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Everyone loves dolphins! These intelligent, social creatures seem to be smiling all the time, while they joyfully swim through the water and leap into the air. While most people know a thing or two about Dolphins from watching the movie Flipper, these ocean mammals are complex. When visiting the Nayarit Mexico coast, there are six species that can be sighted in local waters. (oceanconnection.org)
Unlike their cousins, the whales, Dolphins have a different type of migration. Most dolphin families have a territory that they inhabit. But they do exhibit some migration behaviors that are regular, often seasonal, movement of individuals or populations from one habitat to another. In the case of dolphins, their migration patterns are driven by a combination of factors, including food availability, water temperature, breeding, and the need to avoid predators. Dolphin movement is more related to moving towards shallow to deep water than traveling great distances.
A big motivator in Dolphin migration is the reproductive cycle that centers around breeding and calving. Many dolphin species migrate to specific areas to breed and give birth. Warm, calm waters are often preferred for these critical life events, as they provide protection for newborn calves. Another migration stimulator involves accessing food. Dolphins are skilled hunters and follow the movement of their prey. For example, they may follow schools of fish, such as herring or mackerel, as these fish migrate in search of food.
Humans carry identity information in our fixed facial features. At the same time, we transmit a lot of additional information, including emotional and contextual cues, through more transient facial expressions. Like signature whistles, our faces combine stability and variability in their “information package”.
I have witnessed verbal and visual Dolphin communication over the years, so I was excited that this recent scientific study proved my observations. I’ve observed many times a pod cooperating in order to feed and to teach the young. I have seen the pod circle a school of fish and a mother gently push the baby into the trapped fish so the little one could catch some. It was absolutely amazing!
Tara A. Spears
Let’s acknowledge the fact that even if we’re on vacation, we can’t live without the internet. Most people also believe that having a working cell is a safety issue when traveling, in case you have any unforeseen events. Plus, it’s nice to be able to look up information or send photos to family and friends.
Whether you need to make a call or use mobile data, relying on your home country’s SIM card can lead to steep international roaming fees. Having a Mexico SIM card will allow you to have better internet data on the move, that means access to Google Maps (to find your way around), Whatsapp, and apps to access your hotel bookings. You’ll be able to communicate with locals, call an Uber or taxi, and stay connected with friends and family back home.
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is one of the most important parts of your phone. Connecting your phone to your wireless carrier’s network isn’t the only reason why phones still have SIM cards. SIM cards make it incredibly easy to transfer your phone number from one phone to another. This feature can be a disadvantage if your cellular is lost or stolen, as I learned the hard way.
The first few times I had my phone stolen, I was so worried about canceling my bank cards, I didn’t think about reporting the theft to my provider. A couple of days later when I went to purchase a new cell phone in Mexico, I had huge problems with Telcel (and the government) because the robber went to another state to participate in a crime using my active cell. It was a mess to straighten out and a lot stress for me. Thereafter, I contact my provider first, then the banks.
eSIMs. One method of having cell service in Mexico can be done prior to your trip by purchasing an eSIM. It’s very important to check that your particular brand and model of cell phone is compatible with digital SIM because it is non-returnable if it doesn’t work. Start by checking your phone’s compatibility at the place where you buy it, online with the company, or google eSIM.
If your cell accepts eSim, installing and activating the digital SIM is simple. The biggest reason why people choose to preload an eSIM is that you can access the Internet as soon as you get to your destination since you have the card ahead of time.
The second method of obtaining a SIM is what most travelers prefer. Once they arrive in Mexico, they purchase a SIM card and install it themselves. This option is easy because the SIM cards are available EVERYWHERE: gas stations, super markets, convenience stores besides in the Telcel Mexico stores. Telmex- the parent company of Telcel- is the largest operator in Mexico and has the best 4G and 5G coverage, so it’s a great alternative if you plan on exploring remote places or spots that don’t have Wi-Fi. Besides the purchase cost there is a $150 pesos activation fee.
If you are coming for a short-term visit, the best option is a Telcel has prepaid phone cards for Mexico that range from two weeks to 30 days, and the prices are quite affordable. With Telcel, you can enjoy unlimited calls, texts, and social networks in the country, so it’s ideal if you want to upload travel photos to Facebook or Instagram. Another advantage of this card is that if your plan expires and you still have mobile data left, you can start a new plan with that rollover data.
For seasonal visitors or residents, the postpaid service is a convenient option. Please note that you can only apply for a Telcel postpaid plan if you have a valid FM/residency visa card in Mexico. It does not matter if it is temporary or permanent as they accept both. You will need to have the actual plastic card with you to start or modify service-which is challenging if yours was stolen and you only have a photocopy of the card. Be aware that it is a lengthy process to instigate because they run check on your number and previous phone numbers- minimum four hours.
To set up an account, foreigners are required to present: passport, Mexican ID card (FM green permanent resident card), proof of residence, (electric bill in your name or letter from landlord.) You will also be asked for two national references. I wasn’t prepared and had to make another trip after gathering that info. Write down the address and cell number of any of your Mexican friends. Be sure to ask if you can use them as a reference. Lastly, you will need to sign several contract pages.
