A Hectic Island Life

 C'mon, people. This blog ain't gonna write itself! 

I know, I know. We're all tired. Island life isn't all about lying on the beach. There's a lot going on in San Pedro, and sometimes it's hard to keep up.

First, a shout out to faithful follower Honey Dunlap for her encouraging comments. I absolutely live for comments, darling,  and hope you will take the hint. For those who read this blog and aren't yet followers, hit on the "follow" button. There are only a few simple steps to take, and it will be much appreciated. (My, that was shameless.)

Lunch at Dianita's

A few words about lunch the other day. We took our friend Bradley to our favorite lunch spot, Dianita's, near the airport. Bradley has been living in San Pedro for the past 23 years, and his story, as so many of the people we meet, is fascinating. 

Bradley Haylock

Bradley's father stowed away on a banana boat to New Orleans as a teenager about 80 years ago following a failed banana crop in Belize and eventually made his way to New York City where Bradley was born. Bradley's parents wanted him to surpass their humble beginnings, but, unfortunately, they were abusive toward him. Lots of threats, lots of physical abuse, even more mental abuse. Bradley moved to Miami where he became an airplane mechanic and a pilot! Not a bad combination.

His book, Aerial Smuggler, only covers three years of his on-going criminal lifestyle, but it gives you the flavor: Bradley may have been the worst smuggler ever! 28 drug runs to South America, and only one was "successful." Let's just say Bradley is an expert on prisons. His favorite, surprisingly, is Columbia where, he says, the prisons are so overcrowded that if your crime is minor, like cocaine smuggling, you only have to check in once a week with the authorities.


We met Bradley at church. He's now a born-again Christian, one of the smartest people you'll ever meet, and a certified character.

The Famous Ambergris Brewing Company

We visited at the house yesterday with a gal who was selling makeup. Yep, just like a Mary Kay visit back in the States. Sophie, too, has an interesting story. She is a certified lab technician but hasn't been able to get a job. So you do what you have to do, right? 

Bella Jams at ABC

Then it  was off to the clinic again for Shelley (just a followup visit) while Tom and I walked to Ambergris Brewing Company to meet up with our friends Bart and Mandy on vacation from College Station, Texas. You may be thinking that we are spending entirely too much time at a brewing company, but I assure you, we're there solely for the live music. Well, mostly for the live music. I do want to tell you (purely for information) that the cost of four beers, a glass of wine, a coke, beer-battered shrimp, onion rings, and a pizza (we were there for hours) came to $25 USD per person including a generous tip! The four hours of live music were free!

Shelley and the Girls at Reef Village

Shelley took off in the golf cart the other night, leaving me at home with Tom.  We think she's sort of independent!  She met up with young Belizean friends, headed a little north of the bridge, and went swimming at Reef Village. Shelley and Tom tell me that years ago they got some very good advice from an older lady:  "Always have younger friends!"  I think they take it seriously.  And now they have learned  (listen up folks, this is Bella talking) that a dog adds 10 years to your life!

The other day Shelley and I were in a store which, of course, is allowed in San Pedro.  (Can you believe one time in Houston at a Sam Moon's store the security guard made me leave?  And I was much younger, much smaller, and inside Shelley's purse!)  Anyhow, at the store here in San Pedro we were looking at tiny bathing suits with floatie's built-in.  Perhaps I could use one of those. First, I could use a few swimming lessons.



Well, it's time to go fishing. Our friend Obby is taking Tom fishing for red snapper.  That should be fun. I'll be sure to tell you how that goes! At least Tom can swim. 

Y’all come visit us. We’ll hang out at Reef Village. You’re gonna love Belize!