Reef-Rats

A Broader Scope

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:15:00 +0000

Hello loyal readers,

It's been a while... there have been a lot of changes around here since I last checked in. It all started when I decided to take a sabbatical of sorts a little while back. We were just chilling in a small town in rural Canada while I worked on my new commercial finance business. I even did a bit of moonlighting, taking advantage of the plethora of first world opportunities that surrounded me before we set sail again in search of our next reef.

As my amazing luck would have it, that plan was tossed out the window in the blink of an eye when I was involved in a pretty serious car accident. Now, six months later my injuries continue to prevent me from returning to my regular activities, both in my professional and personal life.

So, we're grounded for the time being. Until I make a full recovery we'll continue to chill out here in the middle of nowhere. Aside from the frustrations that come along with physical rehabilitation and dealing with insurance companies, doctors and the like, it's not so bad. We're surrounded by nature and some wonderful learning opportunities. I've been figuring since we can't resume our active worldschooling lifestyle any time soon I'll have to get creative if I'm to keep these energetic young Reef-Rats engaged. I mean, their education since 2010 has been extremely kinesthetic; one long string of field trips is how some friends describe our life. Whether it's traveling with me or visiting local attractions with friends and family while I moonlight, they have become accustomed to a very active lifestyle.

While the aftermath of my accident consumes us most days, there have still been many other changes we've seen recently. If there's one thing that I can consistently say in my life it's that I don't ever worry about stagnation. Things are always in a state of motion around here, even if it seems that our moves are often lateral it's all good in my book. The worst fate that could befall me is for life to become stale and monotonous.

On that note, I want to share my thoughts on this blog. What it started out as, what it has been and what I'd like to see it become. In it's early stages it served as a research tool for the kids as they hit Google pretty hard trying to get a glimpse of their future life as expats. Most of the info they gathered was not posted, but filed away for future comparison against the real thing. As we made the trek from Canada to Belize my head was spinning as I took each new experience in and I completely forgot to journal most of it. This is the ultimate goal I suppose in today's high tech world of information sharing; to become lost in each moment rather than only half experience it because we are too busy photographing, recording or otherwise capturing our way through everything.

As we found our way around San Pedro, this platform eventually served as a way to provide what I felt was valuable information to others considering a similar move. I discussed things that I hadn't been able to find any info on before we made our move and I did so with a dose of harsh reality. With that being said, it has now been three years since I got on that one-way flight out of DTW and as sure as I'm sitting here now, some of the information included in this blog has surely become outdated. Since my objective was to assist others by providing helpful details of our experience as a family moving to Belize, I'm not sure that there is anywhere left for it to go. You can see where this is headed...

As you know if you have been following us, we are also unschoolers/life-learners/world learners... whatever you'd like to call it. We believe that living life is far more interesting/magical/educational than reading textbooks and subjecting ourselves to indoctrination by government run schools. You might also know that we have a sister site called A Croc Ate My Homework which gives you a glimpse into that aspect of our lives. In addition I write two other, unrelated blogs which, quite honestly have also become rather static as of late.

I don't have a well defined vision just yet but what I do know is that I find journaling to be therapeutic and lord knows I need something to keep me sane while this latest drama plays out. I can also say that all of my current blogs are lacking in many ways as I'm not really giving 100% to any of them. Ideally I'd like to streamline and merge everything into one place. So, is this farewell? I sincerely hope not. I hope when the new changes take effect you will enjoy the broader scope of my content and continue to follow our crazy adventures in travel, alternative education and life in general.

Until then...

XO
Reef-Rats

Todd's Question

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 19:24:00 +0000

I receive a good number of emails from folks all over the world looking for useful information on relocating to Belize. I thought I'd start sharing them occasionally in case you might have similar questions. Your welcome ;)

Todd writes...

"I am a college graduate in the United States and would like to move to Belize for a change in lifestyle and better employment prospects (potentially to start my own business.).

I recently emailed Keith (at B-Lease) to inquire about low-cost, long-term rentals in Belize, but I was wondering if you could provide me with additional information on what you did to prepare, such as how much of a nest-egg you set up for yourself before moving. Was it easy for you to find employment once you arrived? Are there any consulates that I can turn to for assistance when I arrive?

I only have maybe six thousand dollars in the bank, which covers plane, rentals (at $450 or less), and the fees that one must pay to stay in the area. Are groceries relatively inexpensive?

Any information you could provide me with would be much appreciated!"

My response...

(...and by the way these are some great questions Todd!)

The experience of relocating will be different for everyone but hopefully some of my details will be helpful to you. In terms of savings, you have more than I did when I left Canada however my travel expenses were fairly low and my job is mobile. I was only down for about a month while we got settled and I set up my office/internet etc. I was also able to find very cheap flights for us and we landed in Cancun then traveled by bus and puddle jumper before arriving in San Pedro.

In your email you mentioned moving to Belize for potential business opportunities. I would strongly urge you to have a "plan B" in place or a larger financial cushion than you originally planned as Belize is not a real land of opportunity. The main industry is of course tourism, which is seasonal and fairly competitive. The biggest challenge you will find are the hoops one must jump through to start up a business in Belize. In some cases this can be a huge drain on your patience (and budget) causing many to give up and not follow through. This is not always the case and please don't think I am discouraging you. There are successful expat entrepreneurs that I know personally in Belize but I just want you to know the reality. I just think it will help you to be prepared.

In terms of finding employment in Belize, there isn't much opportunity there either. The minimum wage in Belize is very low compared to North American standards. I believe it is somewhere just above $3 BZ/hr which is equivalent to $1.50 USD. Your best bet is self employment; focus on your specific skills and either sell them to a tourist/local expat market or set up an internet based business geared toward an international market. (As you know, the latter is becoming increasingly common.)

Here is where you find a bit of a catch 22... if your intention is to sell to a tourist or local expat market, you are best to be located in San Pedro where the majority of tourists visit and expats live. The problem with this is the cost of living is considerably higher is SP for obvious reasons. On the mainland you will find housing, transportation, food and other basics at a fraction of the cost but it isn't really efficient to live there and commute to SP to work or operate a business. The water taxi alone would get quite costly if traveling to and from even 5 days/wk... and they only operate until around dusk each day so your work day would be limited.

You'll need to assess your situation and decide whether you will stay on the mainland or in San Pedro. My favorite place in the country is Caye Caulker due to it's Caribbean feel and quiet, simple life. It's nothing more than a very small island with a few restaurants and shops, a beach and a few white, sandy streets. Heaven! It's a great place to drop out and hide from reality for a while; perfect for a writer or artist but not a realistic place to live if you want a brick and mortar business as there isn't much going on there.

You also mentioned consulates... they would be located in Belmopan or Belize City, I'm not sure. (Anyone in country care to chime in on this?) I only had one dealing with the Canadian consulate and it was unfortunately due to the death of a family friend while he was visiting us in San Pedro. I'm not sure what other issues they deal with other than legal problems you might encounter while in Belize, notifying the U.S. of your status in the case of a natural disaster or some other such emergency situation.

In terms of $$... in case you didn't see my previous post on cost of living, the following is our monthly budget (USD):

groceries	300
electricity	90
water & butane	70
rent	400
passport stamps (x3)	75
misc. (cell, medical, mobile internet usage)	40
Total:
	1050

Keep in mind that this doesnt include any extras at all and life can get pretty boring without some extras! With this same budget on the mainland we would have a much nicer standard of living but there's always a trade off.

Thank you for your questions Todd, I hope this helps!

If you have questions you'd like to see answered here, please comment below or send an email to info@reef-rats.com.

I want to stress that my experiences in Belize and my opinions are just one perspective. If anyone else out there living the dream has helpful info please do comment and share your view on things. We'd love to hear from you!

Off To See "The World"

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:50:00 +0000

I was recently invited to spend a few days aboard "The World" which, at 644.2 ft in length is the largest privately owned residential yacht on the planet. Although it resembles a cruise ship it is far from the detached, assembly line feel of a commercial cruise line. To put it in perspective, The World can comfortably accommodate 1,500 people however at any given time the average number of residents and guests on board is only about 150-200. It is a very intimate experience.

Having grown up with exposure to the finer things from time to time, I looked forward to visiting The World and even expected to have my skirt blown up a little. The reality was far beyond my expectations; in fact the whole experience was surreal. It felt like one long Hollywood movie clip. First off I had to go through what seemed like a CIA background check to obtain security clearance a few days before my arrival. The World's security team wanted to know everything but my elimination schedule if you know what I mean. Beyond that, the port security in Montréal where I boarded the ship was stepped up for this visit so there was a lengthy process of checking my documents upon arrival, the typical cha-cha through a metal detector as well as a thorough search of the car that brought me in. (Someone probably called ahead and warned them about me!) After my initial clearance, I was free to come and go with nothing more than a flash of my World issued identification card. I was beginning to feel like I had stepped into an episode of the X-Files.

Rock Star Treatment

Once on board, I was photographed in order for the ship's crew to memorize my details and provide me with the most personal experience possible. To the residents, the crew are like family but to me they were like Gods, all knowing, all powerful... they could manifest fine wines and mouth watering desserts, heavenly massages and celebrity lunches all at the wave of a hand.

