Tulum Living School Project

I have a new idea that I am really excited about. In all of my talking with people, going back and forth on forums and answering people's emails I have come to notice something. Well, 2 things really.

1) There are so many people that LOVE Tulum. Some people that live here, that have lived here, visited here once or come every year- they just love it. They love the people, they love the culture, they love the beaches, they love the beautiful sea.

and 2) That there is a strong need for improvements in Tulum's schools and simply not enough money going to them.

Just like in the US and everywhere else, the public schools of Tulum never have enough money to get all of the things that they need. Schools are trying hard just to get through the school year with the supplies that they need. There is never enough money to put towards the bigger things that the school needs.

This has come full force to me recently because of my own children. In my sons school there are a few things that are really needed to be a fun and safe place for kids that under 6 years old. Broken, metal play ground equipment, NO shade so NO running outside etc. The same is true at my daughters school. There are almost no totally functioning bathrooms, all need repairs etc. I started to think that there must be a similar case at every school. Sure enough, the moment I started to talk to my friends about the schools their kids were in --- it was clear. TulumLiving.com needs to set up some sort of a donation thing.

I used to work on a lot of fundraising projects with my mom in Portland, OR with Doernbecher Children's Hospital and the Women for Children group. I remember my mom telling me that usually the hardest part of getting anything done is all of the people you have to go though to do it. All it takes is organization and a way to communicate. Well, I am a stage manager in the theater so anality is right up my alley. And as for communication... god bless the Internet.

So here is what I propose... I am going to go to each public school here in Tulum and talk to the head of their parent/teacher association and ask them what their big want it for their school. The one that is too big to ever get done but too small for the gov't to take care of.

I am going to list them all on 1 post with the name of the school/ the name of the director/ the number to the director/ and the want for the school. As people donate I will keep a running log on www.TulumLiving.com under the tab Help Tulum's Schools tab. As the amount is reached we will execute the need and do a post on Tulum Living. When a payment is made - we will mark it off and go to the next school.

I am so excited I can hardly type fast enough. I am expecting that most of these projects will be in the 20000-40000 peso area. That is about $1,470 to $3,000. I am excited. Okay. so.. I will start the page now. I will need a week or so to get the info from the schools and a separate bank account set up for this project!!! Yeah. I am so excited. Please free to contact me if you have any question.

Check in at Help Tulum's Schools to watch our progress and for more information about how to help out.

Russian Gypsy Card Readings from the Princess of the Runes, Crystal

Any one who has had the privilege of receiving clarity and serenity from a well delivered card reading knows that the services provided by these gifted people have the power to change lives. One such gifted spirit, the Princess of the Runes, is among us here in Tulum, Mexico.

Tulum Mexico has for years been a place that has nurtured the rarer talents of the world around. Having a deep history as a very magical place since the time of the ancient Maya, the energy around Tulum has drawn in beautiful people with truly tranquil minds and hearts.

Receiving a card reading from the acclaimed Princess of the Runes is a special treat for any visitor to the area. The Princess of the Runes also knows as Crystal was recently highlighted in an article in the New York Times, “36 hours in Tulum, Mexico.”


Crystal’s journey to find her gift began when she was just a young girl growing up in a loving family who encouraged her to dream, explore and love the world with an open mind. As she grew with a deep love of the universe and the belief that she would always be taking care of by her, Crystal’s destiny as a gifted reader began to root. After the death of a friend when she was a teenager she began to explore the healing power of crystals and began to gain further insight into her life.



After first discovering her gift with reading cards, Crystal began to delve deeper in to the understanding and meaning behind the 25 cards laid out in front of her. The cards, made up of 25 square cards each with 4 one half images. As the cards are placed before the reader the cards are adjusted to reveal any tiles that form 1 image from the 2 halves. As the images are decoded by the Princess of the Runes depending in the position in which they are laid, the cards begin to give insight and clarity to a wide array of questions.

