Bella Gets Ready for "V" Day

Pibil

I know this is totally random, but after reporting yesterday on pibil, the Maya specialty found at the Cacoa Festival in Punta Gorda, I just read today that Geo's Hideaway in San Pedro  has a weekend "Pibil Bonanza." Just when you think you can only get this slow-roasted specialty at remote locales, here it pops up in our own back yard. By the way, Geo's also serves marinated arracheras. Wow!

Yo, mon!

Not being one to judge, I'm still thinking it just may be time for Grandma Jane to leave Belize--now that the dreadlocks have grown out. The new hair style should really go over big at the Sikeston Country Club in southeast Missouri. Once again, her children are mortified. In a related incident, Tom asked his barber, Mustafo, to "just cut it short." Mustafo did. End of story.

Tomorrow morning is "V" Day. I'm scheduled to go to the vet for xrays and who knows what else to determine what's going on with my bladder. My faithful and concerned readers will be glad to know that I still have a pretty good appetite, but I'm sleeping a lot and have a very difficult time going pee-pee. I'd be plenty happy if you prayed for me. Surgery is not out of the question. Thanks.

This bad boy is living at our house--well, in the front yard. He/she (I mean, who really knows) is actually pretty tame. It eats grass and herbs and generally just hangs around. The creepy thing about iguanas, though, is that they have three eyes. (I'm not making this up.) The "parietal eye" is very small and sits on the top of the head. If you're interested, it serves primarily as a kind of radar/motion detector, but I still think it's creepy. And here's another heads up from your faithful reporter: Only eat green iguanas. The grey ones will make you really, really sick.

Which reminds me, in a recent post I indicated how good the barracuda was that we ate--and even gave you a recipe. Well, scratch that. We just met a guy whose entire family of eight people got sick and almost died from eating barracuda.I have now learned that barracuda are bottom feeders and are inclined to ingest some really bad heavy metals like mercury. Stick with fish sticks. Of course, I'm partial to Iams ProActive Health Dog Food for adult small & toy breeds.

A Friendly Game

An "Uh Oh, Look Out" Game

In a recent phenomenon, the women who live in and visit our house are playing dominoes on an increasingly more frequent basis, and, frankly, I'm getting a little worried. Phrases like "You're cheating" and "Don't make me rearrange your face, girl" are becoming far too commonplace around here! Play nice, ladies. Play nice. To be fair, Shelley mostly just says, "Have I won yet?"

Y'all come visit and bring me some Iams ProActive Health Dog Food for adult small & toy breeds with you. Don't make me rearrange your face. You're gonna love Belize.

Bella Goes to Caye Caulker

Okay, guys, WE'RE BACK! I'm still pretty sick, but I have an appointment in two days with Dr. Laurie when she gets back from the U.S. In the meantime, grin and bear it, right?

Kindest Kid

Mariano Calderon was just named "Kindest Kid in San Pedro, 2012" in a contest for school children between the ages of six to ten. (If that won't get you beat up in Texas, I don't know will!) The contest was sponsored by "Be Kind Belize" to recognize children who are especially kind. Way to go Mariano! Proud of you.

 

Caye Caulkering!

We took off for Caye Caulker yesterday: Tom, Shelley, Jane, Karen, Angie and moi! It's been raining just about every day, but we lucked out. The water taxi over and back was sunny and smooth, and there was only one brief "pineapple shower" while we were there. 

 

Srimp, anyone?

Paradiso

We thought about stopping at a "roadside" barbecue place (even though there are no roads) where the barbecued shrimp kebabs looked delicious. But you know Tom. He refuses to eat anywhere where the food, to-wit: "srimp." is misspelled. So we opted for lunch at a tiny little place called Paradiso where you sit outside after you order at the counter. Fresh salads, fresh bread, wonderful sandwiches. Yum. The big hit was a Greek salad with tons of feta cheese. The amazing thing was how good the ingredients were, because--as I've pointed out before--we live on an island! Fresh lettuce is a rarity let alone romaine lettuce. When you see Paradiso, you may have the same reaction I did: "Can't we go to a real restaurant, guys?" But am I ever glad we stopped there. It will be a "must stop" the next time we go to Caye Caulker.

