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!