Crystal expanded her skill and trained with the Rune Goddess before moving to Tulum with her husband, Tulum’s premier tattoo artist, and their young children to share her skill with the community here. Surrounded by the nature she loves so much, she lives in the lush jungles around Tulum and enjoys a peaceful and fulfilled life. Her light and gift is a wonderful experience and one that I am so happy I have gotten to experience.

Crystal is available for private readings and for parties and can also do readings over the phone. Her highly sought after skills are a treasure to witness. Ocho Tulum, one of Tulum's best beach hotels, has recently brought her in to do card readings for guests on Friday nights in their beautiful beach front restaurant giving guests the opportunity to get this amazing service for only customary 100-200 peso tip. That is quite the bargain for these rare readings.

In addition to her wonderful talents at a card reader, Crystal also sells the acclaimed Shankari jewelry. Seen all over Hollywood and beautiful boutiques and art galleries all over the world, each of these pieces is a true one of a kind work of art and is as priceless as they are amazing. She is also the authorized seller of the acclaimed Dutzi Design bags. These bags are 100% recycled and support a workshop of Mayan women here in the area. These amazing bags have been featured in several magazines and are being sold in boutiques in New York and Paris.

Dutzi Design Inc.***

Okay… this is a long one but it is worth every line

It is not very often that you hear about something that someone is doing and it just makes you smile from the inside. Well, the project of Dutzi Designs Inc. is one such story. !!!


The project is that of Ariane Dutzi. Ariane lives here in the Yucatan and has started a line, Dutzi Designs Inc., to help the communities of the Yucatan. As a former fashion editor from New York and Paris, she moved to Mexico where she is making an impact in the beautiful community that she is now a part of.


When the Swine Flu scare erupted in Mexico last April it created a mass exodus of tourists in the Yucatan and the communities of the area really suffered. As the “infodemic” spun out of control, a whole bunch of totally healthy people sat in the deserted towns of the Yucatan and then found themselves without people to sell their handiwork to. Ariane has since developed the Dutzi Design Rescue Bag. Complete with a label befitting of the project, a small outlined face of a pig, these bags are as eco-friendly green as they are well made and beautiful.


The whole project really is something special. As a way of helping the Mayan community that lives in the areas around Valladolid, about 70 women as well as some men make each and every bag. The project is not only a means for so many women to help provide for their families, but also helps preserve the beautiful culture of the indigenous Maya. With all of the proceeds from the sales of the bag going directly into the project, this community of women continues to be able to help sustain themselves especially in a time where so many of us here in the Yucatan are feeling the devastating consequences of the hype of the swine flu.


Here is a bit of history about how such a special project came to be. Ariane is an amazingly beautiful woman who after being born in Germany moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. After graduation Ariane got a job as a foreign correspondent for a German publication. Due to her location in Paris, fashion was the tallest order. During the reign of top supermodels and skyrocketing talent in the design world, Ariane had the privilege of interviewing and working with some of the most talented designers in the world. Having had studied history Ariane had an interest in fashion’s history and the artisans that made such wonderful pieces.


She told me a beautiful story about one example of stories that she loved to do. It was of the artisans who made the soles for Chanel shoes and Gucci shoes. It was only these very specific artisans that did the soles in a traditional way. The use of chemicals, if any at all, where minimal and the result was sole for a shoe fit for Hera herself. As I am sure anyone who owns a pair of Chanel shoes will attest to. She told me how the stories of these artisans, their craft and the devotion they give such a craft really intoxicated her. It intoxicated me just listening to it. After her move to Mexico, she found a similar passion for the artisans in her new home country. But more on that in a minute, I jump ahead of myself.



Ariane then came to Mexico for a vacation in the beautiful town of Cuernavaca just outside of Mexico City. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year long perfect weather, it was over… the love obsession had begun.


Ariane took this time in her life to figure out the passions that she wanted to follow. Not quiet sure which way she was going to take herself, she headed to Tulum. Working in the hotel industry, Ariane got to stretch her creativity and interest in design in to decorating and furniture design. She helped design, promote and staff not just one Coqui Coqui hotel… but 3, Tulum, Coba and Valladolid. After investing much energy and love into these projects Ariane once again went to New York for inspiration for her next path.