As I began to settle in and become accustomed to this superstar treatment I found myself feeling more and more like Jack Torrence in The Shining, when he was greeted by Lloyd in the Gold Room. Each and every one of the 250 crew members on board now knew my name, hometown, suite number, itinerary and what I last ate. It was almost creepy... almost. This time I was being asked "Was the Peking Duck to your liking this evening Ms. X?" by a handsome young server in the Regatta Lounge. This laid-back hideout quickly became my favorite place to retired after dinner, where I would sip amaretto and take in the familiar and unmistakable sounds of five-star lounge entertainment. This was the highlight of the trip for me; it was reminiscent of younger days and countless evenings spent with my father in some of the most upscale (and some of the shadiest) restaurants/piano bars between Chicago and Southeastern Michigan. That was where I gained my appreciation for a good "Piano Man".

Accommodations

The World offers residences of varying sizes, from small studios to a massive penthouse which comfortably sleeps twelve people. My accommodation was a mid-range two bedroom, two bath suite which was surprisingly roomy. I was expecting the typical cramped, cruise ship style cabin and was pleased to find my suite was more like a New York apartment, only bigger and with a killer view.

A plush bear, fresh cut flowers and welcome note from the captain made me feel right at home.

The highlight of my quarters was my private bathroom, of course. (A little background: For those of you who know me well, you know I have a real thing with bathrooms. A bad one is always a deal breaker for me.) This time, however I was in luck. Again I was expecting a cramped, very simple version of a residential bath and again I was pleasantly surprised to find a well appointed, luxury spa style bath complete with double sink, jacuzzi tub and separate glass & tile shower. Total heaven... I will admit this is where I spent most of my time on the ship. What can I say? There's just nothing like a great bathroom.

The World Spa

On day 2 of my visit I suffered an unfortunate shopping accident (snagged a fingernail while trying on clothes) and needed to visit the ship's spa facility to have it repaired before dinner. The spa as I expected was a world class, 7,000 square foot utopia! The highlights were a gorgeous aqua spa, Asian style massage huts and a lounge area that I had to be pried from when it came time for my manicure. The spa offers massages, body scrubs, facials and tropical rainmist among other services to pamper and restore residents and guests as they sail around the globe.

This time dressed in what looked like simpler versions of traditional Karate outfits, the staff once again provided a very personal experience. Gina, the crew member who gave me the (best) manicure (of my life) chatted about my experiences aboard The World as though she had been at my side the entire time while another crew member served me champagne and fresh berries. It was pure bliss.

When my spa experience was complete, Gina insisted upon escorting me back to my suite to make sure I didn't lose my way as I needed to avoid the grand staircase. After all, it was pushing six o'clock and casual attire is prohibited in the main areas of the ship after six. Jackets only please.

The Dining Experience

With world class chefs the dining experience speaks for itself. Executive Chef Peter Hoefler has outstanding credentials and more than 25 years behind him working in places like The Drake Hotels in Toronto and Hong Kong, The Bellagio Las Vegas, The Plaza Hotel in NY and the list goes on. Without a doubt he is the perfect man for the job of overseeing the ships numerous restaurants, a staff of 50 crew members and the exclusive "Call A Chef" program in which residents may request in-suite personal chef service when they would prefer to entertain at home. He has transformed the dining experience aboard The World to a level which rivals any land based 5 star restaurant.

Although I only sampled three of the various dining experiences on board, I was particularly impressed by East. Asian cuisine is one of those things that must be done very well or not done at all. East made the top of my sushi list at the first bite of Maguro, beating out the best of the best from places like Toronto and Manhattan. I even ate (and thoroughly enjoyed) the Unagi. A first for me; definitely impressed.

The wine cellar aboard The World is also worth mentioning. With a holding capacity of 12,000 bottles, residents have a selection of 600 different wines from 18 countries. Now that's my kind of wine cellar.

Concierge Services

Although a personalized itinerary had been prepared before my arrival, it was impressed upon me that I should not hesitate to consult "Concierge" if I should have any special requests. My itinerary was so detailed and so tailored to my personal taste that it really didn't leave any desire or much room for further requests. A car had been arranged to take me to some local historic sites and points of interest. The only thing I needed to add was some shopping as I had failed to pack appropriately for the weather. Well, before I could follow along on the map, Charles, my driver had whisked me off to Rue St. Denis where my host followed behind me into each shop, waving his hand at store employees as I expressed my approval of various articles of clothing, shoes etc. I really must learn the secret hand wave because every time it happened, my selected items were immediately boxed and put in the car for me. A girl could get used to this!

My arranged tour of the city was well-balanced and included sites such as Galerie de Bellefeuille, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, Montréal Botanical Garden and Plateau Mont-Royal. I also had a chance to enjoy a few local culinary specialties (although I must say that I regret trying the foie gras poutine at Au pied de Cochon since I am very much against the cruel treatment of animals.) My favorite was Chez Lémeac, a fashionable French bistro on avenue Laurier Ouest in the Outremont area. Great menu, atmosphere and wine list as well as very generous portions of some of the most delicious food in the city.

What I Missed

Four days aboard The World is hardly enough time to experience all there is to offer, especially when she is docked in a port as beautiful as Montréal. On my list of on-board facilities and amenities to explore were the pools, tennis court, golf simulator, bali beds, tea room, cigar club, art gallery, library, medical center, night club, theater and last but certainly not least I wanted to squeeze in a fitness class with Juan, the ship's in-house Latin lady-killer zumba instructor... you know, just to see what all the fuss was about. I also wanted to photograph more of the interior of the ship. Unfortunately I was too busy shopping, eating and being pampered to even make it half way through my list.

Fortunately I have been invited to visit again, being given my choice of port over the coming year . I have no idea how in the world I will ever choose. With destinations like the Bahamas, Aruba, Canary Islands, Morocco, Ireland, Italy and Madeira to choose from I might need some input on this one. To add to my indecision, I have been given the additional option of joining The World's residents on an upcoming expedition. Past expedition sites have included Antarctica, The Bering Sea and Madagascar. I had the pleasure of watching a video of a recent expedition to Melanesia/Polynesia and was left speechless. The World calls in experts in each geographic region to fill these trips with rare and authentic adventures. What an amazing opportunity! Stay tuned for updates on my adventures with The World.

Cost of Residency

Now for the fifty million dollar question... What does this lifestyle cost? There are criteria to be met before you can be considered as a resident and the first item on the list is a minimum net worth of US $10 million. This is no surprise since a small studio onboard starts at $650,000 and the 6 bedroom penthouse was recently listed on the market at $10 million. These prices really aren't unreasonable at all considering the cost of similar units in some of the world's more exclusive neighborhoods, the luxury environment and the elite status that comes with ownership however keep in mind that the ship is collectively owned by it's residents and there are maintenance costs associated with such ownership. Think fuel, crew compensation, port charges, food, wine & spirits, waste management, general repairs and upkeep of the ship itself... ouch. It's probably a safe bet in this case to say that if you have to ask you can't afford this lifestyle.

Just before I closed my eyes on my last night aboard, I took a moment to drink in the beauty of the view from my bed, reflect on the entire experience and capture the image below. There is no doubt in my mind that I will return again to finish that list of "must-do" things aboard The World.

My surreal, 'extended film clip' experience ended in true Hollywood fashion, with the entire crew lining the gangway as I disembarked, all smiling and bidding me adieu. It was like the ending scene from James Cameron's Titanic when (now dead) Rose approached the grand staircase to meet Jack and the ship's crew and guests lined the room to greet her... ahhh, Hollywood I love you!

South Ambergris Caye Walkabout

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:30:00 +0000

We've developed a bit of a routine in our day, walking and doing in and around our South end neighborhood. Here's a little tour... enjoy!

This is our adorable street, Marina Dr. is what it says on our BEL bill but I've never actually seen a posted sign anywhere. At the far end sits the Sausage Factory and Caye Coffee and this end leads to the beach, right at Xanadu.

This is our neighbor's yard. It's rather rare to see so much grass around here, most of us have sand. It's a nice reminder of home and I love walking through it after a few hours of sandy beach and dirt roads; feels cool, soft and fresh under your feet!

Here is another neighbor's yard and Nemo, one of their three dogs. Multiple dogs are pretty common here where residents need to be conscious of home security.

On to the hustle & bustle of our main street. We typically pick up a quick bite at the bakery, Super Buy (South) or the little restaurant on the corner (help me out if you can think of the name) and then head over to Marina's store for some fresh bait ...and rum on the weekends.

Most of the local fellas who live on our street gather down on the beach to bbq and share a few laughs on Sunday afternoons. We were quickly made to feel very welcome and it has replaced our old family tradition of Sunday dinner at mom's. It gives the kids a real sense of belonging here and they absolutely love picking up fishing tips from the best!

Go Nature, one of my favorite shops...

If we happen to have errands to run or the kids want to go visit the dogs at Saga, we head a little farther into town. We usually walk along the beach as it is cooler and more enjoyable than talking the hot, dusty backroads.

Shady, breezy and cooler...

Hot and dusty...

Besides, if you take the beach you are almost guaranteed to see something cool.

Then it's off to fish, swim and explore for the remainder of the day.

