DO YOU KNOW?

Where does all that sand come from?  The sand of the Maya Riviera beaches is of calcareous origin and is mainly produced by corals, foraminifers and calcareous algae.  One of the greatest contributors of the sand deposits is the calcareous alga Halimeda, which is one of the most complex species of green algae.

            Taxonomists have distinguished approximately 30 species, however, the Halimedas can be roughly divided into two groups.  One is the sand dwelling psammophytic (psammo means sand) species that are anchored in the sand by rootlike structures named holdfasts.  The other is the lithophytic (litho means stone) species that grow on dead corals, crustose algae, and other hard substrates on the reef.

            Halimeda is easy to recognize (easy for you to say), because the body is a small (up to 25 cm high) green cactus-like plant, built with branches of many hard calcareous segments that have many shapes, many looking like flat kidneys or discs, or they may be cylindrical or spherical, and others have three lobes.

            The next time you are out on the beach, running from the pruritic papalar dermatosis, keep an eye out for the Halimeda.  What's a pruritic papalar dermatosis, I hear you ask?  Keep reading.
 

COMINGS AND GOINGS

This is a risky first time column, because with all the comings and going, as well as the timing of the publication, you know somebody is going to be missed.  Hey, everybody going is missed, and we even miss some of those who come.

 In no particular order or sequence:

*   Mary Henderson is back, albeit without Robin, for a short stay.

*  Pauli & Gayle Rathmusen have been around for awhile, but depart on June 1.

*  Bob & Gayle Doebert have returned to Aventuras Akumal for two weeks.

*  Robert Dorner has returned to Akumal, after some time in NY and Switzerland.

*  Chris & Bay Haas are here for awhile.

*   Isabel Schober's sorority sisters left after a visit with her.

*  Denny & Diane Mahan left for a six week trip, visiting family and friends in the US.
 

PRURITIC PAPALAR DERMATOSIS

What a great way to start off the first issue of The Akumalian in five months than with a mouthful like that.  However, it seems to be quite important at the moment, as many of you know it by another name, something like "aquamalia."  This is also referred to a "sea bather's eruption" around the Caribbean.

            Sea bather's eruption is a pruritic papalar dermatosis that may evolve into pustules.  Generally, the eruption occurs on areas of the body covered by the bathing suit, though it may appear on exposed surfaces such as face, neck, armpits, and flexing zones of the arms and legs.  With children, the rash may be accompanied by chills, headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting.  One special characteristic of this affection is that, usually, symptoms are not felt immediately while being in the sea, but hours afterwards.  Because of this, it is sometimes confused with intoxication, chicken pox, or measles.  Nevertheless, some people have experienced a sensation of being stung while in the water.  The lesions usually persist for several days and disappear in two weeks.

            For a long time, the cause of this affection was unknown.  It was not until 1994 that the larvae planula of Linuche unguiculata (thimble jellyfish) was identified as the causing agent due to an outbreak that affected more than 10,000 people along the Florida coasts during the spring and summer of 1992.  Larvae are trapped in the bathing suit and discharge their stinging cells (nematocycsts) when the contact skin surfaces or even after a fresh water shower.  The stinging cells inject the toxins into the body of the bathers.  Using T-shirts over the bathing suit may increase the risk of contracting the affection or making it more sever.

            Snorkel nude.

            Along the Mexican Caribbean coast, the thimble jellyfish appear by the thousands in extended patches from February up to early June.  They do not remain in any specific location, since, as any planktonic (living in the water column) animal, they are moved from one side to other by winds and currents.  They may be seen for a few hours up to several days.

            What do I do if affected?  If not too badly affected, apply alcohol, vinegar, or sodium bicarbonate to reduce the nuisance of the rash and neutralize the effect of the stinging cells still on the skin - they still have not released their toxins.

            In case of a sever affection, consult a physician, who may administer antihistamines.  Caladryl lotion is effective in controlling the rash, but do not apply it when under treatment with antihistamines.  Another suggestion is smearing cooked oatmeal or a calamine lotion on the outbreak to ease the itchy pain.

            Do not scratch the affected areas as they may turn into a skin infection.

            There have been reports of cases up in Puerto Aventuras, but The Akumalian is not aware of anything here in Akumal.

            Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea along the Maya Riviera.
 

THE ABC SUMMER LEAGUE

After a short hiatus due to injuries and a national tour through the northeast, the Akumal Bowling Consortium (ABC) has returned to the Kuklucan lanes for the summer league, which was kicked off with a Grand Opening on Memorial Day.  Last year's leaders, Steve & Ingrid Clouther, picked up where they left off, both moving to the forefront with high single, series, and average in their respective divisions. 
 

FANTABULOUS ICE CREAMS AND SORBETS

Yes, right here in Akumal, the town by the Bay.  Lucy's Kitchen has now embarked on making fresh, hand made, gourmet ice cream from pure, 100% natural ingredients -- these are REAL ice creams, not the vegetable fat-based ones so common in other locations.  Each batch of ice cream is individually made and dated so what you get is fresh!

