NY Times Op-Ed Re: "Violence in Mexico"

Op-Ed Contributor: The Mexican Evolution
By ENRIQUE KRAUZE
While we bear responsibility for our problems, the caricature of Mexico being propagated in the United States only increases the despair on both sides of the Rio Grande.

It's a boy! It's a boy!

Travel warnings in the media for Mexico.

In light of recent travel warnings and media coverage on travel to Mexico, we want to give you a clear idea on exactly what’s happening and which areas of the country this is affecting. The following is a letter written by the president of CEO Mexico in response to this issue and how it affects tourism to the Mayan Riviera which runs along Mexico’s Caribbean coast:
I am writing you this email to address any concerns you may have about the safety of your groups, clients or family traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.


I have seen some of the news reports coming out of the U.S. and they are really doing our destination a disservice. While there are problems in some parts of Mexico, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are as safe as they have ever been for tourists.
The violence that is being reported is very real, but it is primarily along the Mexican border with the U.S. The 5 major drug cartels in Mexico are at war with each other and with the federal authorities leading to more than 1,000 dead just in this year. Those being killed are drug dealers and traffickers of rival factions as well as authorities who are trying to bust up the cartels. It is a very dangerous place to be and I do not recommend anyone travel to these areas.
I do want to make you aware that there was a major military operation in Cancun several weeks ago. A retired high-ranking military general was contracted by the Major of Cancun to head a task force to curb the influence of the cartel in our area called Los Zetas. Soon after his arrival to Cancun, he, his bodyguard, and another companion were kidnapped and murdered. As the police were unable to solve the crime, and it seemed some crooked cops may have been involved, the military came in to clean house and oversee the investigation. They were successful in a very short time to capture 6 suspects believed to be the murderers along with millions of dollars and a cache of serious weaponry. Some of the weapons were police issue in fact leading to the detention of the Chief of Police who is now being interrogated in Mexico City for his role in enabling and protecting Los Zetas. Having achieved their mission and at the same time dealing a major blow to the cartel, the military presence in the area is reduced. Tourists during this period were only inconvenienced by strategic military roadblocks and extra patrols.
While I know it may be risky to reveal the dirty laundry of a resort destination, please keep in mind that Cancun has a population of 1,000,000 people and the Riviera Maya another 500,000 people and violence per capita is lower here than what you may find in Phoenix for example. Have you heard of any travel warnings to Phoenix? Thought not.
The U.S. media is guilty of painting Mexico with one broad brush. I was outraged yesterday morning watching Fox News interview two college-age spring breakers asking them how they dare to still go to Cancun with all the killing in Mexico. If there were major gang wars in Chicago would you not go to Florida because of it?
If you need more convincing that this destination is safe, my sister, brother-in-way and two nieces just left Saturday morning after a tremendous week-long vacation. Do you think I would let them come if it was in any way dangerous for them to do so? I will also be happy to connect you with any and all of my clients that have been here in 2009 if you need further assurance.
Friends and clients, please know you are welcome and safe in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Sincerely, John Nedeau
President
CEO Mexico
john@ceo-mexico.com

This is a map of where the main problem areas are in relation to the Riviera Maya.


As you can see the problem areas are almost on the opposite side of the country from the Riviera Maya. The affected areas are very dangerous indeed and we most certainly reiterate John Nedeau’s words in saying that it is absolutely not safe to visit these US/Mexico border towns at this time. The State Department also re-iterates these warnings about this area. You can read their comments of the US Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html . Fortunately these areas are a long way away from us.
On a personal note, I live full time in the Akumal area and have been living here for 3.5 years now. Day to day we are seeing absolutely no effects of this drug cartel violence in the area. Everything continues as it always has with people on vacation enjoying the sun, warm Caribbean Sea, and the world class beaches. John Nedeau mentioned an incident around Christmas time. The only effects that we saw of this was a bit of a traffic jam heading into Playa del Carmen as the military were doing some checks. This is something that they do as standard anyway now and again so we didn’t know anything about it until we read about it afterwards. I feel very safe living in this area and of course living in such a beautiful place means my family and friends come and visit all the time. If I thought for a second that there was any risk to the safety of my family and friends I would certainly not let them visit, and to be honest if I thought that there was any risk to my own personal safety I wouldn’t stay there either. As with anywhere in the world, as long as you stay away from rough areas with drugs and prostitution you will be absolutely fine.
If you would like to talk to any of us about this in person, please don’t hesitate to call us here at Akumal Direct on our toll free number 877-489-6600.

More information can be found at:

Travel Industry Wire: http://www.travelindustrywire.com/article37650.html
Mexico Premier: http://www.mexicopremiere.com/?p=983
Mexico Tourism Board: http://www.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/Visi_Home
US State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

History of the Mayan Hammock

The Mayan hammock is the original hammock, dating back over 3000 years. Hammocks were very practical for the weather conditions of the Yucatan Peninsula. The health and safety factors weighed heavily on the fact that it elevated the sleeper off the ground protecting the sleeper from snakes and other forest floor crawlers. It also elevated the sleeper above water, dirt and other unsanitary conditions.