We start out at the end of our lane, near Xanadu Resort. There is a small pier and some rocks where we sit, climb, contemplate life, fish, observe and chat with friends. (This is also where our Sunday knees-up happens.)

Xanadu

Then we head down the beach to Banyan Bay where the kids love to swim, fish and climb the palms to pick coconuts and jump into the refreshing Caribbean Sea.

Banyan Bay

Fabulous view along the way...

Sometimes we stop to make new friends.

Then it's over to Banana Beach to see our old friend Beauty.

Great place to stay by the way; I recommend it to all our friends who come visit, especially those with kids. They have 2 swimming pools, a restaurant and a beachside bar. It's cheap & cheerful and conveniently located. Security knows us and they watch diligently over the kids as they fish and play on the beach. We love it here!

Our walkabout is never complete without a little fishing at Mata Rocks. This seems to be the best place to see Permit. (You can see the "big pier" in the background here. We have no clue if it has a real name but it's always on our list of places to stop.)

Below is the view from the "big pier". You can see why we make it a daily stop. You can see for miles and it's a good place to see stingrays and big fish from afar. It's quite a height but the local youth don't mind; they can be seen gathering here on sunny days, running and jumping into the waist deep water below, often with their dogs following.

Ours will have none of it; the nanny once pushed him off the pier and he had to swim back to shore through some deeper water... he is big-chested & front heavy and had a really hard time. Needless to say, I wasn't very please to hear about it but like so many other things, you have to keep in mind the cultural differences here.

The wooden maze that supports the massive deck makes for a great jungle gym type climber. My monkeys find it very suitable, climbing up and down for hours.

Sometimes we go as far as Victoria House if it's early enough. Before 11 am you can usually catch a few barracuda hanging around.

After a full day we backtrack...

...and finish off our adventures back at Banyan Bay for a late afternoon dip as the sun begins to set.

A little more night fishing to catch some bait for the morning...

A quick stop at Marina's to pick up some dinner and eggs for the morning and then back home. We feel very safe in our neighborhood walking at night, more so on the streets than along the beach because there is a lot more action up on the streets at night with food vendors, bar patrons etc.

Almost home... our blood has fed an army of mosquitoes by this time.

So this is a typical day in our Belize life and hopefully paints a good picture of South AC for anyone considering a long term stay in this area.

Scared S&%#less!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:43:00 +0000

I know that most of you are normal, well-adjusted folks who have no use for the information in this post but for those rare few of us (approximately 1 in 5) who would rather poke our own eyes out than get on an airplane, I've put together some helpful tips. These things have worked for me (and saved the sanity of many a flight attendant) so who knows, they might work for you too. Just thought I'd share :)

I can't even look at this without sweating.

There are different levels of aviophobia; there are those nervous flyers that might just need a little nip before they take off and those that need something a little stronger (like Xanax)... and then of course, there's me. You can give me enough of both to put out an Angus bull and I will still scream all the way home. I've had flights where it took two grown men to sit on me to hold me down. I once assaulted a flight attendant who ignored my request to open the hatch and let me out when I had a last-minute change of heart (not my proudest moment) although I was in such a panic that I don't really remember much of it. It was similar to how you might respond if someone was trying to hold your head under water and drown you... to the rational mind it's an absurd reaction to something as safe and common as a commercial flight however there is nothing rational going on in the mind of someone with an extreme case of aviophobia. Trust me!

So what does work for me? Well, I'm not sure if it can be pinned down to one specific remedy but when I use a combination of the following I am miraculously able to fly with minimal issues.

1) EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig and is similar to acupuncture only without needles. It's very simple, can be learned quickly and used just about anywhere you find yourself in a panic. (It has many other applications like pain relief, curbing cravings etc. but we'll stick to one issue per visit here.) A quick Google search will present a plethora of informative articles and "how-to" YouTube videos.

"EFT involves techniques that combine exposure, cognitive restructuring, waking hypnosis, and physical relaxation while tapping on a sequence of pressure points and repeating key phrases out loud. The mechanism of action is unknown; but one suggestion is that physical stimulation of certain pressure points during exposure to an emotional trauma may send deactivating signals directly to the amygdala, or the "fear center" of your brain, resulting a rapid reduction of maladaptive fear." Dr. Anthony Tranguch, MD PHD

Another very valid theory is that EFT induces a placebo effect through distracting the mind of the user and that may well be the case I have no idea but I do know that it works for me almost instantly and there is an overwhelmingly similar response from most people who use this tool properly.

2) Reiki - Discovered and fine-tuned by Mikao Usui in 1922, this non-denominational (somewhat) spiritual practice uses the body's subtle energy system to promote relaxation & stress reduction. It usually involves the laying on of hands however it can also be practiced from a distance or on one's self.

3) Bach Flower Remedies - (As seen on Dr. Oz) "A system of 38 Flower Remedies that corrects emotional imbalances where negative emotions are replaced with positive. They are safe for everyone, including children, pregnant women, pets, the elderly and even plants."
*For most, a few drops of Rescue Remedy would likely suffice but with my extreme fear I take Rock Rose as directed for two weeks before flying.

4) NLP/Hypnosis - Fears are controlled by your subconscious mind and hypnotherapy targets your subconscious mind to re-program negative thoughts. There are many options available however I prefer the soothing voice of Steve G. Jones. He has a great audio session that can be purchased on CD or in mp3 format. Listening to this for a minimum of 3 weeks before your flight is recommended for best results.

5) Mindfulness and Visualization/Meditation - As long as I am not in full-blown panic mode I am able to stay calm by keeping myself in the present moment. After all, it is only when our minds jump ahead and anticipate things that have not yet occurred that we experience anxiety & fear. If I fail at this and begin to stray from the present I will then turn to very deliberate visualization of things like landing safely or resuming my regular daily activities after the flight.

6) *Drugs & Alcohol - Although I now pass on the heavy prescription drugs (because I absolutely hate the way they make me feel and they aren't really effective anyway), the new & improved formula for me involves Dramamine about 30 min before takeoff (the kind that only causes half the drowsiness, found in most airport gift shops) and of course Bloody Mary's for breakfast leading up to a few straight vodka shots just before boarding.

My "in air, don't care" testament to the above remedies.

Interesting Facts:

The fear of flying may have one or more technical names, including aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia, or pteromerhanophobia.

Different reports show that on average, 1 in 5 people are afraid to fly and as many as 50% have experienced some level of fear while flying.

Most people who are afraid to fly are very imaginative.

It is more difficult to treat than some simple phobias because it includes many fears such as: panic attacks, weather, closed in spaces, heights, turbulence, crowds, takeoffs/landings, flying over water, making an ass of yourself (I do not have this fear), being trapped, trusting pilots, being out of control, crashing, trusting the integrity of the plane/technology and death itself.

There is an iphone app for aviophobia.

Even though your chances of being shot by a random act of violence is about 350.7 x greater than any type of aviation occurrence, if you live with aviophobia you don't give a shit when that plane fires up her engines and lifts off the ground, leaving you suspended in mid-air with nothing solid to hold on to. It's a 50-50 shot at life over death as far as you're concerned, even 20-80 at some moments, no make that certain death... ok, ok I'll stop!

I am a Level IV Reiki Master/Teacher.

*I am not advising anyone to use #6 above to treat their own aviophobia. There are therapists out there with real cures to address the root of your fears. I am simply stating what helps me. Please check with your doctor if you are planning to travel and you experience any irrational fear of flying.

The Perfect Belize Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:23:00 +0000

Perhaps it's the season but I've been asked a lot lately about what the perfect Belize vacation would look like. This is always a difficult question to answer since Belize offers such diversity. From white sand and cool marine life to lush jungles full of exotic birds and creatures there is something for everyone.

There are a ton of tours to choose from on both Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker

Here's my take on the perfect trip to Belize:

Day 1

Just because we love Mexico so much and due to government subsidies on air travel within the country, it's more cost-effective to fly into CUN than it is to BZE:

Arrive in Cancun, MX, check into an all-inclusive on the beach and relax.

Day 2

Hire a driver or jump on an ADO bus and head over to Tulum or Playa and check out the beaches, shops and restaurants. Overnight here or get a jumpstart on Day 3 and make your way to Chetumal.

Playa del Carmen

(*Tulum is a great place to add extra days to your itinerary)

Day 3

Until Tropic Air commences it's planned daily flights out of Cancun to San Pedro you'll have to take the ADO bus down to Chetumal where you'll take the water taxi over to Ambergris Caye. Not to worry though, ADO buses are cheap, clean, prompt and air conditioned and Chetumal is a great little town with decent shopping, dining and accommodations.

Bear in mind it is a 4.5 hr bus ride from Cancun to Chetumal and buses leave fairly regularly so if you can make it down there by 3 pm then you can head right over to San Pedro, otherwise... I recommend staying at Hotel Los Cocos. It is clean, reasonably priced, has a decent restaurant on-site and the staff are very warm, friendly, accommodating... and English speaking if this is a priority for you.