 It's considered "low season" here, so the tourists were sparse. We had a great time swimming, sunning, laughing, shopping, and otherwise tourist-ing. 

 While waiting for the water taxi for the return trip, we had the opportunity to read the "no parking" sign near the dock. Please note that these rules are not just made up on the spot. In fact, they are by order of C.C.V.C./C.C.T.C.C. and C.C.T.O.A.L. Don't mess around with those folks.

Here's a link to a great video from Emily and Jared Akers who came from Kansas to San Pedro to go scuba diving. Really good content and high quality. You'll like it! Thanks for sharing, guys.
http://vimeo.com/42514435

Fruit Stand at Caye Caulker

Oh, by the way, the Toledo Chocolate Festival in Punta Gorda was a big success. The newspaper pointed out  that guests, in addition to all kinds of chocolatley foods and desserts, were treated to a "traditional Maya dinner of pork pibil with side dishes." This is not a misprint.

Y'all come visit. Maybe we can go to a pibil and srimp barbecue. You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Doesn't Feel So Good

Bella has a urinary infection and is being treated with antibiotics. However, it is possible she also has a bladder "stone" that might require surgery. Our veterinarian will check on her again when she returns to San Pedro next week. Bella doesn't seem to be in any kind of pain, but does have a problem wetting--and that causes some accidents through no fault of her own.

Tom--our fearless, feckless editor--hurt his back swinging a 5-gallon water bottle up onto the counter AND has gotten some kind of general sore throat, doesn't feel all that good, kind of thing. He is taking antibiotics, also, and is somewhat grumpy.

Sorry!

The result is: No dictation, no editing, no blog for the past few days. Sorry about that. We should be back to speed soon, but can't say when. Bear with us. 

Bella Salutes the Queen

Today is Sovereign's Day, aka "Commonwealth Day." This is the day we pay homage to the Queen and find yet another excuse to have a party. All the stores are closed, Tom's back is thrown out plus he has a sore throat, Shelley is recovering from her shoulder injury, I have a urinary infection, and it's raining. Party, party, party. Whoo hoo! Go, Sovereign, go!  

As always, we wish you to be aware that Queen Elizabeth's real (versus official) birthday is April 21st, the same day as Melissa Higgins (my aunt) and Grandma Shelley. Mark your calendars. Mark your Facebook pages. Send gifts.

Lexy begging. Pathetic.

This is my next-door neighbor, Lexy. She is not allowed to come inside our house because she eats all my food. I am supposed to be nice to Lexy, but would you be nice to someone who eats all your food? 

We're coming into the "slow season" here in San Pedro. But that's a good thing for you if you're interested in visiting. The weather here is summer all year long, and, c'mon, who can't work around the rainy season, the mosquito season, and the hurricane season? Prices will be way down for accomodations and your travel dollar will go a lot further. So get brave, and come on down.

Y'all come visit. We'll have a few hot toddies ready if you're feeling a little sick, and we'll chase away the rain and any unwanted dogs! You're gonna love Belize!

Editor's Note: Yesterday, our cousin Judy passed away into glory. She was the life, the light, and the matriarch of her family, and an absolute delight to be around. We will miss you greatly, Judy, but, the best part, we will see you again in Heaven.

Bella Goes Swimming

Chillin' after church.

 One of the best parts of going to church is a potluck dinner afterwards! Today six of us went over to Karen's for a fresh fruit platter, ravioli, pasta salad, fresh green beans with ham, onions, and new potatoes. Delicious!   I got to go in the swimming pool--although only up to my tail. (That's enough for me.) Afterwards I wrapped up in a couple of tee shirts to avoid sunburn--seriously. This Caribbean sun is hot!

Getting my tail wet!

Karen lives at Paradise Villas between the famous Phoenix Resort and Wet Willy's Dock. Talk about location, location, location. She has two condos, upstairs and downstairs, that she rents out. You can see the listing on www.airbnb.com.  

Last night Tom and Michael (whose wife was presenting seminars in the United States for a couple of weeks) went to Casa Picasso for a traditional Vietnamese dinner. (Grandmas Shelley and Jane opted to stay home for grilled cheese sandwiches with fresh tomato slices.)  Anyhow, Michael and Tom joined six other guests already seated where Michael, with a career background in law enforcement, introduced Tom as his "partner." Tom began talking frenetically explaining how his wife wasn't able to be there for the occasion.

