Owner: Tacogirl's Blog from Ambergris Caye, Belize URL:http://tacogirlblog.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:44:12 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Come Enjoy a Virtual Vacation in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The amazing adventures of 2 Canadian Expats living in Central America. Swim the Caribbean Sea, Snorkel, Scuba and Visit Mayan Ruins. Learn about Living in a Tropical Paradise, and best of Site statistics:Click here
Artist's open studio 2007-12-11 12:55:00 Excited to go to the open studio this afternoon - I am going to bring my coloring books to work on and I have my cut and paste wish book to show - Courtney just came by to hang out a bit beforehand.
Read more:Artist
San Pedro 4 - Orange Walk 2... 2007-12-10 19:52:00 San Pedro
4 - Orange
Walk 2...Few were predicting it as we walked into the stadium but it was...Victory For San Pedro! The MOST exciting match I've seen in the past 2 years. A very heated meeting between our San Pedro Dolphins and Suga Boys Juventus from Orange Walk. The crowd was huge, everyone was going crazy and it really, really was a good time. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.Now I'm not going to pretend to have any intelligent play-by-play commentary when it comes to soccer BUT there were plenty of goals...Orange Walk scored first but then San Pedro took it away. There was lots of controversy, lots of noise (I happened to be sitting with RC School cheering squad/drum corps), lots of beer and snacks, a bit of rain, plenty of sun...really a bit of everything. In the end, San Pedro emerged victorious and isn't that the most important thing?Story by Rebecca - photos still to come after google adds my extra 10 gigs lol
Sunset boat cruise 2007-12-09 22:27:00 We took our first sunset boat cruise tonight thanks to Sharon. It was such a fab time - we are at the after party right now - will catch you later with pics.More to come google has just told me I am a space hog and need to purchase more gigs if I want to continue uploading pictures.Pit stop at Changes In Latitudes for Cindy and Pauls bikesMelanie and Herb playing memoryAfter partyUno game
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Vote for taco 2007-12-08 19:21:00 Paul entered my blog in the blog choice awards under travel and photography. What a fabulous boyfriend entering my blog in a contest. Please cast your vote and help tacogirlblog get in the game and past one vote.Travelhttp://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/35907 Photographyhttp://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/35906 Paul cooked an egg ham cheese dish with the hurricane ham. He was a bit disappointed in his creation. Other than it being a bit salty I thought it tasted fine - for me it was the right night to enjoy breakfast for dinner. Unfortunately if it was a hurricane situation it is quite likely that there would be no toast eggs or melty cheese to go with the ham, unless of course we were camping out with Cindy and Paul again as they happened to win a propane burner at the gift game last Christmas.I will leave you with some Hot Gossip... Rumor has it that Pedro is planning to open his own airline. I wonder if Air Pedro will be serving up pizza and jagermeisters dur
Wine Tasting 2007-12-07 23:26:00 Premium Wine and Spirits did a free wine tasting tonight at Pedro's - I was pre-booked somewhere else, so Rebecca and Paul went to check things out. Here is what Rebecca had to say about the event...Friday night Wine Tasting
at...Pedro's Inn? Fun crowd last night for the Premium Wines tasting at Pedro's. We tasted three white wines...and while I've always found wine people a bit intimidating, the presentation was pretty simple. Focus on color, smell (or if you want to be fancy...bouquet), and taste. And then pick a wine that tastes good to you. Hmmm...I can do that! The night started out a bit more highbrow but then turned into the usual Friday night at Pedro's...beer and jagermeisters. Hey...we tried...Wine tastingLearning about winePierreGood Peter and DavidCindy2 PaulsHappyRudy
Open Air Market 2007-12-06 17:02:00 I have always enjoyed sitting in the park getting a taco and watching people go by.Here are a few pics of the jewelery vendors at the park. Let's hope they continue to improve things there and add some more of the local food people as well.Sea BottlesShells and JeweleryGorgeous dayWood craftsFound somethingShopping
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Mermaid Kiss 2007-12-05 13:14:00 Just finished my snack of cucumber slices with complete seasoning on top, this is my healthy alternative to chips - it has the salty crunchy thing going on – sometimes it works and sometimes I still want the chips anyways ha ha. Being realistic - sometimes healthy will just not cut it and you want to let loose and enjoy a real treat - what better than a Mermaid Kiss to quench your desire.Mermaid Kiss by Rebecca & Changes in LatitudesFrom the 2007 Lobsterfest... sweet, refreshing and the color of the Caribbean Sea.THE MERMAID KISSMix with lots of ice:2 oz coconut rum1 oz blue curacao1 oz lime squash1/2 oz coconut cream4 oz waterPour into tall glass, recline in beach chair and enjoy.Ordering up a Mermaids Kiss at Changes in Latitudes Lobsterfest booth.
