Posts tagged South Of The Border
Feliz navidad: making merry in Mexico
Feb 14th
Dreaming of a white Christmas? If you’re spending December in Mexico, forget it! The closest you’ll come to frosty is to reminisce on winter wonderlands while sipping an icy margarita. You can expect the holiday season south of the border to be as warm and colorful as a tropical garden. And you’ll discover a delightful array of seasonal traditions that make celebrating Navidad (Christmas) in Mexico a unique and unforgettable experience.
Las Posadas
Christmas festivities begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candelight processions and lively parties starting December 16.
In villages and urban neighborhoods throughout Mexico youngsters gather each afternoon to reenact the holy family’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem. The procession is headed by a diminutive Virgen María, often perched on a live burro, led by a equally tiny San José. They are followed by other children protraying angels, the Santos Reyes (Three Kings), and a host of pastores y pastoras (shepherds and shepherdesses), all usually decked out in colorful handmade costumes and carrying brightly decorated báculos (walking staffs) or faroles (paper lanterns).
The parade of Santos Peregrinos (Holy Pilgrims) stops at a designated house to sing a traditional litany (Link to words & music) by which the Holy Family requests shelter for the night and those waiting behind the closed door turn them away. They proceed to a second home where the scene is repeated. At the third stop the pilgrims are told that while there is no room in the posada (inn), they are welcome to take refuge in the stable. The doors are flung open and all are invited to enter.
This is an active way of teaching children the story of the Nativity, but the chief attraction is the merrymaking that follows, above all the chance to engage in the ruthless smashing of piñatas and a mad scramble for the shower of fruits, sugar cane, peanuts and candies released from within.
Las Pastorelas
Pastorelas (Shepherds Plays) are staged throughout the holiday season by both amateur and professional groups. These traditional, often improvised, theatrical presentations date back to Mexico’s Colonial period when Roman Catholic missionaries wooed converts and taught doctrine through dramatizations of Biblical stories.
The light, humor-filled Pastorelas tell of the shepherds’ adoration of the Christ Child. First they are visited in the fields by an angel who announces the holy birth. As the shepherds attempt to follow the great star leading them to Bethlehem they are plagued by a series of evils and misadventures provoked by the Devil. But in the proverbial all’s-well-that-ends-well finale, good triumphs over evil and the shepherd’s reach their intended destination.
Nativity scenes, or El Nacimiento
In most Mexican homes the principal holiday adornment is el Nacimiento (Nativity scene). The focal point, naturally, is a stable where clay or plaster figurines of the Holy Family are sheltered. The scene may be further populated by an angel, Los Reyes Magos (the Magi), the ox and the ass, shepherds and their flocks, and assorted other people and livestock. It is not unusual to also find the forces of evil represented by a serpent and a grotesque Lucifer lurking in the shadows. The figures may be simply positioned in a bed of heno (Spanish moss), or scattered throughout an elaborate landscape.
A major masterpiece may occupy an entire room, often near the front of the house for convenient viewing by neighbors and passersby. The creation of the basic landscape begins with papel roca (paper painted in earth tones) draped over tables, taped onto boxes, crushed and shaped to form a multi-leveled, natural looking terrain that frequently includes a series of hills and dales, a cellophane waterfall, a mirror pond, artificial trees, cacti, palm trees, and little houses set to form an entire village scene. Colored sawdust and a variety of natural mosses may be spread out as ground cover before the addition of strings of Christmas lights and the assorted human and animal figures. The scene will not be completed until Christmas Eve when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger bed.
Nowadays a decorated Christmas tree may be incorporated in the Nacimiento or set up elsewhere in the home. As purchase of a natural pine represents a luxury commodity to most Mexican families, the typical arbolito (little tree) is often an artificial one, a bare branch cut from a copal tree (Bursera microphylla) or some type of shrub collected from the countryside.
Christmas Eve — Noche Buena
Holiday festivities culminate on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with the celebration of a late-night Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass). Afterwards families head home for a traditional Christmas supper which may feature a simple fare of homemade tamales and atole (corn gruel) or other regional dishes. A more exotic feast might include bacalao a la vizcaína (Biscayan cod) and revoltijo de romeritos (wild greens in mole sauce). Roast turkey, ham or suckling pig are other popular menu items for those who can afford it. Ponche (a hot fruit punch), sidra (sparkling cider) or other spirits are served for the holiday brindis (toast). The evening is rounded out with the opening of gifts and, for the children, piñatas and luces de Belen (sparklers). As these happy family gatherings generally last into the wee hours, December 25th is set aside as a day to rest and enjoy that universal holiday bonus — el recalentado (leftovers).