Vietnamese Pho Beef

Tien Vo, the executive chef, told the guests about what to expect. The first course was a salad called xà lách with spring rolls and barbecued beef. Then Phở, rice noodles served in a bowl with clear beef broth and slim cuts of beef. Dessert was freshly-baked almond cookies over homemade coconut ice cream.  They said the food was delicious but reminded them of the old Wendy's commercial.

At the end of the feast, fireworks were set off. Several of the guests talked about how that was a traditional Vietnamese custom. Only when Tom and Michael were pedaling back home on their bicycles did they pass the wedding reception that was taking place about five blocks from the restaurant, complete with fireworks!

Y'all come visit. We'll go swimming and eat great food and watch the birds fly in at dusk when the fishermen return to shore. You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Says Hello and Goodbye

From the What's-in-Your-Golf-Cart Desk:

Two recent (yesterday) photos show even more creative uses of San Pedro golf carts. To the left, we have barracuda transport, and, to the right, a traveling chiropractor is ready to begin therapy at any moment.

Dr. Mike prior to his unexpected bout of fear.

Today, we say another sad goodbye, this time to Tom Hixon and  Mike Watson, both new doctors from Keele University Medical School in England, and both who have been up to NO GOOD since visiting San Pedro. Tom and Mike are leaving today for San Ignacio (not very far from Belmopan) where they shall continue their no-goodness until they get it out of their systems and return home. 

Dr. Tom

Mike, I apologize for almost biting your hand last night causing you to yelp in terror like a little girl. I forget how dangerous I can look. The picture of Tom Hixon has been cropped to remove the indecent parts.

Michael at Wine de Vine

As a happy hello, we're heading out tonight with new next-door-neighbor Michael  to "Casa Picasso" to keep him out of trouble while his wife, Pamela, is back in the United States. Owners Adam and Jackie are featuring a Vietnamese five-course feast tonight with the help of executive chef Tien Vo and his staff. Casa Picasso is not particularly easy to find, and at first blush you might think you were going in the wrong direction, but it's a not-to-be-missed dining experience. It's "south of town on Stingray Street just past the Crystal Water Plant." There, that should help.

The Big Four-OH

It was Helga's 40th birthday party yesterday at Roadkill Bar and Grill. Helga sang a stirring rendition of "Whatever Helga Wants/Helga Gets" after yelling at passing golf cart drivers and pedestrians to join her at the celebration. By the way, her voice is amazingly good.

Y'all come visit. We'll carry strange things in our golf carts, then go out to eat fabulous food--again! You're gonna love Belize.

Bella Joins the Marines

It sure ain't algebra!

The Belize Marine Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) is now in its 18th year of advancing coral reef education and research here in San Pedro. 

These guys don't mess around. They have a research library, natural history museum, classrooms, laboratory, fresh water swimming pool for SCUBA training, a fleet of boats, and a remote field station, Atlantis. PLUS they have marine biologists (with PhD's), SCUBA instructors, licensed captains, and tour guides. If you just happen to be a teacher (not an English professor, Tom), take note that TREC can accommodate more than 50 students for room, board, and course work for undergraduates, graduate students, and high school students with marine biology interests. And I've heard they greet you with nachos and grilled cheese sandwiches. Doesn't get any better than that!

But there's one small problem for you turistos: TREC is an academically dedicated facility. That means there are no people at the facility but students and staff.  Sorry, but they are not open to the general public. But, heck, it's not too late to sign up for marine biology at your local junior college and organize a group of 50! C'mon down!

Richard Carey in uniform.

What happens in June in San Pedro, kids? LOBSTER SEASON OPENS! That's right. Don't forget "Lobsterfest 2012." It's coming up soon. Larry the Lobster is waiting for you!

Richard Carey out of uniform.

From the "Can You Believe That?" Desk": Richard Carey, from Nenagh Town, Tipperary, Ireland, who has consistently claimed to be a pilot, was actually seen today in San Pedro Town in uniform thus, sorta, kinda, proving that he actually is a pilot. (Okay, Richard, I take it back.) Incidentally, Richard is a graduate of the University of Limerick. Can you believe that? Richard can also be seen performing in the Belize City Little Theatre's production of Auntie Mame--in the title role.

