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!