October 17, 2019
Making travel plans? **
It’s time again to turn   ~back~  the clocks in Mexico 1 hour, in TWO WEEKS … Sunday AM Oct. 27, 2019.

October 17, 2019

The question of “open-jawed” ONE-WAY tickets for coming into Mexico, or traveling through USA airports … keeps cropping up on internet & travel forums.

Any airline clerk MIGHT & sometimes-do challenge your right to fly (or to continue flying) into Mexico, when you only have a 1 way ticket. … This is an especially BIG problem for foreigners traveling to Mexico on itineraries that include layovers or stops & plane changes in the USA.     It’s no fun when an airline clerk (or TSA scanner or Immigration agent) sends you back ‘home’, just because you don’t have a paid ticket for a return flight.

The USA, including USCIS immigration authorities & CBP also do sometimes seriously hassle, delay, and even detain some foreigners flying on just one-way tickets.  Sadly, the TSA screeners, CBP agents, ICE cops & Immigration agents even deny some onward-travel, and forcibly put people on flights back to their origination-airport.  …

There is a GOOD SOLUTION:
Use a company that simply creates a temporary return ticket, that gives you valid proof of onward travel. …Example: consider  Onwardticket.com. They’re a travel agency that books you a 100% real flight ticket that is valid for 48 hours.

Instead of paying the full price for the ticket, you only pay a $12 service fee. 😉

If you get hung up at an airport,  or at a TSA screening post … or with USCIS-CBP … It takes less than 5 minutes to create a fully legal, legitimate “return ticket”. 😉

https://onwardticket.com/

Happy Trails,
Steve

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In the recent past, literal thousands of Canadians have been denied entry to the U.S. simply for admitting they’ve smoked a joint once in their lives, but US Homeland Security and their “officers” of the CPB & ICE … have RAISED THE BAR …

Just 4 days ago, U.S. border “protection” barred a young Canadian woman from crossing the border when they found medical CBD oil (cannabidiol) for her extreme scoliosis pain … in her backpack … BANNING HER FOR LIFE from ever entering the USA …

For people who don’t know, CBD oil is a medical product from Hemp … It is a non–psychoactive natural product of the cannabis plant … used by the young Canadian lady to treat the great pains of scoliosis.

“… The woman, who has asked not to be identified by CBC News pending the outcome of an application for reentry, is the latest Canadian to face border troubles after Canada legalized cannabis last year.

Thousands of Canadians have been denied entry to the U.S. simply for admitting they’ve smoked a joint once in their lives. Others have been banned from entering the country for life for carrying cannabis products to the border — a punishment that this unsuspecting CBD oil user could now face as well, according to immigration experts. ”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-cbd-oil-us-border-lifetime-ban-1.5252479?fbclid=IwAR3U0LaDk869VyT89GViGE4tv5Pk_p6PVfyEeWXhg6pVCgcd8jLUOkCWWRU

The Consequences?
Many millions of ordinary Mexicans & Canadians … should now beware of entering … or even changing planes in the USA.

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Updated January, 2020:
US TSA just announced ALL US CITIZENS must provide either a valid “REAL ID” **, passport, or Military ID … by October, 2020 … to be able to fly on any US domestic flight  … regardless of your home State.

** https://www.tsa.gov/real-id

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Back in October 2018, the Trump Administration quietly gave an official  1 year notice to withdraw from the international postal system agreement (aka the “Universal Postal Union”), because of Trump’s refusal to pay our annual membership dues.

” As required under the Union’s constitution, the announcement and notice to the UPU initiated a one-year withdrawal process during which the United States can renegotiate terms before the exit becomes final on October 17, 2019. ”

So, as of October 17, 2019, mail service between the USA & Mexico ~may~ change, because the Trump Administration has refused to negotiate, so far.

It may not be a big deal to some people, but all of our US soldiers, sailors & Air Force personnel serving abroad … and all other people living abroad … may lose their avenue to vote absentee … raising concerns of yet more voter suppression in time for the 2020 elections.

Since the USA has our troops stationed in over 75% of the world’s countries, this latest Trump Administration change seems to presents challenges to man of our troop’s opportunities to vote,  because the Trump Administration has announced no plans for allowing our troops to vote,  when serving abroad.

https://www.naco.org/blog/us-withdrawal-international-postal-union-creates-uncertainty-county-election-administrators

??

