Bella Gets Healthy

In an on-going effort to answer the questions of my faithful readers, I set out to investigate some of the healthier aspects of San Pedro. Though not as self-satisfying as scrutinizing the inner workings of, say, "The Chicken Drop," I do have a responsibility to my public. So here's a little info for . . . well, you know who you are.

The ugly truth is, San Pedro does not have an abundance of fresh produce. Unlike the grocery stores you see in the United States or Canada, the "produce section" here may have just a few potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. I asked why more produce isn't grown locally, and the shocking answer was that the farmers can't afford to grow local crops. Why? Because people steal the crops from the fields! In order to grow the tomatoes or watermelons or whatever, the farmer has to hire full-time security personnel. Seriously. ("Back away from my melons, or I'll shoot!") 

But fear not, o healthy ones. There are alternatives, even if they tend to be a little expensive. "goNature," located on Coconut Drive next to the Belize Yacht Club, has a large selection of organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free products.(Full Disclosure Alert: Belize Yacht Club is not, and never was, a yacht club. It does have a nice dock, however.) For readers who live in Ambergris Caye, Taz at goNature will accommodate special orders from her mainland supplier whenever possible.

This is Maria.

Just down the street from goNature is Maria's Fruit and Vegetable Stand. This place is phenomenal if you're into fresh fruit and vegetables. (Full Disclosure Alert: Personally, I'm not into fresh fruit and vegetables, although I adore potato chips.) They have a wider selection of fresh produce than in the grocery stores, and they will even cut up the pineapples for you. That may not sound like a big deal to you until you've actually stood at your kitchen counter trying to cut up a pineapple. It's not pretty.)

And, finally, don't forget "The Greenhouse" which I have talked about previously. It's in town on Middle Street across from the big whiskey bottle sign. Just ask.

Speaking of good health, Tom had to go to the clinic the other day to get some prescription medicine refills. Have you ever had that experience where the receptionist asks why you want to see the doctor, then a nurse checks your vital signs and asks, "What are you here for today?" And then, finally, when you see the doctor, he says, "How may I help you?" Don't these people ever talk to each other? (I guess I'm grumpy because they made me wait outside the building, but still!) 

At one point, Dr. Z. asked Tom if he were a father, and Tom looked a little puzzled. After all, that's a curious question when all you want is a prescription refill. Maybe you're supposed to notify your children if the doctor decides not to refill the prescription? Dr. Z. said, "No, I mean, are you a priest?" Tom said, "No, but I'm a good listener if you need to confess anything." That Tom. He's a real riot. 

And now to all my readers, healthy and non-healthy alike. Here's some great info on cheap(er) flights to Belize! (Check out www.backpackersbelize.com for more information. And thanks, Cindy!)

Orlando, FL (MCO) $419 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American
Washington, D.C. (IAD) $419 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American
Washington, D.C. (DCA) $419 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American
Los Angeles, CA (LAX) $528 RT Spring travel, including taxes Taca
San Francisco, CA (SFO) $528 RT Spring travel, including taxes Taca
Dallas, TX (DFW) $545 RT Nonstop incl. all taxes, Travel May only American
Miami, FL (MIA) $545 RT Nonstop incl. all taxes, Travel May only American
Austin, TX (AUS) $576 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
San Antonio, TX (SAT) $606 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American, United
Oklahoma City, OK (OKC) $609 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American, United
Portland, OR (PDX) $632 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
San Diego, CA (SAN) $632 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Boston, MA (BOS) $639 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Nashville, TN (BNA) $644 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Hartford, CT (BDL) $646 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Raleigh, NC (RDU) $646 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Tampa, FL (TPA) $646 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
Chicago, IL (ORD) $654 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only Delta
San Francisco, CA (SFO) $656 RT Includes all taxes, Travel May only American

Golfer Alert: Here's another scoop directly from www.sanpedroscoop.com. The new hotel on the north part of the island, cleverly called "The Hotel" and scheduled to open in six to eight weeks, will have a putting green and driving range. Hey, it's a start!

Y'all come visit. We'll whip up a batch of gluten-free peanut butter cookies and maybe try to dissect a pineapple, then go snorkeling. You're gonna love Belize!