This next path turned out to be working with an old friend from the fashion industry to open a vintage discovery showroom. Not a store, but more an inspirational space for designers and artists to come and get inspired. Working with wonderful textures and colors and looking at things from the past in a new light is what sparked the fuse that lead the way for Ariane’s next direction. It was hear that she began to learn the skill of noticing 1 small detail or 1 texture and create a whole concept out of it.


Now back in Mexico, she began to make beautiful bags from vintage materials. Being very drawn to burlap, the bags began to take shape organically as she rediscovered the Mexico that she had left. The straps are all hand made by the indigenous Maya who have crafted such belts for generations. More and more Ariane needed help to craft the bags that had become so popular. At one point, Ariane had to make a choice. Was she going to commit 100% and dive fully into her project and trust in the Universe to take care of her or go back? Luckily for us all she chose to invest fully into the project.


As she needed more and more help she befriended and employed more and more Mayan women from her community. What blossomed out of this first year was a workshop in which women in the community began to learn about their finances and how to have some control over them.


The most important thing about the workshop as it developed was that these women were able to remain the women that were before with the duties that they had before. To celebrate all of the things that makes us all such remarkable women. We have the special gift of taking care of our families needs, being there for our families and wanting to be able to enjoy our families and Ariane did not want these women to give any of that up just so they could work as well.



I have not even started to tell you about the amazing bags themselves… these bags, made of vintage burlap or 100% recycled white raffia. They are absolutely beautiful and are not only made by hand with love and care but, probably because of that fact, are incredibly well made.


In addition to the “Rescue Bag” Ariane’s whole line of couture bags are being sold in stores and boutiques all over New York as well as in Paris, Santa Fe, Malibu, CA, Mexico and over the internet. One of the best ways to get your own Rescue Bag is to drive over and see the project for yourself. Valladolid is a beautiful town about an hour from Tulum and wonderfully worth a visit. What a fantastic souvenir of a trip to the Yucatan. Luckily you can also buy one online and have it sent to you. Check out the website with information about how to purchase your very own bag.


These bags are perfect for both men and women. I especially love the bike messenger bag for men. These bags reflect both a consciousness for the earth and an effort to protect and cherish it, but also for the wonderful communities of Mayan women in the Yucatan.


I am so excited to see that the very first couture Dutzi dress has just been made. I cannot wait to see as more and more clothing comes from these guys. The furniture designed by Dutzi Designs is stunning as well. I will be getting more info about the clothing and furniture and will post again. Stay tuned.

So…. Do you want to help… can you help… If yes… here are a few ways that you can…
• If you, or anyone you know, own a shop or a boutique and would like to carry Dutzi Designs in your store, you can get in touch with Ariane (or me if you want)
• You can order a bag online directly from the source.
• If you are vacationing in Mexico, you can arrange to see the project and the beautiful town of Valladolid and pick up the absolutely BEST souvenir in Mexico.
• You can simply donate to the project via their website
• If you are getting married and are looking for the perfect bridesmaid gifts, these stunning bags and clutches are the perfect reminder of a perfect Mexican wedding (and the Karma points!!!)
• If you are looking for the perfect auction item… imagine a beautiful Dutzi Design couture bag filled with stunning crafts, clothing and tokens of the beautiful Mayan culture. I would be happy to help you put something together (I am sure Ariane could help as well.) What a perfect way to help 2 causes at once.
• Tell everyone you know about the project because it is a really special one.

Dia de la Independcia!!! Viva Mexico!! Viva Yucatan!!!

As every single person in the country knows... yesterday (Sept. 16th) was Independence Day in Mexico! The whole country, the entire state and everyone in Tulum was all set for the festivities.

First a bit of history. El Grito! On September 16th Mexicans everywhere take the time to celebrate Mexico's liberation from Spanish control. The Spanish who had came to the shores of Mexico in 1521 began their rule over Mexico and the indigenous Mayan and Aztec civilizations that lived here. Jump ahead to 1810- after much of the native population had been devastated from illness, heavy work load and mistreatment by those that ruled- the seed of revolt began to flourish.