We’ll publish more updates, as the news becomes available.
= = = = = = =

FIRST UPDATE:
A bit more research shows that we may want to plan to take our absentee ballots to a US Consulate, here in Mexico, for the 2020 election.

Happy Trails, Steve

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August 11, 2019
For years, we’ve heard stories of some jungle plants~trees that you must not brush, or risk getting severe painful skin blisters that last for weeks.

We finally found some reliable reports, descriptions and fotos to describe the specific tree … the consequences of brushing the tree with bare skin … AND a proposed remedy.

These are called “Chechen blisters”

… Nasty stuff, eh?

Fortunately … as happens across the Americas, Native peoples have either found (or planted) the supposed remedy nearby to the source of the problem.    The proposed remedy comes from a tree called a Chaca tree.    Across Yucatan, Chechen & Chaca trees are found growing near each other, including at beach areas.

The black sap of the Chechen tree is reportedly poisonous, while the often-nearby Chaca has nectar is said to neutralize the Chechen’s poisonous sap. … Since we’re not trained Tropical-plant biologists,  we defer to the experts at the aptly named “Mayan Garden Club” of Akumal:

Chechen and Chaca Trees

They really are a marvelously talented group, whose superb report beautifully speaks volumes. … Here is their dandy report …  un-varnished, untouched, unedited:

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Mayan Garden Club September Tip of the Month

If you travel anywhere in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya jungle areas, you will eventually run into the Chechen tree and the nearby growing Chaca tree. The Chechen tree has black sap that seeps out of the grayish trunk , however, several trees in the Yucatan can look similar.

Chechen trees

Chechen and Chaca Trees”

August 30, 2016 0

Mayan Garden Club September Tip of the Month

If you travel anywhere in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya jungle areas, you will eventually run into the Chechen tree and the nearby growing Chaca tree. The Chechen tree has black sap that seeps out of the grayish trunk , however, several trees in the Yucatan can look similar.

The wood of (the Chechen tree) is very hard and prized for furniture and for building. The leaves are curly and often black-spotted with the sap.  The Chaca tree has a distinctive light brown bark that appears peeling in older trees. The wood is softer but the tree grows easily from just a limb being stuck in the ground or in a pot. It is often used to make living fence posts.

One of the trees, the Chechen (Black Poisonwood Tree), has sap that is very toxic and can cause a horrible rash and burn.  Even touching the leaves can cause a bad reaction.  Often you will not even know that you have been infected until the burning and itching rash appears.  It is similar to the worst poison ivy you have ever seen! Luckily, growing near the Chechen tree you will usually find a Chaca tree (also called Gumbo Limbo) which is an antidote to the Chechen’s poison — if applied in time.

Simply cut a piece of the bark of the Chaca tree vertically and wipe the inside on the affected area to neutralize the rash.  You may also make a tea with the bark to help rid your body of the toxins.  If you don’t use this in time, it may be necessary to use cortisone cream or even make a trip to the doctor.

The Legend

So why do these trees always grow near each other?  According to the Maya legend, two great warriors were brothers, but of entirely different personalities.  One, Kinich, was kind and loving while his older brother, Tizic, was hateful and angry.  Both fell in love with the same maiden, the beautiful Nicte-Ha. T hey declared a battle to the death to determine who would have her.

A terrible battle raged on, the moon hid, and black clouds filled the skies as the earth was torn apart and the heavens went into hiding. Eventually the brothers both died in each other’s arms.

In the afterlife, they begged for forgiveness and asked to return to the world of the living to see Nicte-Ha again.  The gods granted their wish and the brother Tizic was reborn as the Chechen Tree which burns and blisters anyone who touches it. The loving brother, Kinich, was reborn as the Chaca tree, which neutralizes the venom of the Chechen.  They both watch over Nicte-Ha who was reborn as a beautiful white flower. ”

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Again, we thank the “Mayan Garden Club” of Akumal for their superb report, and congratulate them on their willingness to educate and inform others.

and as we do with all articles that include anything that looks or smells like medical or fiscal or tax advice:

Please Note that this article is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only.   Consult the appropriate experts for professional advice and information before taking any actions that may impact your physical, mental, emotional or financial well being.

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August 10, 2018
Looking to the future.