We went out for papusas last night. Fresh, warm "masa" grilled to perfection right on the street grill, then filled with wonderful goodies like spinach and cheese, beans, fish, lobster (in season), or a ton of other choices. Oh my gosh! You can't believe how good they are! In fact, they just may be better than the Central Park street tacos! About the size of a "dollar pancake," they cost $1 US apiece. A full meal for under five bucks.  

Getting Ready for Grandma Jane

Well, it's time for me to go to bed. Grandma Jane is flying in tomorrow, and if I know Shelley, we'll all be working our papusas off  all day long getting ready!

Y'all come visit! We'll see if we can crash the TREC facility, then eat some street food and laugh at limericks! You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Can't Eat Chocolate

The most common question I am asked is, "If we can't stay at Tom and Shelley's lovely home situated directly on the Caribbean, where's the best place to stay?" Well, if you're looking for luxury (and, seriously, who isn't), check this out. 

Azul Resort, North Ambergris Caye

There is a classified ad on Fodors.com running right now with an offer of three nights at the all-inclusive Azul Resort for US $800 a night rather than the going rate of US $1,400. "WHAT?" you may say. But wait. Azul's, on the far north of our island, has only two private 3,000 square foot villas on 400 feet of beautiful beachfront situated on ten acres. Yes, just two, because, "At Azul, we know that sometimes 'less' is so very much more." Ain't that the truth. (Somebody better jump on that deal fast!) Come to think of it, maybe you should stay with us. We can offer a whole lot less than they can.

Or how's this for luxury?  Every May, Punta Gorda, the largest town in southwest Belize (6,000 people) hosts the Toledo Cacao Festival, celebrating the Toledo District’s ancient and modern-day links with cacao and chocolate. Friday, May 18th, is the Wine & Chocolate Evening, and Saturday, May 19th is "A Taste of Toledo: Music, Games & Chocolate Galore!" The festivities wind up on Sunday with a "cultural fair". (Sometimes that just means a whole bunch of street vendors get together to sell stuff--like chocolate.)

Hershey Syndrome

Chocolate Reminder: Dogs cannot eat chocolate or they could die! I have no personal scientific knowledge of this, but that's what Grandma Shelley says.Then last night I was told that dogs can't eat onions or they will, you guessed it, die! Or at least get very sick. My sensory world diminishes every day.   

The picture to the right shows me after sneaking a piece of chocolate. Don't worry, I'm fine now.

Y'all come visit. We'll run down to Toledo for the Cacao Festival if you want (no one said I couldn't eat cacao), then come back for a boat ride to Azul's. You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Stays Busy

Douglas Penland and Jimmy Poloni, the Belizean Shores team, won the 8th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge out of 27 teams participating. (No ladies entered the competition this year.) Forty-five MILES of kayaking!  First prize was $3,000 BZ and a gift certificate to Wine de Vine. I imagine that gift certificate has already been cashed in. Great job, guys, and congratulations!

(I tried out the kayaking, strictly non-competitively, of course. I found the hardest part was keeping my hair dry.)

By the way, if you're interested in what our little town looks like, here's a link to a golf cart ride through San Pedro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMqx5gw6jSs&feature=player_embedded#!   

If you imagine the golf cart going five times faster, you'll have some idea what it was like riding with Aunt Honey's daughter, Taylor. We thought of her a couple of nights ago when we were stopped at a checkpoint where the police were checking drivers' licenses. You got lucky, Taylor!

To follow up on an earlier post, Belize’s Celia Mahung, the Executive Director of the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, was the recipient of the MAPFRE Foundation Environmental award presented recently in Madrid, Spain. 300 applicants vied for the prize of 30,000 euros! I told you before it was a big deal!

Conroy and the Scout Rangers

And here's a shout out to the Scout Rangers of San Pedrito neighborhood. These boys stay plenty busy and out of trouble under the care of Conroy Campbell. Thanks, Conroy, for all your hard work, also. 

We said goodbye to the Larson's on Saturday and are preparing for Grandma Jane to return this Thursday. Her daughter Allison joins us for Memorial Day. And faithful reader Velvet is still trying to find bunk space with us, but the calendar seems to be filled up for the near future. Hang in there, Velvet!  For whatever reasons, we just didn't seem to be so popular until we got the house right ON the Caribbean.