Seasons Greetings and Canned Ham from San Pedro 2007-12-04 13:33:00 I am a bit leery of canned meat but since we go through hurricane season yearly, I figured that it is a wise move to at least give it a go, so when Colly offered us some ham I said sure why not. Little did I know that in addition to off season hurricane food training, I was getting an added bonus with my ham - 100% local made San Pedro
Christmas cards by Conch Creative -Photos by Maya. I must say it will be worth eating canned ham to have these cards ha ha.These must have Christmas cards can be purchased from anywhereCost $20bzd ($10 usd plus shipping) For 12 - what a dealContact me through the email address listed in my profile for more details.For those of you living here - what a great way to send Holiday wishes to friends & family - letting them know you are thinking about them while you enjoy your Holiday Season on a Tropical Island.Front Street - Photo by MayaKings - Photo by MayaSanta Fame - Photo by MayaSleeping Santa - Photo by MayaToy Soldiers - Photo by Maya
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, Greetings
Tis the season 2007-12-02 21:42:00 You know Christmas is coming when the lighted boat parade is upon us. It was spectacular this year - so many great entries - a bit hard to get good night shots of the boats. Congrats goes to Jan and her crew for all their planning and hard work.We were supposed to go to Woodys Wharf to watch the parade but we did not make it further south than BC's - after watching the parade we all headed down the beach to the after party which was lots of fun.Heading to BC'sBoats getting readySharon trying a tamaleGood statementHoly Cross kidsCoral Beach Realty boatKids designed floatLoads of peopleParty on bargeNice design - simpleBig Daddy's at nightAwards tableIgamel and KenmelJan BrownHoly Cross and Coral beach accepting award awardChanges in latitudes and O'farrell house won 2 awardsEscaping the rainLaraFire showKids watching fireshow
Rebecca's Favorite Bartender of the Week 2007-12-01 13:08:00 Rebecca's aka Zippy's Favorite
Bartender of the Week:I love everything about Crazy Canucks...relaxed beach bar, a fun bunch of regulars, some of the friendliest bartenders on the island, always delicious lunch delivered to you from next door Monkey Bites while you are drinking an ice cold One Barrel and tonic, the Punta Boys on Mondays and now a beautiful art gallery. If you haven't wandered far enough out of town to visit this bar, you are missing out. I want to introduce you to maybe my very favorite bartender on the island...Name...Alejandro (Allie)Bartender at...Crazy Canucks, he's been working there for 6 yearsLived in San Pedro...For 11 years, born in Honduras and left at age 17His favorite drink...he's not a big drinker but when he does...a Jager bomb (1 shot of Jagermeister dropped to the bottom of a glass of Red Bull)Specialty drink for customers...MargaritaJob when not bartending at Crazy Canucks...Fishing guide - both reef and deep sea fishing, Allie doe Read more:Rebecca
Routine Maintenance 2007-11-30 08:42:00 Here I am deleting old emails again - seems like only yesterday I had my in-box cleared and was determined to upkeep it on a regular basis - ya right 10 pages later and I have already deleted a bunch.I missed Tai Chi (again) trade off is that I am getting some work done at home. Still taking that mms supplement Zac recommended - not noticed huge changes so much as small ones that my body is regulating itself and getting some benefits.Went to women and wine last night hosted Diane it was nice hanging out by the pool at Julia Gardens - great mix of girls to chat with. I found out she does mail forwarding now in addition to providing people with a p.o. box number and all her other services. I will to go check out her mail boxes across from Royal Palms at the internet place and take a pic or 2. Lot beside Coral Beach H0telAbove Caye Supply on back streetRoad south making progress
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, Routine
Grand Caribe 2007-11-28 12:21:00 While on a boat ride last week I happened to notice how far Grand
Caribe is coming along.Grand Caribe is located one mile north of San Pedro and can be reached by walking, bicycle, golf cart or boat. The suites and residences are situated on 2 ½ acres of land including 500 ft of white coral sand, swaying palm trees and a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. It is just far enough from town to enjoy the relaxed Caribbean way of life with the action of San Pedro only a short distance away.1 mile northSpectacular view1/4 mile away from barrier reef