As Spain was taken by Napoleon in 1808, the people within Mexico began to see the opportunity to sever from Spain and gain their independence. In the morning hours of September 16th father Hidalgo and others first rang the bells at a small church at Dolores Guanajuato. The chime of these bells, that night began the Independence War that lasted for over 10 years.




As my husband is from Guanajuato, he loves to always point out to me that Guanajuato is where the Independence started. After the bells rang out, Hidalgo gave orders to his followers to retaliate against every native Spaniard in Dolores.





The same "Cry of Dolores" that was heard that first night can still be heard in every small town at midnight on September 15th. A reminder and an homage to the impulsive yet critical actions of Father Hidalgo and his parishioners that fateful night.

El Grito de Dolores, "Mexicanos, viva Mexico,"

Now that the stage is set... Here in Tulum the festivities were just as they are in every other town. centro was all set with lights that shine in the expected red, white and green. Stages were ready for the wonderful bands that would be going on in the early hours on the morning.

Armed with the kids and an expectation of a patriotic evening, we set out to centro. the kids in their traditional wear all set out to make themselves sick on rides and dulces and agua frescas.

In addition to the festivities in centro there were many wonderful parties all over town. From Ocho Tulum and Om with their VIVA MEXICO parties to Ultra lounge in pueblo. Everyone offering great specials on traditional drinks and food.



We began our night watching the wonderful performances from the classes at "la casa de cultura." I was very impressed with the young ladies and they did a wonderful job. I was very impressed by the traditional bottle dance during which the young lady must dance in a very long dress with a glass bottle on her head.




Although there continued to be wonderful performances on the stage, we strolled over towards the rides and food!!! The kids went immediately to the bounce house. This is a clever contraption basically of 4 large trampolines connected by little slide and a passage way. Well worth the 40 pesos per kid for 10 minutes and I must say a smart business idea. Other then traditional inflatable bounce houses that we are used to that use a ton of energy to operate.


The kids went on a few rides and I watched in horror wondering if they were going to make it off. My son, the crazy one, full of the spirit of Achilles himself, jumped onto the moving carousel ride and then as I ran after him frightened out of my mind--- he dove off!! AHHHH! Ninos!!! But all was well and we had a great time.

The men pretty quickly ran over to find the drinks and in 1 of the largest cups I have ever seen was my margarita on the rocks. Many other options were also available. I do not quiet understand some of the glassware choices and I am not sure what I would do if I saw someone licking the chili and salt from this glass but I am sure it was happening with out my paying attention.


The kids did their best to make themselves sick on rides that went around and around - on cars that went up and down and stuffing themselves with carnival treats.

The festivities in the central park got more and more active as the 11:00 hour approached. The music from the marching band sang out as the marines stepped forward on stage and waved the Mexican flag. The state song of Quinatna Roo rang out among the crowd and was followed by the exhilarating Mexican National Anthem.

The Presidente then stepped forward to recite El Grito. The crowd did as it was supposed to and responded with an animated and lively VIVA!!! After each name was called of the heros who first began the Independence from Spain the crowd grew louder and louder.



After all the "VIVA MEXICO"s were shouted the traditional fireworks began. It was a beautiful site that made the first Independence Day celebration from the newly created municipality of Tulum of total success.



As the mother of 2 young children that were at this point only being held awake by the loud blast of the fireworks above I was the honorary person who got to go home while all the boys continued their adventure.



The next day there was not shortage of celebration. Although the crowds around town and on the beaches were more tranquil from the success of the night before, Dia de la Independencia is in Mexico much the same as in the USA... the perfect opportunity to take the day, celebrate with friends and family that you are in your country... that it is YOUR country... and that you get to be part of such a special place.

We spent our morning at the beach party at Ocho Tulum. The music could be be heard pumping prideful music as we sipped our margaritas and snacked on Ocho's amazing food.