Important Info:

the water taxi only departs from Chetumal at 3:30 pm each day; if you miss it you will have to spend another night in Chetumal

make sure you specify to your taxi driver that you want the water taxi terminal or you might end up at the chicken bus depot ("Qiero taxi para ir a la terminal delancha ke va a san pedro, Belize." should do the trick)

you must arrive at the pier 30 minutes prior to departure to fill out customs documents and pay exit fees etc.

yes, that's right... be prepared to pay a departure tax when you leave Mexico

it is a 90 minute boat ride; part of the trip is through open water which is quite rough & choppy even on a good day so if you're prone to motion sickness, take your Dramamine or Gravol well ahead of time

according to most travelers (and we can attest to this), ADO buses are kept very cool so I suggest bringing a sweater or light travel blanket, especially if you have children with you

be mindful of any time difference between Mexico and Belize (Mexico observes DST and Belize does not... also the start & end dates in MX vary from North American DST)

When the boat arrives in San Pedro you will disembark and go through a brief, routine customs check where you will be asked questions about your stay in Belize etc. I've never seen luggage searched here but be prepared as you never know.

Once on the island I recommend staying at either Banana Beach hotel or The Villas at Banyan Bay on the south end. Here you will be close enough to walk to all amenities or right into the heart of town depending on your level of ambition. Get settled, fill your belly, maybe watch the sun set over the ocean while you sip on a cocktail and then get a good night's rest. (Other than Christmas and Easter holidays the island doesn't get too loud or rowdy. It's fairly quiet and other than street vendors, things close down pretty early on the south side.) You can rent a cart but for just a few days I wouldn't bother. A taxi is your best bet by far. (Taxi #9 is my man Lelo; he'll give you a good rate and he keeps his taxi spotless.)

Important Info:

Belize doesn't do "all-inclusive" to my knowledge... everything is à la carte which quickly adds up

Day 4

If you're a diver, what better time to hit the reef or the world famous Blue Hole. *It would be ideal to coordinate at least one of your nights in San Pedro to be a Friday or Saturday. Why is that you say? One word: Fido's! There's nowhere on this island where I've had more fun, drinking rum & soda and dancing the night away.

Day 5

Sleep in, relax, explore, explore, explore...

Breakfast at Estel's; an absolute "must-do"!

Pier at Victoria House

Banyan Bay; one of our favorite spots to stay cool

Stingrays on the beach, just south of Central Park

Boca del Rio beach walk

Can't forget a stop at Manelli's for a scoop of homemade ice cream!

Definitely not for kids, the nightclubs are open 'til 5am!

Church anyone?

Days 6-11

Pack up & say goodbye to San Pedro. Take the 20 minute water taxi ride over to one of my favorite places in Belize... Caye Caulker and just chill. Enjoy the white sand, island music, street vendors and of course the food & drink!

Caye Caulker

arriving at the water taxi pier on Caye Caulker

This smaller island is far nicer than Ambergris Caye in my humble opinion. It's cleaner, quieter and has more of that Caribbean feel where San Pedro feels more like being in Central America with it's busy roads, loud streets and smell of exhaust fumes. Yes, the bigger hotels and resorts are located in San Pedro but along with that comes the hustle and bustle of tourists everywhere. I much prefer the quiet beauty of Caye Caulker.

Not that you could miss it but be sure to stop by The Lazy Lizard for a cold drink and a swim at the split.

So many beautiful fish to see at "the split" on Caye Caulker

Days 12, 13

Caye Chapel

Now that you're well rested, it's time to pick up the pace again. Today's the day we say goodbye to Caye Caulker and head out for a bit of adventure and more sight seeing. (Did I mention packing light for this trip?) These last 2 days are best spent on the mainland exploring all that lush jungle we talked about earlier. (Did you think I would let you leave without doing this?) There are howler monkeys to marvel at, cave systems to lazily drift down, toucans & beautiful flora and fauna to see, Mayan ruins to climb & explore, jungle canopies to zip through, amazing people to meet and fascinating history to be learned. If you're a golfer, maybe a stop on Caye Chapel is in order as well. This is championship golf at its finest without tee-times, roundtiming or round limits. It's an 18 hole, par 72 course designed mainly by Larry Addington with 4 par-5 holes. Get ready to have your skirt blown up!

My photos don't do this place justice.

The long hike up, up, up...

Destination reached!

Getting back down is much more enjoyable. Wheee!

Turquoise rivers wind through the limestone cave systems.

Day 14

Time to say goodbye... I'm sure by now you'll be exhausted and ready to get back home to share the memories of this trip with friends and family.Who am I kidding? This is the part where you start planning the next trip!

I'd love to hear what your perfect Belize vacation would look like!

Pet Shipping From Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:46:00 +0000

Here is the update we've all been waiting for... after 5 months of coordinating, our "Marcos Bwai" is finally with us. He made it just in time for our holiday visit back home with friends and family.

Our boy is finally home!

The Process

Once it became apparent that I would not be returning to Belize on schedule I began to investigate ways to have our newly adopted pet shipped to our home base in Canada. I was put in touch with a shipping company who advised that they could have the dog shipped to us no problem. I promptly sent a payment of approx. $400 USD that was requested. After 3 months of emailing this shipper I became frustrated when nothing was happening. He then advised that due to some new international flight policy, a customs broker would be required to book the flight and that I needed to send an addition $350 USD to cover the brokerage fee. Again, I promptly sent the funds that they requested and again, weeks passed and nothing happened. When I pressed the shipper for some action, he then advised that he was unable to find a customs broker. This just seemed just a bit odd.

I contacted a customs broker in Belize with no problem whatsoever and it really made me wonder how it was that a shipping company could not get in touch with one. The brokerage I spoke with advised that they could indeed book the flight for the dog at an additional cost of $700 USD. I was really beginning to feel like something wasn't quite right so I requested a refund from the shipping company, which I have to say was sent out to me promptly.

(I don't think there was anything shady going on with the shipper, just that he did not possess the required knowledge, qualification or capacity to complete my request.)

At this point I changed direction and turned to the staff and volunteers of Saga Humane Society in San Pedro where we adopted Marcus. I thought that they may have dealt with pet shipping in the past when tourists decide to take a new pet home from the island shelter.

My luck changed when I was connected with Ari, one of the volunteers at Saga who immediately set her sights on helping me get my puppy home. She contacted an agent in Belize from the United Airlines' PetSafe program and it wasn't long before we had all the options laid out for us. As it turned out, we did not need the involvement of a customs broker to arrange his flights. It was a simple matter of getting him to the Airline's cargo gate at Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City and making the $600 USD cash payment for his booking at that time. I simply sent a Western Union transfer in the amount of $900 US to Ari to cover a second vet certificate for travel, air transport to Belize City and back via Tropic Air and any other miscellaneous expenses she might incur. I still can't believe that she was kind enough to transport Marcus from San Pedro to BC where he would begin his 2 day journey home.We will be forever indebted for this.

Even from this point however there were setbacks, a hurricane which required his caregivers in SP to board him at Pampered Paws while they evacuated their home. (They have two dogs of their own but they simply let the dogs loose during these storms to fend for themselves. I was not comfortable with my poor little guy being left out in a hurricane thank you very much, I don't care how mild it was.) There was also some delay in having the booking arranged as we had to coordinate my schedule and Ari's with the available flight dates which only go out on Thursdays each week. Then of course there was Thanksgiving that set us back another week and then some last minute indecisiveness on my part about where to have him shipped to... so as those last couple of weeks seemed to drag by I received a few pictures of Marcus from his caregiver in which he just looked so forlorn. She reported that he didn't do much but mope around and look up and down the street for the kids.

Sad bwai :(

As excited as we were when we got the booking date confirmed, we almost didn't believe it was actually going to happen. There had been so many false alarms, dates that were given and then retracted, even with William from Petsafe... our friends and family thought we were nuts. I'd say "The dog is booked for this week" and they would all nod with a low "mhm" under their breath. This happened countless times before he actually arrived.

We decided on flying him into Toronto so for the dog, this meant flying from Belize City to Houston on Thursday where he would overnight and then travel on to Cleveland the next day and from there on to Toronto.

When the glorious day arrived, we piled into the car, along with my son's friend who was just about as excited as we were to see that darn dog I think and we made the long-ish drive to Toronto to meet him. The cargo handler that was used was Swissport and their office was easy enough to find. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. so we were there by about 4 p.m. despite the raging snowstorm we had to drive through on the way. I was advised by the Swissport office that it takes about an hour for the cargo documents to reach the office after the flight lands so we didn't need to be there until 6:30. We found a restaurant in the main airport terminal and killed two hours grabbing some dinner. I let the boys roam around for another 30 minutes and then off we went to pick up our dog! (What is it about escalators that appeals to boys so much??)

The flight was about 20 min late arriving so we still had a bit of time to kill in the Swissport waiting area... not pleasant! It was really smelly and old and dirty and so were most of the folks who were coming and going. The counter clerk advised that since our cargo was an international arrival that he was going to have to call in Agriculture Canada to inspect the dog before he could release the customs papers to me for processing. We had to sweat this out for about an hour with the kids getting anxious and worried that there might be some reason they would deny the dog entry to Canada but all went well and we had the customs docs in hand soon enough.

