gutierrez, 18; Cesar Alexis Chable, 15; Jose Luis Gongora, 42, and Mario Guzman Chable, 30, were found the following day by fishermen; the others were discovered later in the sea.

via laht.com

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Frost lends helping hand to those in need

He's known for his talent on the speed skating circuit, but overcoming obstacles is something that Orléans' own Kevin Frost knows plenty about.

Despite suffering from Usher Syndrome, a disorder that causes progressive hearing and vision loss, it hasn't stopped Frost from becoming one of Canada's most celebrated athletes in the sport.

But Frost has also been an active member not only offering assistance to others in his own community, but also, his help is being recognized internationally.

Last year, the 40-year-old east ender travelled to Cancun, Mexico on vacation with his family. During his visit, Frost met a boy named Alfredo who was suffering from hearing loss. Frost decided to start a fundraising campaign to help the youngster acquire hearing aids, which cost roughly $3,800.

This past November, Frost went back to Cancun to visit Alfredo, and said the boy is progressing, but not as fast as he had hoped. He has arranged with students at local university to do more speech therapy with Alfredo.

Frost is now shifting his focus to help a 19-year-old girl, a seven-year-old boy and a 12-year old boy. The girl, named Paulina, went blind at the age of 15 from Glaucoma. She had one operation a year ago, and requires another to bring her vision back.

via emcorleans.ca

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News