The rest of the day was spent swimming, bbqing, eating, drinking, laughing and just enjoying being Mexican. just as Father Hidalgo would have wanted it I am sure! The pride that has been felt through out Tulum, Quintana Roo and the whole great country of Mexico can be felt everywhere you go.

Viva Mexico!!!

Charlie's Restaurant -Bar and Gallery ***

Charlies restaurant, bar and gallery sit in the middle of Tulum pueblo on the main avenue of Tulum. This is a very lively spot that has as much activity bustling inside of it as there are color that surround it.

With the front part of the restaurant right on the main Avenue it is a great spot for people watching. But if you are looking for a more secluded time, step further back into the restaurant to the open courtyard and art gallery in the back.

This part of the restaurant is where all of the action can be seen for the wonderful performances that come through. Flamenco performances are common here in the busier season and are a real treat to see. During the slow season there is a little bit less action unfortunately but Charlie's is always a good time.

One of my favorite things about Charlie's is that it is so easy to wait for people who are coming to town on the ADO bus. The ADO bus station is right next door to Charlie's. With the buses never having an exact timing- I always tell people to meet me at Charlie's. That way I can sit there and enjoy a drink and a snack and wait for them in comfort instead of just sitting in the bus station. And on the flip side, if my friend gets in early then they can sit and relax while they wait for me to show up.

The food at Charlie's covers the spectrum of Mexican cuisine. Not a huge amount of surprises. The food is usually pretty good. There are a number of things that I wish had a lot more spice but I think that is a side effect of living in the Yucatan and getting used to putting hot sauce on EVERYTHING. The guacamole is not my favorite. It is more cream than I like. I am once again a little picky on this. I like my guacamole very chunky and with very few ingredients. But I also only need to make enough for my family so that probably makes a difference.

The ambiance at Charlie's is one of the best in town. With a remarkable collection of artwork all over the walls, you cannot step into Charlie's and feel sad. The colors and the life of the place simply will not allow for it.

I love getting a margarita (served in the appropriate short and thick glass- rather then the atrocious and garish huge fish bowl.) These margaritas are well made, and strong. This is one of me favorite places to grab a margarita.

Also the sopa de Lima is great. My kids love it and it has a ton of flavor. the fish dishes here are great and I cannot wait to try some more of the food. If you like your food hotter I would ask them to bring you some hot salsa. The salsa at the table is great as well.


Right in the center of Tulum town right next to the ADO. a fantastic spot for life music, amazing art work, killer margaritas, and really great people. A trip to Tulum is always improved by a trip to Charlies.

Tattooluum: Fine Art and Tattoo Studio

**As this is a page of first hand experiences, these are my own pictures. You can see so many more examples of the art work and tattoos shown here at the link below***

I have finally gotten to see one of Tulum’s premier tattoo artists in action the other day. I have seen a lot of his work and am eagerly anticipating my own piece of body art. Updates on that coming in October.


This first tattoo was that of my husband. I was not sure what to expect with what my husband was describing to me but when I saw the artist’s 1st sketch I started to get a good idea and was getting really excited about what I saw. Here is a little background on the man behind that tattoo.

Olmo Hinojosa was born in Mexico and spent most of his young life in the Cancun area. When asked about when he first got interested in drawing he sat quietly for a few moments and then responded with the answer that seemed pretty obvious. “I cannot remember a time when I was not into drawing” he says.


As a teenager he moved to the state of Washington in the United States and saw a whole new side of natural beauty that he had not witnessed before. The juxtaposition of the Rivera Maya to the Pacific Northwest served as inspiration for the aspiring artists and he began to invest more energy into photography, a long time passion of his. With the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, he began to photograph the landscapes of the state while continually soaking up inspiration for his art.