The conquering Spaniards soon adopted them as the standard sleeping practice during the early Spanish Colonial Period. Even the Viceroy had a hammock on his hacienda. The first Yucatan hammocks were woven from Henequen fiber, which comes from a cactus that grows in Yucatan.

An elevated sleeping area also exposed the sleeper to cooling breezes that are crucial for staying comfortable in the humid rain forests of Central America and the Yucatan.

The main focus of a Mayan hammock is the intertwined, sprang-woven pattern that is the trademark of a Yucatan hammock. Each hammock is handmade and therefore each hammock bears the distinct finger print of the artisan. It is the vivacious color signature of Mayan hammocks that make them both unique and appealing.

And speaking of hammocks, Leslie and Marieke highly recommend the two you see here. Of course the view of the Caribbean makes a difference too!

FIND AKUMAL DIRECT ON FACEBOOK!

Add Akumal Direct Reservations to your Facebook FAN PAGE. Share a favorite Akumal memory or a favorite photo. We'd love to hear from you!

4th Annual CEA Wine & Cheese Festival - FEb 25, 2009

FEBRUARY 25, 2009 - CEA CENTER IN AKUMAL, MEXICO

Akumal Direct is proud to continue to be a part of this event which hopes to raise awareness and the many CEA programs that are so important to the continued well being and enjoyment of this little corner of paradise.

Tours, Games, Workshops, Environmental Products, a Silent Auction and much more! - To learn more about the festival please visit the CEA online at www.ceakumal.org To volunteer or donate to the Silent Auction please contact the CEA via email at info@ceakumal.org

Akumal Direct will again be hosting the "Cheese Table" at this years festival. Please stop by and visit with the Akumal Direct staff. We love the CEA and we love cheese!

MÉXICO'S ONLY PGA TOUR EVENT RETURNS TO THE RIVERIA MAYA

Mayakoba Golf Classic is proud to announce that tickets for the third edition of México's Only PGA TOUR are now on sale. The 2009 Mayakoba Golf Classic will take place from February 25 through March 1. Prices start at only $20 USD.

The Mayakoba Golf Classic made golf history when it became the first PGA TOUR event to ever be contested outside of the United States and Canada in February 2007. Now, as the tournament enters its third year, it continues to establish itself as one of the finest stops on the PGA TOUR schedule in the eyes of players, fans and sponsors alike.
Tickets and additional information can be found on their website at http://www.mayakobagolfclassic.com/

Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza

UNDER THE MAYAN SUN

The ancient Mayan site, Chichén Itzá is one of the greatest surviving monuments of the Mayan civilization, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the setting for a spectacular display at the time of the Spring Equinox.

At the precise time of the spring equinox, at 1.31pm GMT, the sun casts its rays on the balustrade, in turn highlighting a feathered serpent that seems to be moving or slithering its way down the steps towards the well of sacrifice.The Kulkulkan temple is the site of a dramatic display of Mayan astronomical knowledge.

Chichén Itzá Spring Equinox 20 Mar 2009
Free Admission Opening Hours
7.30 am (1.30pm GMT)

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays! As we look forward to a new era of great hope, promise and good things to come - All of us here at ADR would like to extend our best wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy holiday season. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in 2009.

Highway 307 Construction!

For those of you who frequent Akumal, you are familiar with the ever evolving entrance off of Highway 307. And once again, the entrance is being redone!

Current construction consists of a new overpass from the beach side of Akumal to the Akumal pueblo. The entrance is all torn up with non-stop construction and workers on site. It is expected that the work will be completed prior to the holiday season but remember…it's Mexico!

When entering Akumal be sure to use caution and be aware of pedestrians at all times. When arriving from the north; entering the beach side, you will need to drive to the Retorno just south of the entrance and circle back.

There really is no telling how long it will be but once its completed it will be a great way to get across the highway!

I'm here for a few more weeks. Check back for more Akumal tid-bits!

- Leslie

more hwy 307 pictures from Leslie

LESLIE ARRIVES BY TAXI!

It's been a long time since I arrived at the Cancun airport without prearranged transport to Akumal. Traveling this year with my little dog, I didn't consider it would be a factor in finding transport. I was of course bombarded by the timeshare salesmen and taxi drivers and spent a little time talking to a few about transport options.

The bus to Playa del Carmen was definitely the cheapest option. It leaves the airport every hour and goes directly to Playa del Carmen. They are nice clean comfortable buses. You then grab a taxi from the bus station in Playa to Akumal.

The collectivos also run shuttle buses now from the airport to different locations along the coast line. You are grouped with up to 15 different people so it does take a little longer since they have multiple spots. The cost to get to Akumal was $47 US per person. This seemed like the best option. However, after talking to 4 different people they would not allow me on the bus with my little dog.

Thankfully there were other options and I ended up taking a private taxi to Akumal. At first they quoted me a cost of $156 US which they later dropped to $100 US and I allowed me to take my dog! I was quite impressed with how clean and new the taxi was. I quickly fastened my seatbelt and my little dog and made it to Akumal safe and sound! - Leslie

Check back for more updates from Leslie's return trip Akumal. Coming Soon!