Winters Change by Hannah 2007-11-26 21:53:00 It is fairly common knowledge that Paul and I turned a dream into reality when we moved here to get away from winter.I really had no idea what was in store for us – I just trusted that this is where we needed to be and followed that feeling. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people by moving to San Pedro (in person and online).I chat with a lot of people on the internet (especially since I joined the message board and started my blog). They all have a different spin on why they keep coming back, or want to move here someday and what they get from the San Pedro / Ambergris Caye experience. Here is a piece from Hannah
(age 10) who moved here with her mom dad and younger sister and her insight about spending her first Winter on a tropical island. WintersChange
by HannahSome how, it feels like Christmas. It gets dark early and I am usually wearing a sweater. The palm trees are always swaying in the wind there are waves pounding on the reef. Instead of air conditioning
Sale of the Year 2007-11-25 09:06:00 They are well on their way to being set up for the big Sun Dancer / Moon Dancer sale it is 9:33am and already a good sized crowd is waiting to get in. Thankfully I get to avoid the line up on this one.I spoke too soon about line ups as I forgot what check out is like. I made it through my second annual sale in one piece. Found a few shirts for tacoboy and I got a knapsack and some odds and ends.After the sale I had some down time then we headed out to BC's. - got to see Ernie which I was hoping for - chatted with Igamel and Kenmel a bit also CC, Ken, Martha, Jeremy and their gang - 2miles and Tona were there with their friends as well.Afterwards we were invited back to dinner at Ken and Martha's place - they have the cutest house just south of town.Calm before the stormTons of stuffLots of good dealsA few more people waitingBig saleSetting upBefore the rushBigger crowdStampedeFrom aboveWaiting in lineWaiting in lineJam Session - Belikin Bill on HarmonicaNice boatDock shotAlexis and
Spongebob sighting on middle street 2007-11-24 09:52:00 What could be better than starting the day out with a parade followed by a cart ride south followed by a bbq party?Here comes the ParadePom Pom girlsDrummersKidsSpongebobTraffic JamHerbAfter party from the paradeDropped bottles off - will go back sort out on way homeLunch time at Belikin depotGas station and road coming alongCannibals palapa made it south near Royal PalmsPeter and Andi-LeeTurn around timeBig puddleShifting weight away from the puddlePit stop at the beachLooking South EastCoconut headsSeeing Herb again - trip is full circle - heading back home to get some stuff done before bbq tonight
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Snorkeling and turkey 2007-11-23 08:04:00 Just got back from snorkeling boat ride with Dick Carole and their friend. We went north and saw some really cool coral, sea fans and fish under water. Stopped at 2 different spots the last one had a lot more going on.Off to Pedro's now for American thanks giving dinner. Yum. Food was great especially the roast potatoes s carrots and Apple Pie from Rebecca at Tabu. It was nice to sit and chat with everyone.Waiting for rideProtech dockRide is hereParadiseSnorkel stopDickMiss CarolePerfect snorkeling dayShallow waterCaptain and crewBack to townPedro's expansion - new doors really open it upJoshua and his momHappy PedroLoads of veggiesTurkey timePauls plateSit down meal for 30 or so peoplePedro behind the barApple Pie - TabuJoshua - 2 weeks old - naps like a champion
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14 miles 2007-11-21 09:12:00 Heading 14 miles north by boat - just finished getting some snacks ready - time to pack bag so I can get to Island Perk in 45 min.We went as far as Robles point to snorkel - saw 2 ship wrecks one small one decent sized.Coleen and Ricks house is fabulous. They did a great job designing the space.Boat ride was fun - Rick is a great driverTackle box NorthColeen and RickBeachGreat day for a boat ridePortholeSeccond floor viewNice yardHidingTrying to get awayView from windowWalking northCoral headWalking the beachGorgeous dayHeaded towards Robles pointWhite sandPalm treesRobles pointBig wavesReef was activeShade and snack stopReef very closeWhat a viewHeaded back to townWater entry to boat