Since it was now 8 pm on a Friday night, the onsite customs office was closed so we were given driving directions to the main office about 20 min away. I found it no problem, took the paperwork in where I had to answer a few general questions about the dog and how he came to be our family pet. We were then given an invoice to pay duty and a customs processing fee which I think was minimal if I recall... approximately $50 CAD.

Finally back to the Swissport office and cargo warehouse for the big reunion! I knew this trip would be stressful for Marcus but I had no idea just how stressful until I finally got to look into his crate and I found him curled up in a smelly ball at the back, cowering when we approached. He didn't appear to recognize us at first; he was just terrified of all the sounds and movement and obviously freezing! He was shivering uncontrollably in there and with the help of a warehouse worker, we actually broke the crate in our haste to get him out. The kids immediately knelt to him and showered him with hugs and kisses. This must have triggered his memory as he seemed to snap out of it a little and responded to them... hesitantly.

During the 7 hr car trip back home he curled up across the kids' laps and slept like a baby. The one thing I noticed though was that he was extremely thirsty for about 24 hrs after his arrival... I thought about asking the airline agent about this as their staff are supposed to feed, water and walk your pet during the trip but then I realized that he was under so much stress that he probably went into shut down mode and didn't eat or drink.

Update

Marcus is doing very well in his new environment! He was back to his old self again after a good rest and some grooming. He started working with a private trainer immediately to reduce the possibility of him developing any (bad) habits in his new home and to ensure his safety as there are cars here that go really fast! After all, part of being a responsible pet owner is proper training.

Breaking my "No livestock in the kitchen" rule... grrr!

He has impressed his trainer with his intelligence and ability to learn very quickly but I think it all goes back to the theory I heard from other owners of rescue dogs... that these island potlickers are grateful and they have a strong sense of loyalty and protection for their new families. He's come a long way from a hungry stray on the beach and couldn't be happier :)

Please consider adopting a Potlicker!

Fry Jack Mon!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:30:00 +0000

One of the kids' favorite Belizean foods is Fry Jacks. They have become quite adept at making them with very minimal supervision and have also tweaked their recipe to perfection.

**Very important: For best results, this recipe must be accompanied by running and jumping through the house while shouting "Fry Jack... Fry Jack mon... Fry Jack!!" very loudly...

Ingredients

5 cups flour
5 tsp baking powder (slightly rounded)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp coconut oil
water
healthy frying oil

Directions

1. Make sure you are working with clean hands!
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients.
3. Cut or pour in coconut oil. (*depending on how high you like to crank your air conditioning)
4. Add water slowly until a soft dough is formed.
5. Knead gently. (we skip the board and do it right in the big bowl but you can use a floured board if you like)
6. Pinch in half and loosely form two balls.
7. Allow to sit at least 30 min.
8. Flatten and shape dough while oil is heating.
9. Fry, turning once until golden in color.
10. Customize

We've always had our Fry Jacks here in Belize served folded with refried beans and either chicken or pork inside or as a breakfast item filled with egg and cheese. I've also had them served plain as a side to my breakfast or stuffed full of everything you can think of from meat, beans and cheese to hot peppers and plantains.

Now in our house... we have to be different of course and serve them with everything but the above mentioned items. Here are a few of our favorite variations that the kids have come up with... we figured since the white flour is not good for us anyway, we may as well go nuts and get our junk fix all at once.

1) Pizza Jacks - simply flatten the dough before frying, prick with a fork to prevent puffing and once fried, load all your favorite pizza toppings on, broil for a moment and enjoy. Alternatively, pizza items can be folded inside the same way the traditional items are found. Very yummy and my personal favorite. (Yes, I choose to pay for the dough consumption on this one.)

2) Pou-Jacks - (It's a Canadian thing, ok?) This variation involves flattening the dough well and cutting into longish 1/2 inch strips with a pizza cutter before frying. This likens them to french fries once they are cooked to a lovely golden brown, then they are covered with shredded cheese (in lieu of cheese curds) and a thick brown gravy. Mmmmm!!

3) Sugar Jacks - easy as 1-2-3! The fun thing about this one is that you can form the dough into any crazy shape you like. Just fry, drain and sprinkle with your sugar of choice. Our favorites are confectioner's and turbinado... or you could go all out and glaze them. *Fruit sugar can be substituted for caster sugar in the glaze recipe.

4) ChocoChip Jacks - another easy one... we just form the dough into small pockets (much like a panzarotti or calzone) and stuff with dark chocolate chips before frying.

Now keep in mind these variations come from the minds of 8 & 10 yr olds but the sky's the limit really on what you can do with this amazing food item. It's a blank canvas, just waiting for your special touch. We'd love to hear what delicious or crazy variations you come up with; please let us know!

*For some reason (difference in flour perhaps?) this recipe works best in Belize. We tried it during a visit back home and it was horrible. We couldn't flatten the dough, it was out of control like Flubber and kept retracting into a puffy ball. Tasted terrible too... go figure.

Cost Of Living In San Pedro, Belize... Another Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 02:09:00 +0000

You've read several cost of living pieces no doubt but none that will shock you like this one. I'll probably blow your skirt up a little with this report but I'll let you decide.

When we first arrived in San Pedro, we were spending an average of $3,000 each month just on basic food and shelter, no internet or cable, travel or entertainment. I've since discovered many of the in's and out's of shopping and saving, living simply and being happy. We have been able to reduce our costs to about one third of what we were originally paying and our budget now includes things like cell phone usage, medical expenses and internet. I know right, so crazy... so how'd we do it?

The following list of monthly expenses covers our basic cost of living. (In case you don't follow, we are a family of 3.) I didn't include any optional activities or extras as I am trying to point out what one (or three) could potentially survive on here.

Bare Bones Monthly Budget

groceries	300
electricity	90
water & butane	70
rent	400
passport stamps	75
misc. (cell, medical, mobile internet usage)	40
Total:
	1050

*Bear in mind that I prepaid my rent for a year which saved me considerably. Many property owners are willing to offer such discounts, just ask. Even without any savings, it is possible to find clean, decent accommodations in San Pedro for around $400 US/mo.

Very nice, 1 bedroom accommodation - $450/mo U.S. + water & electric

We also spend most of our time at home cooking as we have eliminated all ready-made items and snack foods from our diets. (eg: jarred BBQ sauce, potato chips etc.) My grocery list is mainly comprised of staples like flour, honey, coconut oil, sugar, beans, rice and fresh produce. I have an awesome herb garden in the yard that serves my needs sufficiently and have been meaning to plant some veggies but procrastination has prevailed thus far.

Making Fry Jacks

Of course we get out for a treat every now and then... come on, I'm not that mean!

Ice Cream at Manelli's

By making lifestyle adjustments at home and reducing our cost of living we are able to allocate more of our financial resources to things like travel, leisure, educational outings etc. While in the past we haven't had to choose one or the other, at this time we do and we've chosen to trade in things like big houses and convenience foods for experiences and we couldn't be happier!

Catch you on the next plane, boat or bus...

Belize Belly

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 19:08:00 +0000

I know this is not a topic many wish to discuss but the reality is that when you come to Belize you are likely to develop "Belize Belly". Also called "Bad Belly" by some of our local friends, it's basically a mild case of traveler's diarrhea. In most cases it is simply caused by the introduction of new microbes to your digestive system. Although Belize is still a developing country and has a tropical climate the hygiene standards are surprisingly good. In some instances, it is a case of tropical climate and street food not mixing well and in rare cases, well... food poisoning is a possibility anywhere unfortunately.

What can you do to lessen the severity of Belize Belly?
I would recommend resisting the temptation to try the local dishes at first. Avoid eating food from street vendors until you have adjusted and stick with familiar items from the grocery store for the first few weeks.

If you do end up chained to your bathroom? In most cases, it will clear up on it's own as your body adjusts. It is not advisable to treat Belize Belly with otc meds that bind you up however there are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms.

If things get bad, stick with the B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, applesauce, rice, toast) and avoid foods high in fat, sugar, dairy and protein as these require the stomach to work harder to digest. Also, chamomile tea, ginger and peppermint are known for their soothing effect on the digestive system and are generally easy to find, even in Belize. Probiotics are a great defense as well since they increase the number of "good" bacteria in your gut.

It's very easy to become dehydrated quickly, especially in a warm, sunny climate. Stay hydrated with plenty of room temperature fluids. A great way to replace lost electrolytes is with coconut water, very easy to find in Belize.

When to see a doctor? *According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek medical treatment if you experience diarrhea consistently for 3 days without sign of improvement, you show signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, infrequent or no urination, severe weakness, lightheadedness, dark colored urine), you have severe abdominal pain, blood in stool or fever above 102F/39C but please, please use your own discretion and if you just don't feel right, go to a doctor right away.

With a little luck (and self-control) your belly can transition smoothly into life in Belize, leaving you free to explore, relax and enjoy your new surroundings.

*Note: These recommendations are different for children.

Lobster, Lobster Everywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Lobster season is upon here in Belize and there's no missing it! Traps, posters, news articles, stuffed toy lobsters... you name it, I've seen it around town the past few weeks as San Pedro gears up for a week long Lobster Festival.