Incidentally, Santa Claus and the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof do not generally figure in the scheme of Navidad. A Mexican youngster’s holiday wishlist is directed instead to el Niño Dios (the Holy Child) for Christmas Eve and the Reyes Magos (Magi) for Three Kings Day.
Poinsettias: La Flor de Noche Buena
Its Latin name is Euphorbia Pulcherrima. Its Mexican monikers include the ancient Nahuatl term Cuitlaxochitl (star flower), along with Catarina (Catherine), Flor de Pastor (Shepherd’s Flower) and, most commonly, Flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Flower).
In the English-speaking world this illustrious holiday bloom is called the Poinsettia, named after Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, a U.S. diplomat who served as Minister to Mexico in the 1820′s. Like many newcomers to Mexico, he was no doubt enthralled by the sight of the gargantuan shrubs covered in mid-winter with brilliant vermillion blossoms. After experimenting with various methods of propagation, he returned home to Charleston, South Carolina with enough cuttings to begin the cultivation of these stunning plants in northern climes.
The bright petals of the poinsettia are not really flowers, but bracts or leaves that surround the true blossom, a rather inconspicuous cluster of yellow florets. The bracts may be solid creamy white, salmon pink or scarlet, variegated or double blooms.
Among pre-Hispanic tribes of ancient Mexico, the Cuitlaxochitl was more than just a pretty face. The blood-red bracts were often placed on the chests of those suffering afflictions of the heart to help stimulate circulation. They were sometimes crushed to a pulp to be used as a poultice for the treatment of skin infections.
A note of good cheer to those more inclined to be couch potatoes than gardeners: Modern-day Mexicans enjoy still another form of Noche Buena– a rich, dark, bock-like beer distributed only during the holiday season.
Los Santos Inocentes
December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents, is a religious commemoration of King Herod’s ordering the slaughter of all male infants in his kingdom, intended to include the Christ Child. In Mexico it is celebrated as day akin to April Fool’s, an occasion for jokes and pranks. The usual tactic is to approach a friend and ask to borrow cash or some object of value. If fooled by the ploy, the victim may be given a candy or silly gift in return, along with much joking and name calling. So beware or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!
The Three Kings: Los Reyes Magos
The Christmas season continues unabated in Mexico through Epiphany, which is called Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Echoing the arrival in Bethlehem of Wise Men bearing gifts for the baby Jesus, children throughout Mexico anxiously await waking up January 6 to find toys and gifts left by the Reyes Magos (Magi). In some regions it is customary to leave out shoes where treasures may be deposited by the visiting Wise Men.
A special treat served one this day is the Rosca de Reyes — a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits. Tiny figures of babies are hidden in the dough before baking. There is much excitement as each partaker cuts his or her own slice, for whoever gets a piece containing a baby is obliged to host another party on or before Candlemas, February 2, when Mexico’s holiday season finally comes to an end.
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Mexico
Jan 18th
Your Sanborn’s Travelog has a complete list of meetings. The following information was excerpted from Mike’s book, Live Better South of the Border. This material is NOT copyrighted and you are free to download it and share it with others. That’s the idea, isn’t it?
You’ll find AA throughout Mexico, even in small towns. NA has a sizable presence in the larger towns. Alanon is almost everywhere. OA, SALA and other programs are less likely to be encountered outside major cities. AA is very visible. I have noted where there are meetings in many cases, but like here, they move or change.
Look for the AA symbol inside a triangle and a circle, usually on a blue background jutting out from buildings. Meetings are usually at 8:00 or 8:30 PM in Spanish. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you will be welcome and often asked to speak. This is true all over the world. Remember, you will always be welcome at a Spanish-speaking meeting, even if you don’t speak the language. As an AA, you speak a universal language. I have been to meetings in Cuba, Europe and England (where they speak a foreign language, vaguely similar to English) and have always been welcome. Come to think of it, these are the only places where I can count on being welcome. Go ahead. It will do you good. Meetings last an hour and a half and there are often refreshments and birthdays are celebrated like here, except you might get tamales instead of cake or both. Have a ball.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find English-speaking meetings in most towns with a large gringo presence. Just in case you forgot your International Directory, I’ve included a list of all the ones I know about, arranged by geographic sections of the country.