Ebbs and flows 2007-11-19 08:22:00 Carole just popped me on coconut phone for Tai Chi class - they are leaving now to come get me - sec to Zac said we would all see him soon - listening to Cocteau twins to set my mood - spice girls holler just came on.Tai chi was fun today - had to hop the fence to get in that got us all smiling. We really focused on letting our breath move our bodies. Inhaling up and exhaling down as we moved through the class. Allowing for our breath to find it's natural rhythm ebbing and flowing like the message boarders moving in and out right now and the Caribbean sea.Catching a few min down time before I have to leave again. I am very lucky Paul is doing my shopping at big big tree right now. Ugh no watermelon I need a plan b now.After a quick visit with Forrest at BYC, I popped down to Exotic Caye / Canucks but did not see Laura and KC so I headed off to a girls pot luck and had a great time. The food was delicious as was the conversation.Happy to have a night off.Carole's turnNext came BonnieT
It rained today 2007-11-17 16:36:00 Went to good by breakfast this morning at Georges Kitchen.Bill and Becky are gone now - sad to leave but will be happy to be home and see their dogs.Afterwards Leah-Ann KC Laura and klcman all went fishing with Tulu.Paul Shannon and I went for a visit at changes in Latitudes on the way back to town.Met 2miles and his wife Tona, and their friend Josh this aft at blue water, really nice folks. I hope to see them again later tonight or tomorrow.Taking it easy right now as I am heading to BC's in a minute to catch up with Shannon then off we go south.After having a wonderful time at Banana Beach, 2 miles and Tona offered us a ride to canucks by boat - how lucky is that? The gang was all having fun when we got there and the band was in full swing. Was not long before Cindy Andi-Lee and Peter turned up to say hi. Decided to go back to town to meet up with Shannon at Fido's and ran into Carole on the way.I think I need a vacation ha ha.Banana BeachKC and ShannonBand was rocking - Belikin
It's not just fun and parties in San Pedro 2007-11-16 16:17:00 It's not just fun and parties
in San Pedro
... we love our parades too ha ha.Thanks to Amanda I caught the beach part of the Garafuna parade as well as my usual view from our balcony.I have to run and get ready for tonight - going to bbq at Maya and Colette's to enjoy the fish we caught. I made shrimp with lime and coconut milk to bring. Becky and Bill should be here soon to get us.
Hooking up is easy in San Pedro 2007-11-15 16:57:00 Back to the beginning.Cultural Day was a big success. I had a chance to check it out before the advisory board meeting. The kids at Holy Cross did a wonderful job along with the help of their teachers. They decided to go big and celebrate many cultures including Garafuna, Creole, Mestizo, Mayan and Arab cultures. Kids were excited to be a part of it - lots of them got costumed up for the event. Some preformed an Arabic dance, others did food tasting at their booths. Best booth went to Mayan temple - they were doing tamale samples and had a live chicken. Many were asking for pictures as always. (somehow we need to get a camera club up and running - any brainstorming on that is welcome)To see more of the fun, please visit the school blogWhat a cutie - taking a peekMayan TempleWarriorsPainted upLittle IndianEnjoying schoolLots of new growth at Holy CrossClassmatesWinning boothYoung warrior---Too much fun at Banana Beach tonight - time to do some serious couch surfingPoolside party at Ba Read more:Pedro
Mixed Nuts 2007-11-14 23:38:00 You just never know who you will run into at Pedro's.In addition to the usual crowd, a few of the message boarders were there - Bill Becky, Buzz, Karen, Tony. It was not long before Cindy turned up, JD led the cheering - happy to see her there to hang out now that she does not work there. Carole did not stay long - she is off to Chetumal with Indygal early in the morning.Becky and Paul ordered Pizza's and we where all chatting away when Jim, Honorable Said Musa the Prime Minister of Belize and a couple of his body guards walked in. Jim introduced Said to our table, as he shook my hand, Said mentioned he remembered me from the SPBA meeting earlier.Last but not least came Leah-Ann, I had left a message for her earlier at Banana Beach where she could find us. She had been out with KC and Laura and decided to stop in on her way back.Cindy and I had fun taking pictures with our matching cameras.As we were getting ready to leave and saying our goodbyes, Forrest rang the bell and jager sho Read more:Mixed
Honorable Said Musa meets with San Pedro Business Association 2007-11-14 16:41:00 There was a good turn out at today's SBBA meeting with Honorable
Said Musa Prime Minister of Belize.The topic's on today's agenda were...1. Roads2. Garbage3. Crime4. Ambergris Caye becoming it's own DistrictTodays meeting was not a political discussion but rather an open forum with the Prime Minister to express ideas and concerns of tax paying members of the SPBA and how the GOB can work together with San Pedro