I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the creepy looking "cockroach of the sea" but I do love a good party! I'm especially looking forward to Cowboy Doug's after party! Who doesn't love a guy 'n girl swimsuit competition? I think after a few rum and sodas I'll be ready for the pool floaty contest. Prizes will be given out for the strangest, silliest and biggest pool floaty toys... whoo! Look out San Pedro, you just might see my crazy side on Sunday, June 24th. (I will NOT be posting pictures.)

I will, however leave you with this recipe for Lobster Thermidor, something I probably would have loved today if not for the fact that it was one of those things my parents forced on me as a young child. I shudder at the memory. I took this from tasteoflobster.ca which is full of yummy looking recipes for those of you who do love the crustacean.

This recipe makes an excellent choice for guests. It not only tastes delicious but can be prepared in advance and is impressive in its presentation. From Candleriggs, Peggy's Cove Road, Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia. (Formac Publishing www.formac.ca)
Ingredients
water sufficient to boil lobsters
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stock, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 lemon, sliced
4 uncooked lobsters, 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 pounds each
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1/4 cup flour
2/3 cup blend (10% m.f.)
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs, ground fine
1/3 cup grated Swiss or Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Method
Pour water into a large pot and add onion, celery, bay leaf, and lemon slices. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Add lobsters and bring back to a boil. Skim off foam and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove lobsters, strain broth and reserve 1 cup.
Split lobster tails and bodies and cut lengthwise. Remove meat from tails, knuckles and claws and cut into pieces. Discard all shells except lobster bodies and tails. Clean shells under running water and brush inside and out with first amount of butter.
In a saucepan melt 1/4 cup of butter and sauté chives until tender. Stir in flour to make a roux and gradually whisk in blend and reserved broth, stirring over medium heat until thickened. Add sherry and mustard, cooking for one additional minute. Season with salt and pepper and stir in breadcrumbs and lobster chunks.
Place shells on a greased broiler pan and spoon the lobster mixture into them. Top with cheese and broil until golden and heated through, approximately 7 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Bon Appétit!

Entirely Surrounded By Water...

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:15:00 +0000

It rained and it rained and it rained. Piglet told himself that never in all his life, and he was goodness knows how old - three, was it, or four? - never had he seen so much rain. Days and days and days... It was rather exciting. The little dry ditches in which Piglet had nosed about so often had become streams, the little streams across which he had splashed were rivers, and the rivers, between whose steep banks they had played so happily, had sprawled out of its own bed and was taking up so much room everywhere, that Piglet was beginning to wonder if it would be coming into his bed soon.
'It's a little Anxious,' he said to himself, 'to be a Very Small Animal Entirely Surrounded by Water.' - AA Milne

As the sky remains dark for greater periods each day and dry ditches become streams around our own neighborhood in San Pedro, daily life is changing for us.
After an action packed spring things are beginning to slow down in terms of outings and adventures. I regret to say that the ideal weather for traveling, boating, guided tours and the like is definitely behind us. I'm left with that "Sunday afternoon" feeling... just sort of blah. Not miserable really, just rather content to do not much of anything.

Although the kids are still quite happy to venture out to their favorite fishing pier in the rain, our boating and pool-hopping days are over for a while and I don't feel like leaving the house so much anymore. I'd rather dig out my favorite comfy sweats, crank up the air to an obscene level and wrap myself in a fuzzy blanket with a good book. We've been catching up on a lot of the things we didn't have time to get to in our mad rush to get out the door and catch a full day of sun and good times at the split, make the morning boat to Mexico to meet friends or just to get out on the water before the first sign of a barracuda.

We're working on a lot of unfinished projects, reaching out and touching family and friends back home more often and researching answers to history, geography and biology questions that were generated during our more active days here in Belize. Even the dog is spending more time indoors lately.

Though we've been more productive, we've reduced time wasted on Facebook etc. thanks in part to the nearly nonexistent internet since the rain started two weeks ago. My service is through Coral Cable and I heard a few days ago that they were working on the issues but I wouldn't be surprised if this is what we can expect for the rest of the season. I can't believe I pay $130 US/mo for this but then I can't believe a lot of things we've become accustomed to here. The upside is that we've replaced a lot of our time on the internet with books, card games, discussions, charades (seriously) and lots of fruit with CHOCOLATE!!

These guys on the left are Mayan apples and of course the name of the sweet treat on the right escapes me at the moment but they are yummy. When peeled they resemble mini cantaloupe in both appearance and taste only with a pit. Delish!

Mmmm, it's almost like winter for us I suppose; time to hibernate. Other than last Saturday night which brought us heavy rain and wind gusts of 35 knots I have neglectfully been keeping my head buried deeply in the sand in regards to the approaching hurricane season. We are not prepared at all; no plan, no supplies... I know this is not good. It's just been way too wet to go out! I promised myself that if we get a break in the weather that lasts more than 3 solid hours I will force myself beyond the corner store to pick up everything we need.

Wish me luck!

Banana Phone!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Ring Ring Ring...

                               "Don't need quarters, don't need dimes
   to call a friend of mine."

                               "It's a real live mama and papa phone,
                                a brother and sister and a dogaphone,
                                a grandpa phone and a grammophone!
                               My cellular, bananular phone!"

Yes, we've been singing to the tune of Raffi's "Banana Phone" a lot lately. This is what we have lovingly come to call our MagicJack and other, various low cost methods of calling home like Google Voice, Skype etc. which work about as well as holding a banana to your ear and trying to have a conversation.

Of them all I'd say Google Voice has the best call quality when the internet decides to cooperate so I use it the most for my outgoing calls. As for MJ and Skype, both really leave much to be desired as you may have read in the abundance of negative reviews across the internet.

Add our $130.00USD/mo internet service into the mix, you know, the one that offers us a whopping 1 mb of download speed and well... never mind then, just go ahead and laugh!

So, if you can imagine this... me trying to carry on a conversation with someone in Canada using one of the aforementioned methods until I melt down and can't take it anymore "#@%&*! BANANAPHONE!" This is usually followed by me dancing around the room singing the Raffi song quite loudly until I'm joined by the younger members of the household. Of course by this time someone has turned the YouTube video on (it's a favorite) and we're all dancing and laughing hysterically.

Yes, we are a crazy bunch down here but I mean, what are you going to do? You get what you pay for, right? Are you kidding me? I'm never going to break down and pay for a landline to call Canada. I'll just keep on using my "cellular, bananular phone!" (We just love this song waay too much!)

Belize... Not For Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Belize, a tropical paradise like no other? Sure but is it everyone's first choice? Not necessarily, as I recently learned.

A few weeks ago, I was graced with a visit from my employer who wanted to see just what it was that drew me here and what kept me from returning to Canada. Part of his plan to visit San Pedro included checking out a few business/investment opportunities that might give him cause to get out of the Canadian office more often. So I arranged and prepaid his hotel and cart rental for the two weeks that he intended to be here not expecting him to hate Belize so much that he shaved the last 8 days off his visit!

It is no secret that my employer has high expectations and can be downright demanding at times. He prefers the fast-paced lifestyle of North America and I suspected he may not be able to handle the common frustrations of Belize that most of us come to accept.

His first complaint was the inconvenience and high cost of getting to San Pedro (I think we can all relate to that one) but he sucked it up with a smile and forked over the $1,000 required to get him here and back. The next complaint was the lack of an all-inclusive resort on the island. I hadn't really given this much thought since I came here in a different capacity but I guess I can relate to that one too. Your relaxing getaway can quickly become a nightmare when you are constantly having to pull out your wallet and visit ATM's to ensure you have enough cash on hand. (He wondered what kind of horse and pony show this was when he was told that he couldn't pay for a tour with a credit card!)

These experiences went on and on over the initial days of his visit. He just kept calling me in disbelief over everything from the poor internet quality to the lack of availability of familiar items and the terrible food. I don't know how many times I had to hear him ask how I can live without "real" beef... Oh, I was in stitches by the end of day 5! However, after spending $8,000 here over 6 days in an unsuccessful attempt to find one good reason to visit Belize, he was not impressed with my roaring fits of laughter and decided to cut his stay short. He wanted to get out so bad that he paid an additional $600 to get a next-day flight out of Belize City, leaving his non-refundable hotel room and golf cart to us for the remaining 8 days. (*Keep in mind that this is one of the most "frugal" men I've ever met.)

He indicated that there was absolutely nothing Belize could offer that he couldn't get in Florida for a fraction of the cost and left me with some choice words of advice the day we dropped him off at the Tropic Air terminal. He pledged that he would also advise anyone considering Belize for their next holiday destination that it is an "ass-backwards, filthy shit hole to be avoided at all costs".

I thought his words to be a bit harsh considering his experience here wasn't unusually bad, he simply got a taste of what everyday life in Belize is like. The North American items we give up, the slower pace we adopt, the different food and yes unfortunately he got a taste of the frustrations we deal with in terms of corruption and policies that make no sense.

This is not only a great illustration of how our perception affects our experience but also of the way we all differ in taste and preference. I have had many people scratch their heads and say to me "I've been to Belize, why in the world would you want to live there?" I guess the moral of this story is, if you are a classic, high strung type A personality or if hot Miami nights are more your speed then you might want to research thoroughly before deciding to visit this jewel we call Belize. Like anything else, it is not for everyone :)

Are You Ready? (Natural Disaster Survival Tips)

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Let's talk about emergency preparedness shall we? Since I am from southern Canada where the biggest safety risks from nature come in the form of lightning bolts and tornadoes I admit, I don't know much about earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and the like. With that being said, I think it best to go straight to a reliable source of information.