Just like in the U.S., the locations change, so if a meeting is no longer where I said it was, you have two courses of action (aside from giving up and giving in). Believe me, looking for a meeting is often a better choice than going back to your hotel where the “Chug tequila till you barf” contest is going on. The first option is to check the local English-language newspaper if there is one. The second option is to find a Spanish meeting and ask.
One night I was in San Miguel de Allende and the English-language meeting had moved. I was ready to get drunk at my companion and was crestfallen. I wandered the late-night streets of town, bemoaning my fate. For some reason I looked up and I saw the familiar triangle in a circle. I was in front of a Mexican AA club. The meeting was over, but the guys there could see that I was in trouble. Six of us piled into a Volkswagen and went roaring down the midnight streets.
There I was, in a car of strangers who spoke no English (my Spanish was poor then), going to God knew where. A bar full of happy (?) Americans seemed a lot more inviting. Oh well. They took me to a midnight meeting. While I didn’t understand a word they said, I felt the companionship and caring that is universal. Those guys saved my life. So, if a meeting has moved since I wrote this, don’t use that as an excuse to get drunk. Get off the pity pot and find a meeting. Then let me know about any changes.
For Alanon and NA etc. these places will be able to direct you as well, though NA is not as “popular.” You’ll be welcome at an AA meeting. There are two different types of AA in Mexico. One is “Grupo de 24 Horas” (24 hour group). These are more like institutional settings and the message here is hard core, “put the plug in the jug” type.
The other is more like what you are used to. Be prepared for 1½ hour long meetings, with long orations and lots of slang. They are very emotional. You will be asked to say something. Do your best and take care of yourself. If the above fails and you can’t find a meeting, try putting up signs in your hotel and others about a meeting in your room. Then stay there.
While we are on the subject of drinking, forget the myth that some folks will tell you that it is a shooting offense to refuse a drink offered by a Mexican. You can refuse to do anything you want if you do it politely. Many times Mexicans are only offering to share something with you because they are being polite. They would never expect you to do something that would cause you harm. If you simply say, ” No gracias, no bebo cerveza (tequila, ron etc. or simply alcohól), pero quisiera un refresco ,” you’ll probably get a soft drink instead and no one will be offended.
If the guy insists that you have a drink with him, be as polite as possible, and just as insistent. Plead illness, medication or whatever you are comfortable with. Saying “soy alérgico a alcohol” sometimes does the trick, but saying you are an alcoholic usually elicits a blank stare. If all fails, get up and walk away. Offending a drunk does not rank as a punishable offense in any country and you have to remember what’s really important.
Be especially careful ordering tonic water or agua quina in bars or restaurants. You’ll often end up with gin and tonic, because the waiter thought you didn’t speak Spanish well enough. Stick with agua mineral or Coke or 7-Up, or a local soft drink. There are some great local ones. Toni-Col on the west coast, especially near Mazatlán is one of the best. It does have caffeine, so if you are trying to avoid that, you’d best avoid Toni-Col, but darn, it is good. It’s rather like a vanilla Coke. Of course, I’ve heard of drinkers who ordered J&B and soda and got Jim Beam and Coke.
When asking if a dish has alcohol in it, be sure to ask if it has wine, too. For some reason, wine is not considered alcohol by waiters. Often they will say, “Oh, no, there is no alcohol, only a little wine.” I subscribe to the school that it does not cook out. Even if you don’t believe that to be true at home, believe it in Mexico. Trust me.
Coffees with fancy names like “Sexy, Spanish, German or Lithuanian (just kidding about the last one)” are suspect. If the price is more than plain coffee ( Americano or negro or cafe con leche), then it is a booze drink. It’s rare, but I have had Amaretto poured over flan, the great dessert. Always use the sniff test before eating anything with a sauce on it. If you accidentally imbibe something with booze spit it out and don’t worry about it. It happens to the best. Just don’t take a second swig or taste and forget about it.