”  (The Progreso port~terminal) has seen tremendous growth, having doubled its volumes from 80,000 to 140,000 TEUs throughput over the last two years, as the region’s economic activities expand. This year alone the terminal expects 20-35% further growth in volume.  ”

” The (Progreso) terminal provides the region with unparalleled connectivity through 5 vessels a week, including direct connections with the US and Europe. … To continue to facilitate this trade growth, APM Terminals has committed to investing in the terminal to meet the evolving needs of importers/exporters in the region and shipping lines. ”

“We are committed to the long-term sustainable development of the region and are delighted to announce that we have signed an addendum with the port authority to commence a 20% expansion of the yard to support the region’s growing trade needs, as well as other investments to improve productivity and efficiency. This represents a significant additional investment on top of the USD 22.6 million that has already been invested in the terminal since the concession began in 2005,”

The modernization represents an important investment, include a 20% expansion of the yard capacity, (Cost $714,000 USD) …

https://www.apmterminals.com/en/progreso/about/news/190809-apm-terminals-yucatan-to-expand-and-modernise-progreso-terminal

Yucatan keeps growing.

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August 8, 2019

If you’re Canadian … DON’T send in that check to Chase.  🤪

American consumers are picking up your tab. 🤔🤔
🤨🤣🤨🤣

It’s real …

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August 8, 2019

It’s always been their land …
.
regardless of today’s “borders” …

The people in El Paso … are no different than the people in Juarez …

… It’s all …        ~America~     …

Regardless of all the fear … Regardless of all the bias …

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August 9, 2019 
Gone in 30 seconds …
Love your ‘keyless entry’ modern car?
Know that they’re hacked more easily than US voting machines.

~      “… motor theft insurance claim payouts hit their highest level in seven years at the start of 2019. ”  ~

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August 3, 2019
As of August 3’rd, 2019 … Mexico simplifies telephone dialing:

Effective August 3, 2019, there will be no more special rules needed to to dial long distance nor between or to cell phones. Mexican phone dialing will follow international dialing standards (as in Canada and the USA).

http://www.ift.org.mx/comunicacion-y-medios/marcacion-a-10-digitos

After Aug. 3, 2019 … Just dial 10 digits …

Happy Trails, Steve

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August 5, 2019
Minors Traveling Abroad out of Mexico?
If you want to avoid hassles, consider checking-out the Mex. Govt’s … “Formato SAM” … ~before~ going to the airport. You can fill it out on-line first … and then take it to INM ~before~ travel, for easy INM approval … to avoid airport INM hassles or missed flights.

“Formato SAM” … permission for minor children to travel out of Mexico when 1 or both parents are not present.  This site gives general instructions.

https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/formato-de-salida-de-menores

This additional website has the actual “Formato SAM” to fill out and take to INM:
https://www.inm.gob.mx/menores/publico/solicitud.html

To avoid setbacks, we recommend you go to the nearest INM office, 

before travel, or to the internment and departure points abroad 

(airports, sea and land ports) with the SAM form (Formato SAM) 

duly filled out, plus the following documentation:

Original and 3 copies of the child's Passport
3 copies of the child's birth certificate
3 copies of the current identification 

of the person exercising parental authority or guardianship of the minor.
and 

 3 copies of the valid identification of the minor's companion 

(in case you travel with a third party of legal age)

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August 3, 2019  Update
Ever since all the very good Nov. 2012 Immigration policy changes, Mexico’s immigration system just keeps getting better & better.

Consider how we foreigners-in-Mexico now do our “Change of Address” process: …  The Change of Address (“Cambio de Domicilio“) charges no fees … We simply fill-out the online form,  take it to INM (where they have a letter you can fill out) and submit the change.

We receive an email with a password ( “contresena” ) to get into your online portal.   INM then notifies you, in that portal, when you can go down and pick up the document.

Click here to go to the INM website for tramites …
Immigrants Form for Filing Applications for Changes in Immigration Status

INM-Merida’s New Address:
Calle 31 * #94 x   C16 y C20, Colonia México
Merida, Yucatan

*Note that this section of Calle 31  also corresponds to Circuito Colonias.