Getting a Telcel SIM card & eSIM in Mexico is simple, offering several options to fit your needs. Whether you prefer online purchases, Telcel stores, or third-party vendors, remember to bring your ID and follow the activation steps closely. With a Telcel SIM card or eSIM, you’ll be equipped to enjoy reliable mobile connectivity throughout your Mexican visit.
Banda Music: Passion for Life
Tara A. Spears
A highlight of most local parties, events, or community celebrations is live music in the evenings. The power of music is that it’s absolutely a bridge that connects all ages, all people, all backgrounds. Mexican music is the heartbeat of its heritage and culture.
In fact, when most people think of Mexico, they think beaches, tequila and mariachi. But there are other popular types of music such as the Banda style and Rancho music. To me, Banda is similar to blues, Rancho to country, and mariachi to pop. I like them all but LOVE Banda because it is so energetic to dance to.
The diverse heritage of Mexico is reflected in a range of musical styles and genres. While indigenous people provided the foundation, contemporary Mexican music was produced during and after Spanish colonization, according to Musician wave. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the music adopted a more nationalist fervor and greater emphasis was placed on maintaining a national artistic identity. Today, traditional music as well as Mexican contemporary music continues to be embraced throughout Mexico and to be enjoyed around the world.
Banda music’s main characteristic is that it mixes wind instruments such as clarinets, trumpets, trombone, saxophone with a drum and cymbals. Banda music has a subcategory called Banda Sinaloense, in reference to the state from which it originates that is located in the northwest part of Mexico.
It is common in Mexico to have a specific dance that celebrates each state or region. There is a particular dance for Banda called quebradita. This dance has the influence of polka but with a faster tempo. Most of the time this couple dance requires close proximity as they swirl around the dance floor. It just seems so joyful to me!
Banda music is a type of regional Mexican music that primarily utilizes wind music, predominantly brass and percussion. Banda music is influenced by the rhythms of traditional dances such as waltz, polka, and son, as well as more modern inspirations such as electronic music techniques. Banda music is frequently hyperactive, encouraging dancers to jump, spin, and swing their partners.
Popular music artists that were recommended to me are: Banda el Recodo, Banda MS and la arrolladora Banda el Limón. Banda has influences mainly of German and French folk music from the early 20th century. Today, Banda music encompasses a range of styles including ballads, salsa, bachata, mambos, tangos, and swing.
Possibly the most popular Banda song is “El Sinaloense”. Banda MS is now one of the most important bandas in Mexico and the United States. It was created in 2003 and its name comes from the letters of Mazatlán, Sinaloa. They have collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dog and headlined important concerts.
As songstress Celina Cruz says: “No hay que llorar, que la vida es un carnaval, y las penas se van cantando. There is no need to cry, life is a fiesta, and the sorrows go away by singing.’ What I love about Mexican music is its passion, energy and ability to touch the heart.
Another power of Banda is that you can see a 60 year-old couple dancing next to a 18 year-old couple and enjoying the same music. Banda music connects with the listener no matter what their language. Stroll down to the Penita plaza to enjoy the wonderful dance performances and live music.
Banana is King of Tropical Fruit
Tara A. Spears
The once exotic banana has become a staple food in the diets of many people around the world. It can be eaten in a variety of ways, including in smoothies, salads, and desserts, but also baked or fried. Did you know that the banana is the third most produced fruit in Mexico? In the coastal state of Nayarit, there are approximately 30 thousand agriculture workers that are involved with the growing, harvesting, and transporting of bananas. Mexico is ranked as the number 10 in world banana production. (gov.mx.agricultura)
A few years ago, I wrote about including banana trees in your home landscaping. (Views from My Tropical Garden – Banana Trees.) While I love the foliage, it was simply too much of a good thing with 200 bananas each tree ready at the same time, and having four trees. I removed them and planted smaller flowering plants. Recently I read that the farm worker receives about only 3% of the sales price, with the rest of the profit going to transporters and retailers. That prompted me to look at bananas in a different way and share that perspective in an article.
Banana farm workers have become a strategic pillar for the national economy, employing nearly seven million people within the country and maintaining significant growth, with this segment of the agri-food production representing 8.1% of the national GDP, according to the Secretariat of Agriculture. Working on the banana plantations requires strength, stamina, and heat tolerance. Each stem, containing 5-7 rings of bananas, weighs an average of 25-50 kilos!
Bananas, plantains, are grown most frequently in the country’s tropical coastal areas. There are 14 types of banana that grow here but locally you will typically find the Cavendish, Macho, or Tabasco. Plantanos range in color from bright green when unripe to nearly black when overripe. The growing of bananas is environmentally friendly the last few years as producers try to reduce the carbon footprint.
Mexican banana plantations achieve remarkable yields, and their productivity is above the world’s average, with 30 metric tons per hectare, according to the federal agency. The large plantation managers are trending to initiate sustainability methods to provide a steady source of income, using water-efficient methods and minimizing pesticide use, ensuring the preservation of the environment and the well-being of the local community.