If you have an AA medallion or ring and wear it, you’ll be surprised at the people you’ll meet. If we ever meet in person, I’ll tell you a story that was related to me about that.
That’s all the sobriety wisdom I have and I hope it helps at least one person. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone even in Mexico and that you can still have a great trip and not lose your program.
Your help in getting new info is appreciated — you know how these groups move around. Spanish for “meeting” is “ reunión ” or “ sesión “. The phone numbers below were either provided by the contact person or came from newspapers so I’m not breaking anyone’s anonymity.
CABO SAN LUCAS – Hacienda Group of Alcoholics Anonymous: Miguel Hidalgo St. between Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas and 5 de Mayo
(between the Cabo Christian Church and the Sex Shop)
meets Daily 6 pm. and Mon-Fri 4:30pm- Topic Discussion;
Tuesday 8-9pm- Big Book Study
Phone: Doug 624-147-5516
Al-Anon
Serenity House
12th October St.. and Morelos, Meets Wednesday 6pm
Phone: 624-105-9228 (Haven)
Narcotics Anonymous
Safe Harbor Group – Serenity House
12th October St. and Morelos St.
meets Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:30 PM
Phone: 624-148-8076 or 624-147-9949
EAST CAPE – Hotel Rancho Buena Vista – meets Sunday, Wednesday – 5 PM
Phone: Jay 624-147- 7479
ENSENADA AREA – PUNTA BANDA – Men’s AA Catholic Church, La Jolla Beach Mon, 10 AM. – Women’s 12 Step, Train Room, Casa De Riker, La Jolla Beach. Mon. 10 AM. – Catholic Church, La Jolla, Tue. 8 AM. – Catholic Church, La Jolla, Thu. 8 AM. – “Going to Any Length” AA, Train Room, Casa De Riker, La Jolla. Sat. 8 AM.
LA PAZ – Phone for time and directions
Phone: 612 121 1833 (Frank)
or
Phone: 612-122-1795 (Sylvia)
LORETO –
Loreto Bay Community Center
#306 on the main boulevard
From the highway, take either entrance into Nopolo/Loreto Bay. The Community Center is well marked.
Meets in English Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6:00 PM
All meetings are open
Phone: Lynda at 613-135-1147
Vidal 613 111 0099
E-mail: Helen
MULEGÉ – 1 block east of Canada store – Fri. 3 PM.
MANEADERO, BC – Cultural Social Salón (on Hwy #1), 10.6 MI south of Ensenada at Jct. with paved road to Bufadora. Sun, 10 AM. Ask for Albert.
ROSARITO BEACH, BC – Calle Escondido #110 Baja Trade winds. Thurs, 7 PM. – Group 12 Traditions (English) at 72 Calle de La Palma, near police station in middle of town. (If you can’t find it, inquire at Red Cross Hospital or Space 100 in KOA Campground). Saturdays, 3 PM; Sundays, 10 AM; Wednesdays, 6 PM; Mondays, 2 PM. Men’s meeting Thursdays in KOA Space 100, 5 PM. – AA Breakfast Meeting (English) at Don Guiseppe’s restaurant back room, Mondays, 9 AM. – Mixed Bar Ladies (English-speaking women’s group of multiple 12 step issues) 72 Calle de La Palma, Friday 10 AM.
SAN FELIPE, BC — There is a meeting hall on the highway through town, on the left by a car wash, about half-way through town. Some meetings are women only, so check the schedule on the front before barging in.
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO – Restaurant “LA TAKIZA”- Santos Degollado St. off Coronado St., next to Calvary Chapel. Group meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6 PM.
Phone: 044-624-144-0595 (Cell)
Al-Anon San Jose del Cabo
Same location as San Jose AA meeting, Sundays 6pm
Phone Julia- 624 171 1532
TODOS LOS SANTOS, BC – Facing front of Old Church, enter through the gate to the right and go to the back right hand corner of the church lot. This group meets on Saturday and Wednesday at 11 AM and on Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM.
Phone: 01-612-145-0265 (Marilu)
ACAPULCO – Costa Azul English speaking group meets at 42-A Hilario Malpica in Fraccionamiento Costa Azul.
May through October:
Monday 5 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m.
November through April:
Monday 5 p.m.