Lots more Details at:

~ Current Rules and Procedures for Immigration ~ Immigrating to, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico

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July 8, 2019
There’s been a recent kerfluffle on our local “Expats in Yucatan” FB group, with many grazing-gringos writing angry (confused) comments over a supposed ‘cheating’ restaurant bill that offers some fun insights into Mexico & how gringos react. … Check out the bill below ….   If you do simple math, it looks like the restaurant’s computer cannot add up the items correctly,  …. but … This is Mexico …  The line items on a Mexican receipt are different than the USA or Canada – because we tell the consumer the REAL final price, by including the tax.  (but the receipt has a final hidden additional twist) …

Where American businesses & Canadian businesses hide their tax charges from consumers, by adding special State & Local taxes only at the end, when you pay the bill,  instead Mexico’s list prices are exactly what you pay.   Unfortunately, this Mexican system confuses many foreigners,  especially when they see the Total Taxes listed~reported (broken-out) as a  separate additional line item at the bottom of the bill … making it look like some sort of double billing of taxes.

Here’s an image of the bill that drew all the outrage on a local FB group:

As required by Mexican law … The food items prices on the receipt MATCH the full price listed on the menu, including the 16% IVA.

So … If you add up the individual items,  they do NOT match the “Subtotal”, because the “Subtotal” does NOT include the 16% IVA … while the menu’s full list-price and the receipt line items include the 16% IVA.

A talented local expat (Chris) explains:
” Here is the Correct explanation, verified by an ★experienced, highly qualified Mexican accountant who works for Hyatt★ and knows all the applicable laws about restaurant bills backwards and forwards: ”

” The menu price is shown in the detail. First item is one hamburger for $320 pesos. That amount, matching the menu, *includes* IVA.

Notice both points: 
1) matching the menu and
2) including IVA.

June 24, 2019

” ~ Red to Yellow, Kills a Fellow ~ “

June 17, 2019
As of August 3’rd, 2019 … Mexico simplifies telephone dialing:

Effective August 3, 2019, there will be no more special rules needed to to dial long distance nor between or to cell phones. Mexican phone dialing will follow international dialing standards (as in Canada and the USA).

http://www.ift.org.mx/comunicacion-y-medios/marcacion-a-10-digitos

After Aug. 2, 2019 … Just dial 10 digits …

Happy Trails, Steve

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June 11, 2019
Merida’s INM office is moving on June 17, 2019.

INM-Merida’s New Address:
Calle 31 * #94 x   C16 y C20, Colonia México
Merida, Yucatan

*Note that this section of Calle 31  also corresponds to Circuito Colonias.

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For any other Visa or Immigration questions … Please see our main article on Immigration at
~ Current Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico

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May 22, 2019
Tomorrow is pretty special in Yucatan.

and July 21, 2019 too…

The sun finally sits directly overhead at solar-noon here … just twice a year.**

Go outside at solar noon tomorrow (12:55 PM + 13 sec) … and notice that our  Solar Noon sun casts NO SHADOW for vertical telephone poles etc…

Today or tomorrow?    It depends on your latitude in Yucatan.   I quote data for Merida.
😉

and yes …  One Maya city kept a calendar this way – by having a deep hand-dug well with perfectly perpendicular walls … and the bottom of the well was illuminated just twice a year … around May 22 … and July 23 …

“around” ??  …  The actual dates, like the March & Sept Equinox dates,  for our special sun overhead at Solar Noon date changes every because of the Leap Year issue … where our calendar year is off by 1 day every 4 years.    (The length of a Solar year is not 365 days … It’s 365.2422 days.)

This 1 day error every 4 years is why the Maya Calendars get a full month off from the sun’s actual positions every 125 years    …    😉

¡Viva Yucatán!

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~ El Virreinato de Yucatán ~
May 12, 2019

Notice that Yucatán was originally ~ traditionally a separate “kingdom” ~ separate from Mexico

… Yucatán … a separate distinct “kingdom” under Spanish Colonial rule
(aka El Virreinato de la Nueva España)

This map also fits with Yucatán’s current unique status among ~Mexico’s United States~ … Estados Unidos de México … As we Yucatecos were separate from Mexico … twice a separate sovereign nation during the 1800’s… As we applied to join the USA as a new US State … As we are the only Mexican State with our own flag from those periods of independence …
A bit more history…
The Republic of Yucatán was governed by our own Constitution of 1841, one of the most advanced of its time.    Our Constitution guaranteed individual rights, religious freedom and what was then a new legal form called amparo (English:  “Protection” ).

¡Viva Yucatán!

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