View from Belizean Shores Resort

Y'all come visit. We'll hang out at Belizean Shores with Doug and Jimmy and Celia and Conroy, then spend our gift certificate at Wine de Vine. You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Says "Happy Mother's Day"

I, too, have maternal instincts.

Only mothers were allowed to attend the San Pedro City Council Mother's Day Extravaganza held last night at Saca Chispas, the old futbol (soccer) field. Upon entering the gate, every mother received a rose and a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several prizes. Out of more than 500 people, Shelley Fay won a $25 gift certificate from a local bank. Pretty amazing. Dinner was also served to all the guests: sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, dressing, and sweet potatoes. Plus chocolate flan. Sounds like Thanksgiving in the United States--except for the flan!

Tom not having fun.

Tom was not allowed to go to Saca Chispas, so he went to Pedro's to say goodbye to Stajin Van Huffel, aka Stan, who is returning home to Belgium. Tom did not have turkey and did not have fun. Tom was sad.

Today was the final day of the Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge from Ambergris Caye, Belize. It was a 42 mile kayak race through lagoons, creeks, mud, and the Caribbean Sea next to the largest reef in the northern hemisphere. Check it out on YouTube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQkq5-y11Qw

Here's a shout out to all our faithful followers in UKRAINE! Thanks, everyone.

Finally, here's a picture of Shelley snorkeling off the front yard! Happy Mother's Day, Shelley. We love you!

Go, Momma Shelley, go!

Y'all come visit. We'll do some kayaking or snorkeling, then eat a big turkey dinner--Belizean style. You're gonna love Belize!

Bella Prepares for "Reef Week"

May 12-18

Well, it's "Reef Week" again in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize! (The poster says it begins on May 14th, but trust your intrepid reporter. It really begins May 12th.) The primary objective is to have students learn about the coastal and marine resources "in a fun and rewarding manner," but there's always room for a party around San Pedro.

Everyone needs a puppy

The Healthy Reefs Swim Challenge will be held on May 12 and 13. Competitors swim from St. George Caye to Caye Caulker Village, then, the next day, from Caye Caulker to San Pedro Town Central Park. May 14th is “Mangrove Rehabilitation Day” at Boca del Rio Beach. May 15th is “Tour Guides Career Day.” May 16th, “Trivia Competition” at the Lion’s Den. May 17th, "Marine Reserves Open Day" at Hol Chan Marine Park, a photography competition, and the “Arts from Trash” competition. And May 18th, yet another Mangrove Rehabilitation Day, this time at Caye Caulker. We need faithful follower Allison to get down here for the swimming competition, and faithful follower Holly to get in on the Arts from Trash competition. Both of them would be ringers!

Captain Chito

Some of my local buddies thought you might enjoy a picture of our fishing guide, Captain Chito, wearing his terrorist/sun blocking garb. I assure you, he didn't look like the friendliest guy on the planet when we first met him!

I'd like to give a plug for Portofino Beach Resort owned by our new friends Jan and  Sandra van Noord who moved from Belgium to Belize in 2001. Let's face it, not everybody can stay with Tom and Shelley.

Luxury Accommodations at Portofino Beach Resort

Portofino is located on four and a half acres, including 330 feet of private beach, about six miles north of San Pedro. At the back of the property you will find the lagoon with mangroves, many different types of birds, and the occasional crocodile. Even if you're not staying there, you can enjoy the Green Parrot Beach Bar or their restaurant located on the second floor. From your table on the spacious balcony you can see the freshwater pool, Caribbean Sea and the Barrier Reef. It really is spectacular.

Future Basketball Star

From the By-The-Way Desk: Jan and Sandra's son is only four years old. But because Daddy Jan is 6'7" tall and because the son is on track to be 7' tall, he is already being followed by Belizean basketball coaches. I can tell you this: If that boy does make the Belize National Team, he will be the most easily-recognized player in the league! He is a Belizean citizen with very fair skin!

Y'all come visit. We'll swim to St. George Caye or maybe just rehabilitate the mangroves, then go for dinner at Portofino. You're gonna love Belize!