Wednesday 5 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m.
Directions:
From Cici Park, take Christobal Colon to the Diana circle, then to the right of the Catholic Church take Parque Sur to Hilario Malpica. Take a right, (the street is divided) and we are the second house on the left.
www.alcoholicsanonymous-acapulco.com
KINO BAY, SON – Club deportivo – Wed & Sat, 7 PM. El Saguaro T.P., rec room. Chuck or Gloria (624) 2-0141.
MANZANILLO, COL – On the beach in front of Willy’s Restaurant. Wednesday, 10 AM.
MAZATLÁN, SIN – 306 Ave.Camaron Sabalo #7 across the street from VIP Restaurant and Baskin Robbins, SOHO Restaurant Between the Paint store and SalSi Puedes Bar (go thru the iron archway).
Mon thru Sat 6:30 PMSunday mornings 10 AMTues.mornings 11 AM – Womens meetingTues Night 6:30PM – Men’s meetingSaturday Speaker Meeting 6:30PMwebsite for current info
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, OAX – Grateful Live Group meets at El Cafecito, Carrizalillo (Palapa in the rear).
Tuesday 6 PMThursday 6 PMSaturday 6 PMTel. 044-954-544-2093
There is a great group of regulars that meet every year and we have big A.A. Birthday celebration in January and February.
PTO VALLARTA, JAL – meets at Edificio Cine Bahia (in older section of town, across the Río Cuale at 181 Insurgentes (near Madero), second floor at end of hall, RM #208 or 206.
AA – Everyday 9 AM and 6:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM
Women – Sunday 11 AM
NA – Everyday 5:00 PM
Alanon – Monday & Friday 6:30 PM
CODA – Wed. 10:30 AM and Thurs. Women 6:30 PM
A.R.T.S.- Thursday 8:00PM
SAN BLAS, NAY – Check at McDonald’s restaurant for times. 6 PM, M. W. F., 9:30 Sun. Calle Sinaloa #19 (sort of). Little shopping center across from police station. All the way in back. Go thru gate to back patio.
SAN CARLOS, SON – At Catholic Church by marina. Mon-Fri, 7:30 PM. Sat 9:30 AM. Thanks to B.C.
YELAPA, JAL – Wed, Sat, 5:30 PM. Ask at Mike’s house on the beach.
ZIHUATANEJO/IXTAPA, GRO – go on the canal road towards Playa Madero. Pass la Boquita bakery. Turn right towards Hotel Solimar. On one side of the plaza is the Spanish meeting club. Across the plaza is the English speaking group. Meet at 6 PM on Thurs.
Call Alanon # Ph: (743) 4-3767.
CHAPALA, JAL – AJIJIC -LAKESIDE AREA –
Sun
Club 12 – AA Open, Speaker Meeting, 10 a.m.
Mon
Club 12 – AA Open, Beginners, 10 a.m.Little Chapel, 4 p.m.Club 12 – GA, Gamblers 4 p.m.Lake Chapala Society Kiosk – AA Open, 4:30 p.m.
Tues
Club 12 – AA Open, Beginners, 10 a.m.AA Club in San Nicolás Ibarra – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), 10 a.m.Club 12 – OA, Overeaters, 11 a.m.Club 12 – Al-Anon, 12 noonClub 12 – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), 4 p.m.Río Zula #1,
Wed
Danny’s Restaurant, Women’s AA and Al-Anon Mixed Groups Breakfast Meeting, 9 a.m.La Nueva Posada, Men’s AA and Al-Anon Mixed Groups Breakfast Meeting, 9 a.m.Club 12 – AA Open, 10:30 a.m.Club 12 – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), Discussion, 4 p.m.ACOA, Hidalgo #63, Ajijic
Thurs
Club 12 – AA Open, Beginners, 10 a.m.Lake Chapala Society Kiosk – AA Open, 4:30 p.m.ALANON, Río Zula #1, 4 p.m.Río Zula #1, 4 p.m
Fri
Club 12 – AA Open, Beginners, 10 a.m.Club 12 – OA, Overeaters, 11 a.m.Club 12 – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), 4 p.m.
Sat
Danny’s Restaurant – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), Non-smoking, 9 a.m.ALANON, Río Zula #1, 9:30 a.m.Club 12 – AA Closed (Alcoholics Only), Discussion, 10 a.m.Club 12 – Al-Anon, 10 a.m.