            Run your tongue over some of these:

• BANANA:  Tropical fruit with a touch of lime
• BUTTER PECAN:  Toasted pecans, butter, and brown sugar
• CAPPUCCINO:  Dark roast gourmet coffee
• CARAMEL:  Rich and yummy
• CHOCOLATE:  Rich!
• CHUNKY GINGER:  For lovers of fresh ginger
• COCONUT MILK - GINGER - LIME:  Our most refreshing dessert!
• CREAMY HAZELNUT:  A personal favorite
• FRENCH VANILLA:  A rich egg, cream and vanilla classic
• GUAVA:  In season
• MANDARIN CREAMSICLE:  Tart tangerine and creamy vanilla
• MANGO:  Chunks of fresh mango and rich cream
• MANGO SORBET:  Light, refreshing and healthy - totally fat-free!
• PINEAPPLE – GINGER PARFAIT:  Light and creamy
• PISTACHIO:  Hand-shelled California nuts & no food coloring!
• STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM:  Simple and delicious
• TOASTED COCONUT LIME:  Cream, fresh lime juice and crunchy coconut

 PRICES:        Quart - 75 pesos;        Half Quart - 40 pesos; 

Order by:

1)  E-mail Lucy's Kitchen at lucatjames@hotmail.com

2)  Phone  044 984 807- 4368

3)  Drop by Lucy's Kitchen and fill out an order form!

 Lucy's Kitchen is open from 4 to 6 pm (closed Sunday/Monday).  The kitchen is being remodeled, so Lucy's Kitchen is not open for lunch right now.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Mayan language, Cancun means "The Snake Pit."  Very appropriate for Spring Break.
 

THE FERRY SERVICE(S)

From all reports, the first full season with the ferry service went off with few hitches, with the major one being the inability of Puerto Morales to accommodate the ships.  However, many locals and visitors made the trip, and were pleased with the service.

            There's a new Web-site out there at www.mexicoferry.com/ and it is sponsored by Tampa-based Scand-America International, a sales agent for the ship's operator Scotia Prince Cruises, Ltd.  The next season for passenger voyages starts in November 2003, and they are scheduling Tampa-Progresso-Tampa.

            The operator, Scotia Prince Cruises still have their own Web-site at www.yucatanexpress.com/indexb.html

            The Maya Lines, or Ro Ro Maya Express, seems to now be only focusing on Cargo, and their Web-site is http://www.mayalines.com/ .

            The Yucatan Explorer still has a Web-site and it still seems to be exactly the same as it was last year; they still talk Calica.  http://www.yucatanexplorer.com/index.html

            Bottom line, there's nothing there until November.
 

WAITING IN A LONG LINE AT IMMIGRATION??

The lines and wait at the Cancun International arrivals seem to be getting longer and longer, regardless of the day of the week or time of day.  The last time the author arrived, May 18 granted a Sunday, the line for Immigration started upstairs in the departure area!!

            Part of the reason for this might be explained by a recent survey done by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate Division.  Agents ranked their top five international destinations based on actual bookings to date, and Cancun was the hands-down favorite international city named by 79% of the agents.  Besides that, Playa del Carmen was 4^th with 28%, and Cozumel was 6^th with 20%.

            Jamaica's Montego Bay was 2^nd with 34%, and London was 3^rd with 30%.Puerto Vallarta was 5^th with 26%.

            Welcome to the Maya Riviera!  Home of a huge smoldering dump!!
  

HOW ABOUT SOME CONTROVERSY?

This may ruffle a few feathers, but this really should be stopped, because it is another one of those cases where "Asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission."  Most, if not all, of the north Akumalians, including Las Casista owners, were never considered in the process for putting a (6 foot high) chain link fence along the road, from just north of the main road, which turns into the casitas, and continuing north to just before the guard house, where you can turn  into the bungalows.  Apparently, this is very long stretch of land called the "flatiron" property which Las Casitas is in the process of purchasing - they do not even own the land where they are putting this fence!!

And it is going to right on the edge of the road!!!

And, they are fencing in a Telmex telephone pole!!!

In defense of Las Casitas, Jack Kennedy says, "We cleaned out the underbrush on the "flatiron" property which left the casitas with all of the traffic along the road exposed to workers, traffic, noise, dust and intruders.  Obviously something had to be done.  If we can accomplish what I hope to, that fence will be covered with Bougainvilleas and flowering vines." 

Diane Mahan counters with, "Who's going to water all of these plants, so they will cover the fence, and how many years will that take?  During drought, as we're having now, what will you do to keep them alive?  It's a shame the underbrush was removed and this problem was created, but that said, there are many nicer ways to solve the problem.  First, this fence will never stop a burglar - he only has to go around the side.  To stop the parking (which doesn't happen in 95% of this area and the other 5% only on Easter week) a small wall of concrete or stone would serve the purpose.  To stop dust and for privacy a "living fence" of greenery would do well, or, how about planting plants where all the underbrush was cleared away?" 

Opinions need to be sent to BOTH Jack Kennedy at kmlawjack@yahoo.com and Terry Richardson at hsuola@aol.com   Unfortunately, at the rate the fence is going up, it will be a done deal, but send your opinions to Jack and Terry, not The Akumalian.

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