From the monthly archives: April 2014
Don’t miss our latest newsletter!
Alma Libre Bookstore is closing for the season. It is that time of year again. Today is our last day open, so stop in and say “so long”.
We will be packing up our truck and travel trailer soon and heading north to Calgary for the summer to go back to our day jobs in TV. Keep an eye out here as we will try to post updates from the road as we drive north through some amazing areas of Mexico.
We will miss our friends and our lives here in Puerto Morelos, but we will be back before you know it. Thank you for your support through out our season. Watch for Alma Libre Bookstore to open again in mid-November when we return with tons of new stock.
Hasta Pronto!
How about a nice relaxing day at the beach in Puerto Morelos. This beach babe is certainly taking it easy. Recently a unknown sand sculptor visited our beach and this was some of the work he left behind.
It’s amazing what a true artist can do with when they “play” in the sand.
And why not throw in a little crocodile humour. After all it is just another day at the beach. Ouch!
Playa Norte Isla Mujeres
We recently took a day off to act tourists and visit Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women). Isla Mujeres is a laid-back island off the coast of Cancun with a very Caribbean feel.
There is a “town” portion of the island with many shops and restaurants, the bulk of them on a pedestrian walkway called Hidalgo.
This was the slowest moving cart on the island.
But the fun thing to do is rent a golf cart and explore the whole island.
There is a turtle sanctuary, where turtles are bred and fed before they are released into the ocean. You will see a lot of turtles from tiny babies to very large adults. 30 pesos to gets you in, another few pesos will get you some turtle food.
This church has the best view ever!
Wandering around the town is the main activity. Isla has wooden buildings, which are very rare on the mainland. There is also an opportunity to swim with dolphins or visit Garrafón Natural Reef Park which has good snorkeling and ziplines. For more information on day trips to Isla Mujers check out Alma Libre Bookstore newsletter.
Taking selfies while driving…not a good idea.
Chairs set for party in Valladolid
It’s Friday! Time to relax and enjoy the weekend. See you Monday!
There are now more than 55 artists living in our little village. Most are tucked away in places you would never think of looking, like the Zona Urbana. But now Nadja Billard has made it possible for you to take a private tour of these artists’ studios and homes.
We recently went on the tour and were shocked by the amazing talent of artists living in our town. We have painters, sculptors, wood workers and more. Nadja has organized a tour that lasts 2-3 hours and takes you to 4-5 locations.
In most cases the trip is worth it alone just to see the homes that these talented people have built. We were astounded at the quality of workmanship that is going on right under our noses.
Daryl Eady in her studio
We really enjoyed talking to the artists about their work and their process, plus spending time in the Zona Urbana is a bonus. Even though the Zona is so close to Puerto Morelos, the bird, animal and plant life is completely different than in town. You are bound to spot something special.
Maricela Salas Rico in her studio with Nadja Billard
Next time you are in town, be sure to contact Nadja at nadjabvd@gmail.com to book a tour. The cost is $35usd for up to 3 people or the driver can save 50% if you use your own vehicle. Many artists have their works available to purchase, some even have prints starting at very reasonable prices. Don’t miss the Art Tour of Puerto Morelos, it is truly a special experience.
Note: No tours from the end of April to the end of July
Casa de los Venados (House of the Deer) in Valladolid is not to be missed.
Owners John and Dorianne Venator have an amazing collection of Mexican art that they have hand picked from all over the country. The collection became so large that they needed to find the perfect space for it.
The couple spent eight and half years remodeling a colonial home in Valladolid to house the collection. The home is something to see on it’s own, but ad in the amazing art collection and you are in for a treat.
Although it is their private residence the couple opens their home to the public everyday at 10:00am for tours, in both English and Spanish, of the more than 3,000 pieces of the collection. In return for the tour they ask for a small donation which goes to a local charity.
Whenever we have a chance to sneak away to Valladolid in the Yucatan, we do. This little city is quickly becoming a trendy, hip place to hang out thanks to businesses like Coqui Coqui Spa & Perfumes that make their own scents and candles or Dutzi Bags that make high end handbags sewn by local Mayan woman using recycled materials and our favourite restaurants Conato 1910.
Monastery of San Bernardino de Siena
Valladolid played a huge role in the Caste War of the Yucatan making it one of the major historical sites of the area.
With tons of history, art, culture, cenotes and great food, Valladolid is not to be missed if you are traveling through this area. Check back this week as I will post more on this cultural hot spot.
We had Easter dinner last night at our dear friends Sandra and Dan’s home. They live in an area of Puerto Morelos called the “Zona Urbana”, also referred to as “the Jungle” where people live on large 50 x 50 meter lots cut out of thick Yucatan jungle. This little guy hopped by to join us for dinner.
It’s Semana Santa here in Mexico and the thing to do is go to the beach! So we are off to the beach. We hope you and your family have a great Easter. ENJOY!
Jazzing up our concrete yard.
Our backyard was badly in need of a makeover. It was just old cement that is great for keeping bugs away, but ugly. We wanted a low maintenance finish, so we went for stamped concrete. Which could be done in one day, but is a much larger job than we thought.
River of Cement
First the entire backyard was flooded with cement. Then the cement was spread it out and made sure that it was level.
Leveling the cement
Adding the colour
Then the bottom colour was added, which was much brighter than expected.
Adding the contrast
Then a contrasting colour was added and the entire backyard was stamped with a brick like texture. The stamping was done by hand.
Then we waited for the cement to dry. Just before it was completely dried the top coat was washed off . Then once it was completely dry, a sealer was put on top.
The finished product is beautiful! So much nicer than the old cement.