Locations
Club 12 – Marcos Castellanos #51-A in AjijicLCS Kiosk -Lake Chapala Society grounds at corner of 16 de Septiembre and Ramon Corona. Enter at rear gate on Ramon CoronaAA Club San Nicolás de Ibarra – Look for AA sign on the Mexican AA building, on Hidalgo (3 blocks north of Highway). San Nicolá is 10 minutes east of Chapala. Call (376) 763-5614 for directions or information.AA Club Jocotepec – Niños Heroes #26 in Jocotepec. Currently there are no English meetings in Jocotepec. Call Bill (376) 765-2575.Danny’s Restaurant – Carretera #2 at the intersection with Colón in AjijicLa Nueva Posada – Donato Guerro #4 in Ajijic
For More Information, Contact
AA: Gillian (376) 766-0869, Frances: (376) 766-3903Al-Anon: (376) 766-0683OA: Call: (376) 766-2575 or 766-1626GA: Charlie: (376) 766-3671
CUERNAVACA, MOR – Ph: (73) 13-4327 (Francis) or (73) 13-7831 (Minerva).
GUADALAJARA, JAL –
Clubhouse, Filadelfia #2015 (off Lopez Mateos & Las Américas, near Columbus Circle) – Mon, Wed, 7:30 p.m.
Mon
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.
Wed
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.Fri
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.The American Society is located at San Francisco 3332, Colonia Chapalita, GuadalajaraFor More Information, Contact:
Jim 3 798-1270, Charlene F. 3 121-2306 or Dick 3 614-8627
MEXICO CITY, DF – Río Danubio #39 (upstairs), M W F 2 PM
Tues Thurs, 8 PM
Sat, 4 PM
Sun, 6 PM
Union Church, Reforma 1870 – M W F, 8 PM
Ladies Meeting, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Corner Prado Sur y Virreyes (Basement) – Wed, 4 PM
Ph: (5) 568-5104, 525-9090.
OAXACA, OAX – Sun 12 Noon. Ph: (951) 5-1989 (Enrique).
SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE, GTO – English Alanon Club, Calle 20 de Enero #110E, Colonia San Antonio, next to the laundry;
AA Meetings M-T-TH 9:00am, W(women)-F-Sat 10:00am, Sun 12:00 noon, M-T-W-TH-F-Sat 6:30pm
St. Paul’s Church (Anglican)
ALANON/ACOA M- 5:00pm; OA W-SA 4:30pm
Al Anon , Saturday morning at 9:45, St. Paul’s Church (Anglican), Calzada de Cardo 6, San Miguel de Allende 415 152-0387
CODA F- 5:00pm; NA SU- 5:00pm.
Ph: Pete (415) 152-6022. Email: info@nuevoadobe.com .
CANCÚN, QR – AA English-speaking meetings at the Cancun International Group, 6:15 PM every day downtown at the Plaza Centro shopping Center, Ave. Nader, 3 rd floor. Check their website for current times and locations.
COZUMEL, QR – Corner of Ave. 10 Sur and Calle 5 Sur, upstairs (up the spiral staircase). The building has a triangle in a circle on the 2nd floor.
M W F S S, 6 PM AA.
T Th 6 P.M. NA Check their website for current times and locations.
MERIDA, QR – AA (English), Tuesday and Thursdays at 5:30 pm, Sunday 7 p.m.; Ala Anon Wednesday 5:30 p.m. – Merida English Language Library, Calle 53 between Calles 66 and 68, downtown. Check their website for details.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QR – English meetings at:
Avenida 25 between Calle 4 and Calle 6, every day at 5:30 pm.
Many Spanish speaking meetings at this address as well.
Check their website for current times and locations.
PUERTO AVENTURAS, QR – AA (English), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 5:30 pm, Saturday at noon – Library – Ask at the gate for directions to the library. Check the website for current schedule.
PUERTO MORELOS, QR – AA (English), Tuesday, Friday at 6:00 pm – Mama’s Bakery – Easy to find, just ask! Check their website for current times and locations.
For other destinations in Mexico you can try this URL. The editor welcomes updates from readers — please send them to this e-mail.