to put the best solutions in action.All of these topics are equally important and interrelated. San Pedro is a valuable asset to Belize and it is important that it be protected and well cared for. The SPBA is looking for more balanced distribution of it's tax dollars in order to tackle the above issues. In turn this would benefit everyone and ensure that San Pedro continues to be a safe clean place for all to enjoy.Closed forumLunch before meetingRebecca - Andre -ElitoShrimp mozzarella hoagie was delicious - a new craving for my listCharlie was hoping I would share but P Read more:Business
Best Christmas Card 2007-12-21 10:10:00 Happy holidays to all our Belize friends, past, present and future!! Colin and Laura Gage Kansas City, Missouri USA. Thanks to everyone else who sent us cards or gave treats. I got a mini windfall at the post office the other day.After getting a great Christmas
card from Colin and Laura in an email just now, I got inspired to write my New Year list... (please feel free to add a comment to this post with a few things on your own wish list)I prefer doing wish lists over resolutions - it is easier to make wishes come true than to stick to resolutions. For some reason it seems like people have a hard time sticking to Resolutions. I think it could be a combination of 2 things... 1. that what people resolve is not always what they want but rather what they think they should do for what ever reason 2. When making resolutions people tend to be very specific and not so open as to what will work best for them and keep in mind the enjoyment factor of what you want and how much you enjoy what
Long walk 2007-12-20 18:08:00 After we for stamped at immigration today I decided to take a long walk.I headed north along the road and ended up hanging out on the veranda at Caye Casa chatting with Julie. While there I got a chance to check out the finished villas - they look great. In the penthouse I could not resist laying on the bed with the balcony door open - imagine being able to look out at the sea from bed - that would definitely put a nice spin on waking up in the morning.I decided to walk towards home along the beach, and take in the view. Saw lots of people out and about - managed to run into Julian his wife and their friend which is good as they are only here till Saturday and he had lost our number. The sky was really nice so I detoured down to the lagoon to hang out at the pier by Sunset Grill before heading home.I clocked 2.19 miles - 6959 steps -30 min of aerobic activity - 2963 aerobic steps - If I did not dawdle as much I would get more cardio but that is hard not to do when there is so much to l
Merry Christmas San Pedro Style 2007-12-19 09:41:00 This post goes out to all of you who are dealing with cold and snow right now.It is fairly common knowledge that a big part of us moving here was to take a pass on winter. Not a day goes by right now where I do not stop and look around me thinking how lucky we are to be here especially after seeing pictures of the last snow storm in Toronto. I have taken some pics from Boca Del Rio area to show you all some San PedroChristmas
Spirit.Tonight is the Christmas party and stuff swap at Pedro's. It will be a good night to let loose and have some fun with all our friends. I still have to get our gift game presents ready and find a few more things for swap - we will go over early to decorate - will post pics of that later.Christmas stuff swap was great - there was some good stuff on the table - people walked away happy with their loot. What could be better than free shopping and enjoying pizza and drinks with your friends ha ha. Many brought sweet treats to share (thanks to Pam for starting Read more:Merry
, Merry Christmas
, Style
Peaceful March against selling off Land 2007-12-18 11:50:00 Many people turned up in their white shirts this morning to make a peaceful march against
the sale of land at the north end of Ambergris Caye. People of San Pedro wanted to make it known how they feel about selling
off land in this particular area and feel that there is plenty of available land that is not in national parks areas or land that is designated for town expansion.The area in question known as Pinkerton Estates holds a valuable part of Mayan culture and nature both of which are very important to Belize history and tourism. It contains ancient Maya archaeological sites - including evidence of a small village with a small wall, cenote wells and Maya artifacts. This area also hosts plenty of wildlife and unique plant life that is not found anywhere else on the island - it would not be in anyone's best interest to sell off this land for development.For more information please check out the post on Ambergris Caye message boardSecond post Meeting up at Tropic CargoSomeone movi Read more:March
, Peaceful
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