The 4 years he spent in Washington served as an awakening. He began to learn fresh ideas, new ways of thinking and exploring the various realms of spirituality. As his horizon widened and armed with a new passion for beauty and art he moved back to the Cancun area to be near his family where he met his beautiful wife, Crystal. Who herself has her own magical tricks up her sleeve. Check out more about her gifts as a Russian Gypsy card reader here.
While traveling throughout the United States and Mexico with his wife, Olmo began to extend his creative talents into tattooing. He began by doing tattoos for friends where he quickly gained a great reputation.

After arriving back in Cancun, he practiced the art of drawing on the human body while doing henna tattoos on the beaches of Cancun. It did not take long for his talent to be recognized and he was quickly taken in as an apprentice by a talented tattoo artist in the area.



Craving a simpler lifestyle and wanting once again to be surrounded by the natural beauty that he had grown to admire in the Pacific Northwest, Olmo and his young family moved to Tulum. In Tulum, they opened Tattooluum: Fine Art and Tattoo Studio, Tulum’s first combined art gallery and tattoo studio.

The art gallery features spectacular pieces of art created by Tulum’s most talented artists’ including Olmo as well as his extremely talented father, Alfredo. The gallery is full of stunning paintings and drawings, creative sculpture and beautiful hand made furniture.


Also available are the one of kind pieces made from natural materials that, by using artistic touches and embellishments, creates a new shape and a new life for the once bare wood. And the stunning pieces of Shankari jewelry. These “Talismans of Power” are stunning one of a kind pieces that are completely unmatched by any other bobble found in Tulum. You can read much more about these pieces here.


Anyway, back to Olmo and Tattooluum. As Tulum has grown and changed, so has the location of Tattooluum. As they finalize a new location, Olmo is available as a mobile tattoo artist.
With Ruben’s work schedule he was only able to get the outline done. I think it is going to look great. I will update with more pictures once I have them. This is also part of a cover up of a former tattoo which is what you can see in the photos.

And it will only be a few short weeks until I do my tattoo! YEAH!!! We will also be taking in my daughter to get her ears pierced for her 6th birthday. You can check out all of the amazing piercings at the sites below as well.

You can check out a lot more photos of his work at these links.

Their website
Inked Nation
Myspace
Facebook

Daddy Blanco's

In the heart of Tulum pueblo is a brand new restaurant boasting a very different look then those that surround it. Draped in soft white fabrics and crisp clean tables and chairs, this outside cafe welcomes you into a very soft Mediterranean environment. With a focus on quality and simplicity, this restaurant in Tulum pueblo is a wonderful addition to the food fare and we will definatly be coming by again.


I first passed the restaurant while it was hosting a private party so I was not able to spy too long. The lively yet casually romantic ambiance is perfect for Tulum. Enough class and romance with enough laid back Caribbean ease. The soft lighting and landscape that surrounds the restaurant really allows you to step off the main avenue of Tulum and experience something different.

After my first pass by I was eager to come by and try the place out. My husband and I headed over the next morning and was met with a welcome site... one of my favorite all time chefs in Tulum, Chef Dan Castro, is the chef at this new spot. Well shaded and with a clear view of the bustling avenue, this was a great spot to start the day. A little people watching- a little food!

Trusting the chef completely I told him that a delicious omelet would be great, whatever he wanted to put in it. It was amazing. Fluffy eggs, perfectly sauteed veggies that still had a good crunch to them and wonderful manchego cheese and ham. it was absolutely delicious.

To drink we had some of the owner's home made Ice Tea. It was very well made and it was the perfect thing to drink for the heat of the day.

The menu has been in its final stages when we were there. The food has a very fresh Mexican Mediterranean fusion style and the menu has some exciting things on it. There is a beautiful little room to the side of the restaurant which is the perfect place for a private party or romantic dinner.

The restaurant is open from 7 in the morning to 11 in the evening. They do not accept credit cards but there are atms nearby as well.

All 3 of the owners are wonderful people and seem to be having a wonderful time with their new project. Full of personality, I will definatly be coming back sometime to try their dinner menu. The stuffed chicken breast and Greek salad sound so good.

Come by the corner of Avenida Tulum and Beta Sur. Right next door to Pollo Broncos and across from Buenos Aries.