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!