(*If you already know all of this and just want to find out how you can help SP residents in case of a disaster, skip to the bottom of the page to read about the SP branch of the Red Cross and their CDRT initiative.)

According to FEMA (I wouldn't normally recommend anyone heed a word of advice from FEMA if you want to live but this is pretty straightforward information.) The following precautions should be taken before, during and after a hurricane:

Hurricane Preparedness

Before The Storm:

Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
Learn locations of official shelters.
Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered equipment such as cell phones and your NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
Buy plywood or other material to protect your home if you don’t already have it.
Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t fly into your home.
Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Decide where to move your boat.
Review your insurance policy.
Find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route.

If You Are In A Watch Area:

Frequently listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of the storm’s progress.
Fuel and service family vehicles.
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
Ensure you have extra cash on hand.
Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.
Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.

If You Are In A Warning Area:

Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins.
Close storm shutters.
Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!
Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the flood zone.
DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home.
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
Take pets with you if possible, but remember, most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by used by people with disabilities. Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.

If You Choose To Stay In Your Home:

Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed.
Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
Turn off propane tanks.
Unplug small appliances.
Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case clean tap water is unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.

If Winds Become Strong:

Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.
Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first floor room.
If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

What To Bring To A Shelter:

First-Aid kit
Meds, prescriptions
Baby food and diapers
Books, music players with headphones
Toiletries
Battery powered radio and cell phone
Flashlights
Extra batteries
A blanket or sleeping bag for each person
Identification, passports
Copies of key papers such as insurance policies, resident cards
Cash, credit cards

REMINDER: If you are told to leave your home, do so immediately!

After The Storm:

Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t Drown!
Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines.
If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
Once home, check gas, water and electrical and appliances for damage.
Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors.
Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting feet on sharp debris.
Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.
Avoid electrocution by not walking in areas with downed power lines.

Your Emergency Kit Should Include:

At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
At least, one change of clothing and shoes per person
One blanket or sleeping
Extra set of car keys
Credit card and cash
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members Prescription and non-prescription medicines
First-aid kit
Battery-powered NWR and a portable radio
Emergency tools
Flashlight, extra batteries

Tsunami Preparedness

The following information has been provided by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.

Signs Of A Tsunami:

A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast.
A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters.
A loud roaring noise from the ocean.

How Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast or other high-risk waters. Evacuations may be based on these numbers.
Plan evacuation routes from your home, school, workplace and other places you could be where tsunamis could happen. If possible, pick areas 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level or go as far as 2 miles (3 kilometers) inland, away from the coastline. If you cannot get this high or far, go as high or far as you can. Every foot inland or upward may make a difference. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes. An alternative in some areas is “vertical evacuation” by going to a high floor of a tall building.
Find out what the school evacuation plan is. Schools will keep children safe by moving them out of harm’s way. Find out where the assembly area is and if that is where your school wants you to come to pick up children. Do not rush to the school during an evacuation.
Practice walking evacuation routes. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan will make it easier to understand and to do during an actual emergency.
If you are a coastal visitor, find out about local tsu- nami safety procedures. For long-lead time warn- ings, you may be asked to leave by driving away. For short lead-time warnings, you may be able to take refuge in reinforced concrete hotel structures on the third floor or above.

What To Do When A Tsunami May Happen

If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong earthquake:

• Drop, cover and hold on. You should first protect yourself from the earthquake.

• When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.

• Be prepared for aftershocks which happen frequently after earthquakes. Each time the earth shakes, drop, cover, and hold on.

• Move to your designated assembly area, or as far inland and uphill as possible.

What To Do During A Tsunami Watch

· Use a NOAA Weather Radio or listen to local radio or television stations for updated information.

· Locate loved-ones and review evacuation plans. Be ready to move quickly if a tsunami warning is issued.

What To Do During A Tsunami Advisory

· Because of the threat of a potential tsunami which may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water, local officials may close beaches; evacuate harbors and marinas; and ask ships to repo- sition to deep water. Obey their directions.

What To Do During A Tsunami Warning

· If you hear a tsunami warning siren, detect signs of a tsunami, or hear about a tsunami warning on the radio or TV, leave immediately.

· Ask neighbors who may need help leaving to come with you and offer assistance.

· Bring pets with you to keep them safe.

· Take your disaster supplies kit. Having supplies will make you more comfortable.

· Move to higher ground as far inland as possible. Watching a tsunami near the shore is dangerous and it is against the law to remain in an evacuated area.

· Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV for the latest updates.

What Do I Do After A Tsunami?

· Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe. A tsunami is a series of waves that may continue for hours. Do not assume that after one wave the danger is over. The next wave may be larger than the first.

· Stay away from damaged areas so emergency responders can have full access.

· Stay out of any building that has water around it.

· Be careful re-entering buildings or homes. Tsunami- driven floodwater may have damaged buildings.

How is San Pedro Working To Aid Residents & Tourists in the Event Of A Disaster?

The San Pedro Branch of the Red Cross is forming a Community Disaster Response Team (CDRT):

Following a disaster there is always a period when the emergency services and first responders will be unable to react. This may be due to the size of the area affected, communication problems or impassable roads. The Community Disaster Response Team (CDRT) is designed to complement and strengthen the existing role of NEMO within the community by helping to increase its capacity. The Red Cross trains and equips Community Disaster Response Teams (CDRT) in each community to enable them to carry out emergency first response when a disaster occurs.

CDRT role and function:

The main role of the CDRT is to assist with increased community resilience by:

Working closely with its local NEMO to prepare for and provide assistance during any disaster that is within the scope of the CDRT’s capacity.
Helping the community to prepare for and respond to disasters through public educational initiatives.
Developing and maintaining a strategic community disaster plan.
Assisting community members with the development of a Family Emergency Plan
Mobilizing residents to participate in community-based risk reduction activities
Implementing, updating and testing of this plan

CDRT Objectives:

Preparedness: to assist their local NEMO with community empowerment and resilience in order to better prepare for an respond to emergency situations.

Response: to save lives and property by providing where possible, first response to self, family and community during times of emergencies and disaster.

Relief: to assist in relief and assessment after a disaster as directed by NEMO

CDRT Structure:

The CDRT functions as a single unit with a leader and Deputy Leader appointed by its members. Additional roles including e.g. Secretary, Treasurer and Community Relations Officer can be identified and selected as necessary. The desired minimum membership is 12 with a maximum of 25 persons. The aim of the group is to ensure diverse representation of the community on the CDRT.

CDRT Training:

The teams learn fire prevention, basic search and rescue, First Aid, initial damage assessment, shelter management, psychosocial support, radio communication. This three to four days training includes participation from the Fire Department, health professionals, NEMO and other partners.

Develop, test and review disaster plan:

The CDRT are responsible of developing a Community Disaster Plan, which they do under the guidance of the Red Cross and NEMO, which defines clearly each member’s role and function, the links between CDRT and government search & rescue services, as well as the routine according to which the emergency operations will be carried out. This plan is tested through a simulation exercise and reviewed on a yearly basis.

San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross is currently looking for 12 - 15 people to form a Community Disaster Response Team. Training date has not been set yet but will be coming soon, we need interested parties who are willing to receive training. If you or someone you know would make a good CDRT please email tacogirlbelize@gmail.com Your help in getting the word out and working together to create a prepared and Safe Ambergris Caye for residents and tourists is much appreciated.

I hope all this information helps keep you and your loved ones safe!

Finding A Long-Term Rental In San Pedro

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Is finding a rental in Belize beginning to make your head spin? I know the feeling; I researched and considered several options while in the planning phase of our move. I even came as close as lifting my pen to sign a lease contract while I was still back in Canada before deciding last-minute that I would rather go to Belize blind and check out each place in person. Crazy, I know! Especially traveling with two children, I was advised time and again by different realtors and property management companies that I'd be wise to secure a rental before making the trip. Probably sound advice but I'm stubborn and always do what I'm told not to do so I came down just before Christmas (peak, PEAK season) and tried to find a six month rental. Hahahahahaha!

Well, that was about the response I got time and again when I arrived and inquired in person about each of the places that ended up on my short list. Fortunately I got lucky and was able to get a six month rental at a decent condo complex that had full resort amenities like pool, bar restaurant and 24 hr security for a reasonable price of $1,200 U.S./month.

There are several good realtors and property management companies in Belize and specifically in San Pedro that you can use to help you find the right rental. Please don't get discouraged if some of them seem a bit abrupt when you contact them and keep in mind that most realtors prefer to handle real estate sales but will happily point you in the right direction.

*Quick tip: when inquiring about a property, be sure to ask what it's proximity is to San Pedro town as you could end up very isolated, too far North or South. If you're told that the house is any more than 3 miles out either way, I would want to physically check out the location before signing a lease. Personally, I don't mind isolation... rather, I prefer it but it's not for everyone, especially if you aren't planning on buying a golf cart right away. Walking or even biking any more than 2 - 3 miles into town to run errands can be torturous on those really hot days.