Storing bananas incorrectly can lead to premature ripening, turning them brown and mushy in no time. The key to maintaining their freshness lies in appropriate preservation techniques. Over the years, scientists and agriculturists have found several methods to extend the life of this fruit, maximizing their value.
Here are several factors that can affect the speed at which your bananas ripen: 1. If it’s warm, the bananas will ripen faster. 2. If it’s cool, the bananas will ripen slower. 3. Humidity also plays a significant role in banana ripening. High humidity speeds up the ripening process, while low humidity slows it down. 4. Light can also influence the banana ripening process. More light means faster ripening, while less light slows it down.
Bananas are an excellent choice if you’re interested in adding more healthy fruits to your diet yet they don’t hurt your wallet. The following list of popular Mexican banana dishes are available throughout the country and you can google the dish name to get a recipe to prepare at home. Chicken Cooked in Avocado and Banana Leaves: Pílte de Pollo; Banana Bread: Panqué de Plátano; Mexican filled plantain croquettes: Croquetas de platano rellenos; Mexican plantains with vanilla cream: Postre de platanos con vainilla; Mashed plantains with pork rinds: Machuca de platano con chicharrones; Mexican plantain empanadas with picadillo: Empanadas de plátano; Yucatan style plantain soup: Sopa de platano yucateca; and Crunchy Mexican plantain fritters: Aranitas.
The next time you bite into a sweet banana, remember that there is a determined and hard-working laborer behind it. For you, a banana in a store is a healthy snack but for thousands of Mexican agricultural workers, it feeds his/her family.
Roadside Memorials in Mexico
Tara A. Spears
During the recent national holiday, there were almost daily reports of fatalities on Mexican highways. Many of the grieving families will try to ease the pain of losing of a loved one by erecting a roadside memorial. Local highway 200 has always been dangerous driving through the jungle due to the lack of shoulders, many, many turns and a huge volume of out of area drivers racing to get to the beach.
I have counted more than 30 memorials/ descanso, between Penita and Bucerias alone. While most car-crash victims are little known people, family and friends want to keep the memory of that person alive by making a public display at the site of a tragedy. Not only do roadside memorials let families remember and grieve their loved one, each memorial draws attention to driving safely.
When gathering data for the article, the majority of people surveyed believed that there are three distinguishing types: using a cross as a marker of death; other shape memorials to give thanks for surviving an accident, and the larger roadside chapel. This is not an absolute as the practice reflects individual religious beliefs, economics, and accessibility to the location.
A recent discussion on Gente Nayarit had some very insightful data. Juan Francisco Martinez commented that “There are several answers related to the feelings of the grieving families. It (memorial) is a reminder to not forget the tragedy and the people who perished there, and to warn that this site is dangerous. Many people believed that it is good to create a memorial so that the deceased’s soul can ascend to heaven and the family can remember them by returning to the site.
Anselmo Ochoa and several others said the memorials are “In memory of that individual’s life..” Yamed Guerrero sums up; “Placing memorials has to do with Mexican culture, keeping the memory and remembrance to the deceased. This practice is a mixture between respect and why not say fear, where a person died, and on the other hand, a place to make prayer for whom is no longer there, so that it is not for forgotten …”
Thank you to Juan Quijas for a very clear reply: “Roadside memorials are for those who have died, especially in a violent manner, as a symbol of peaceful mourning. Memorials are an expression of affection from friends and relatives, and are often decorated with flowers and candles as a tribute to the deceased, helping them accept their fate and rest in peace. The cross is a tangible symbol of mourning and it serves as a constant reminder of the person who died at that place and as a warning to others.
There are two very interesting examples of the roadside chapel near Jaltemba Bay. The one north of Las Varas started with a death and grew larger over time due to additional deaths on that treacherous section of highway 200 through the mountains. It was much smaller 25 years ago but has had additions added.
Long time resident, Viky Robeles, explained “the memorial was built to protect travelers. That road has always been dangerous, especially during rainy weather.” It’s very interesting to visit and see the types of offerings that people make.
Another roadside chapel is about 20 minutes south of Jaltemba Bay. Perched on the edge of a ravine where the highway turns sharply, there stands a marble and gold mini chapel that is shaded by a huge, ancient Huanacaxtle tree. Local legend says that this chapel was built in thanks for surviving an accident. A popular version says that a long time ago a driver of a freight trailer lost control of the rig, falling from the highway into the ravine behind where the chapel now stands. At the time of the accident, the driver entrusted himself to God and prayed that if he survived the wreck, he would show his gratitude by making an altar to where he could bring offerings. He included a statue of Sr. Jude Thaddeus, who is the Catholic patron saint that is prayed to for problems throughout life, be it money, legal problems, or other favors.
The phenomenon of creating impromptu memorials after traumatic death (accidents, murder, disasters etc.) has become popular since the 1980s. When you see a memorial along a highway, remember that it is meant to both honor a loved one and to warn others about the dangers of driving on that road. Safe travels, friends.