Alma Libre Newsletter

	Cocina de la Famila - Foodies know that what passes for Mexican food up North is not the same thing as they are cooking down here. That's why we are very proud to have this book. They author visited hundreds of Mexican families and collected their best recipes and compiled them in this book. This ain't no Taco Bell...this is the real thing. "We had friends over for dinner last night and I made, among other things, this book's chiles rellenos, racy red salsa, pickled vegetables, and sangria. Everything was quite tasty and really quick to make." Amazon.com Review
	Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping - If you are contemplating driving down here with your RV, you need this book. Traveling in Mexico by RV is an excellent option, but to enjoy your trip you need this book. I even recommend it to people who are just driving down here from Canada or the US as the border crossing and big city bypass information alone is worth the price of it. This book and a Gui Roji Road Atlas (2009 version available at Alma Libre) are your best bets for a safe and happy driving holiday in Mexico.
	Cortes and Montezuma - The incredible chain of events that led to the conquest of an entire culture in Mexico by a handful of Spaniards is an amazing story. This retelling by Maurice Collis is well written, factual and very readable. The complex characters and motivations of both central figures are explained in detail. According to Collis, Montezuma was a generous, devout and able ruler, but at the same time he was a tyrannical monster who indulged in endless orgies of ritual murder; Cortes was a civilized and enterprising explorer who brought enlightenment to a oppressed land but he was also the bringer of death and destruction to a complex and fascinating civilization. The author also explains the amazing astrological-magical religion of the Mexicans and how it made the conquest possible. - Amazon.com
	Mexican Slang 101 - This book is the phrase book for those who want to really "talk the talk" and speak the way the locals speak. You'll find hip expressions like the proper way to say "cool" or "bummer", right down to the nastiest insults you can imagine. There is enough information in this book to be the life of the party, or get beaten up. Be careful how you use this book! Cover price is only 50 pesos or 5 bucks. Makes a great gift or gives you some training that Berlitz just is not going to give you! This book has quickly become a bestseller. Makes a great souvenir or gift.
	Birds & Fish - We share our beautiful area with some of the world's most interesting creatures. Every day we see wildlife in and around the town, from big birds to slithering reptiles and everything in between. To help you get to know your neighbours better, we offer several guides. For an overall view, you can't beat this book, the Traveller's Wildlife Guide to Southern Mexico by Les Beletsky. A gorgeous book packed with information and pictures. Covers fish, ,mammals, reptiles, birds and a little about the plant life here. For more detail, we offer a choice of bird guides and our popular snorkel guide.
	Spanish Language Learning Software- Now available for the Mac! - Since moving to Mexico, Joanne and I have struggled with our Spanish, especially those nasty verbs. Now our friend Jacky has invented a fun way to learn your verbs. Her Amigos Spanish program has full conjugation for 700 verbs and helps you learn with tests and puzzles. The program is totally customizable, allowing you to focus on the verbs you need to know. Plus it's fun, so you will stick with it and learn those verbs. To expand your vocabulary, try Amigos Spanish Puzzles a program featuring word games with English clues and Spanish answers (or vice versa). The program comes loaded with 2500 words, and you can even add your own words if you like! Both programs are available on CD exclusively at Alma Libre Bookstore.
	Secrets of the Talking Jaguar is the story of the author's physical and spiritual journey from the Southwestern US to the highlands of central America. There he becomes apprenticed to a local shaman who teaches Pretchel much about indigenous Mayan life, and about life in general. We sold out of these last year in hardcover, this year we were lucky enough to get some soft cover editions. If you missed this book last year, don't miss it this time.
	SPECIAL OFFER for Alma Libre Bookstore Customers Cenotes of the Riviera Maya is the best book ever written about the cenotes in our area. Beautifully photographed, it could easily be called a coffee table book, but it is also has all the practical information you need to explore the cenotes whether you are swimming or diving. Many have drooled over this book, but the hefty (500 peso) price tag kept some people away. Now author Steve Gerrard has authorized us to lower the price. At 300 pesos, this book is an incredible bargain and it has been flying off our shelves...in fact we ran out for a while around Christmas, but we're stocked again.
	Maps! If you drive in our area, you need a map! We have excellent and detailed maps of the Yucatan, the country of Mexico, Cancun city, Merida as well as Belize, Guatemala, Cuba and Central America. We also have souvenir-quality maps you can hang on the wall. This year we also have a good supply of "Map Chick" Mayan Riviera maps. These incredibly detailed maps will lead you to the best of the Mayan Riviera including restaurant and accommodation recommendations. This map has the most detailed map of Puerto Morelos ever made, as well as Puerto Adventuras, Akumal and the entire Mayan Riviera corridor. Maps are usually difficult to find in Mexico, but only if you are looking in the wrong place! Plot a course to the bookstore...if you get lost...ask for directions...