I found Keith Newton from B-Lease Property Management to be the most personable, easy-going guy to work with. He responds quickly to inquiries and really goes over and above to offer even more info than you might think to ask. The best way to find out about current listings is to email Keith directly as I'm not aware of a full-service website at this point with advanced search options and prices/images placed all together. However an abundance of photos are available for viewing online and as I mentioned, Keith is very quick to respond to inquiries so you shouldn't have any trouble at all getting the details on listings that interest you.

If you choose a B-Lease listing, you can be assured that all of your maintenance needs will be attended to quickly and efficiently. (Well, as quickly as can be expected when you're on island time anyway!) Very important when your water goes out mid-shower or the refrigerator decides to die on you after a big shopping trip! It is from personal experience that I am able to comment on the integrity and quality of services provided by B-Lease. You truly can't go wrong with this property manager; Keith is awesome!

What Do You Get For Your Dollar In San Pedro?

Here are some examples of different rentals and their cost:

Average North American Style Condo $1,200 - $1,500 US (+ utilities)

In this price range you can expect to find a nicely furnished two bedroom, two bath condo, 4 appliances, usually within walking distance to shopping, dining out with ocean view, 24 hr security, pool, bar/restaurant or you might find a 2-3 bedroom house with a small yard and no pool but wherever you are in town, the beach is never more than a 5 min walk away.

*Notes: If busybodies aren't your thing then don't opt for a community-style condo. It can quickly become a nightmare for the more private type.

Budget North American Style Accommodations $600 US monthly (+ utilities)

In this price range, I found something interesting. This is a one bedroom hotel type accommodation which is lacking in space and a comfortable living area as you can see in the photo below, but does have a full kitchen equipped with pots/pans, dishes, utensils etc, swimming pool, TV with cable, free wifi in pool area, shared gas BBQ and on-site coin-op laundry facility where you can wash or dry for $5BZD/load. With this option you also have linens/towels provided; no need to buy anything but you do need to tend to your own housekeeping and laundry. *Housekeeping is optional for an additional cost of $30 BZD a pop which I think is a bit much for a single room but they will wash and fold your laundry.
*Notes: Although you will find a bit more privacy here, your neighbors are still very close. This would be a good choice for a quiet, single person.

Traditional Belizean Style Home $450 US (+ utilities)

This simple yet charming, wooden studio house also offers a fully equipped kitchen, three appliances, private, fenced yard with bonfire pit and secure golf cart parking and is a steal in terms of average San Pedro housing costs. As opposed to the 1 bedroom above, this rental sleeps four rather than just two thanks to the double futon in the living area. Linens are provided here as well and housekeeping can be arranged. Average monthly utility costs range $100 - $150 US for electricity, water and butane depending on usage.

Do you enjoy a more laid back lifestyle that includes music, bonfires, children or furry friends? "No problem!"

So, there you have it... something for every lifestyle and budget, right here in San Pedro!

Belize... Full-Time or Part-Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Should I Stay or Should I Go...?

As the days get warmer and the mosquito coast really starts to live up to it's name, the question of whether to stay in Belize year round or to take a summer sabbatical has been on my mind a lot lately. If you plan to relocate to this little corner of the world you may one day find yourself vacillating over the same question. In this post, I'll walk you through the process of making the decision. Ready? Be aware that whatever choice you make, part of you will likely long for the opposite at some point.

Reasons to Stay

1) Residency - If you plan to apply for residency you must stay in Belize for 12 consecutive months. You may only leave for 14 days during this time. If you already have residency then coming and going is not as much of an issue for you; carry on!

2) Cost & Travel Time - Depending on your budget, this may be a factor. Let's face it, Belize and the Cayes in particular are neither easy nor economical to get to. I have my days when I think "Hmm, spend thousands of dollars and countless hours dragging two kids and a mountain of luggage through airports and bus terminals to get home or just hang out here, suck it up and crank the air...?" Air wins every time!

3) Slow-Season - The bonus for full-time residents of the island is the bargains that can be found during the slower season. Tour operators and vendors are a little (sometimes a lot) more flexible in their pricing during this time and the best part is, you won't have to elbow and fight your way through a crowd.

4) Details - If you have secured a long-term rental, acquired or brought any amount of "stuff" with you then leaving for even a few months seems to generate a multitude of questions. Will you sublet? Is there a secure storage facility nearby to house all your swag? If not then who can I trust to look after my home and belongings? Oh, and of course, what about the dog? These seem like minor details... until you book the flight then find yourself scrambling and wondering what you were thinking. I mean, what's a little hurricane in the grand scheme of things?

5) It's Still Paradise - Even when I'm jumping around, swatting and cursing the bugs that bite my ankles and wishing the sun would come out to play I still recognize paradise when I see it. I have to admit that I still wake up each morning with a smile when I open my eyes to the sight of swaying palm leaves outside my bedroom windows. Whether they happen to be framed by the bright blue sky or serving as a landing pad for tropical raindrops, there's nothing like it!

Reasons To GO

1) Heat - Nelly's going to be on your mind here as spring turns into summer and humidity and temps rise to unbearable level. I love a tropical climate as much as the next guy but it's only April and there have already been days when I couldn't bear the heat... yes, me.

2) Bzzzz! - Again, it's only April and the number of mosquitoes in our yard has already quadrupled since last month. I can't even imagine what August will look like. I'm afraid they may be carrying us off by then.

3) "Slow Season" - If you are involved in any type of tourism related business you will find that between the weeks following Easter through to November or so, things are very slow and revenues will likely drop. If your business is such that you can pack it up and put it aside for a few months while you catch up on personal business back home, you might be wise to do so.

4) Oscar, Michael, Tony - I believe that is what we are calling the tropical storms and hurricanes of 2012 anyway, aren't we? Fall is typically the worst of the storm season in Belize and depending what your thoughts are on riding out tropical storms on a small island, you may want to keep yourself abreast via the local news back home. I know there are some folks who make the best of it and gather to share supplies and good times during the storms so who knows, some of you might even move this one to the former list...

5) Tony, Mikey, Jake - Yep, you guessed it! You may want to see your friends, as we would... especially during the summer and fall when everything in North America seems to come alive. No better time to visit!

Have I forgotten anything? Assuming I have not, first take a look at the above points and put yourself in each scenario. Is there anything that you simply cannot live with (or without?) If so, then it seems your decision is made. If after weighing the pros and cons you find that you are still feeling indecisive about the whole thing, why not just wait it out? That's right, just kick back, grab a cold beverage and hit the beach or your deck and use the wait and see approach. You might just find that the rains don't last as long as you thought, the storms aren't as deadly as you feared and perhaps you might be able to persuade a friend or two to visit you in this lovely, albeit hot, humid paradise. Oh, and as far as the bugs go, I think you'd look great in a full body mosquito net. Just sayin'...

So back to the original question... Should I stay or should I go? Stay tuned to find out.

911 Calling In Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Jan Peter Sol (Dec 28, 1960 - March 25, 2012)

I know my posts are typically very light and full of sarcasm but it is with deep seriousness that I bring this particular blog post to you. My recent online absence has been a result of enjoying a lovely visit from a family friend and then his unfortunate and untimely death while he was here. He died of "accidental/natural" causes and I truly believe that everything in the Universe happens in it's right order, even if it doesn't make sense to us. What do we know? We're only human after all...

The point of this post is not to go off on a spiritual rant or to rehash the events of the past week but to remind you as I have been reminded that Belize is, even in all it's wondrous glory, still a third world country and San Pedro in particular has absolutely no emergency medical response team. Contrary to what I have been told by other expats as well as the local doc, I recently learned firsthand that when you dial 911 from your cell phone here to report a medical emergency, you are connected with police who take some information and eventually find their way to the scene... most of the time. No ambulance, no pre-hospital triage or medical care whatsoever. In our case police arrived on the scene approximately 45 minutes after the first call was placed. I was told by a neighbor that this was a fairly quick response and probably due to the fact that two other parties called our emergency in after I did, one of them being a major hotel office. A local friend was also good enough to drive into town to fetch the authorities personally.

In a strangely ironic twist, I was invited to attend a local fundraiser to bring just such emergency services to life in San Pedro on the same day that our friend died. The San Pedro branch of the Red Cross is currently trying to put together a team of first responders for medical and disaster related emergencies and although certain events of that day prevented me from attending the fundraiser, I couldn't be more in support of this initiative. With two young children living on an island, safety and emergency response times are a huge concern for me. I will admit I have been looking at alternative locations over the past week with a move in mind. Considering that I've typically had to call paramedics regarding the kids a few times each year back in Canada when one of them develops croup and turns blue in the middle of the night or chokes on a grape while bouncing upside down on the bed, I just don't know if the Red Cross, even with all their genuine efforts and newly raised funds can get the services up and running soon enough for me to sleep soundly at night.

With reports of an unacceptable response time in the recent drowning of two tourists here and the experience of our friend's death being so fresh, I think perhaps I'm making a hasty judgement so I will sleep on it (or try to anyway) for a little while longer. If I can get over my 3 a.m. panic attacks and stay here on the island for any amount of time I will likely join the Red Cross as a volunteer and look into some first aid/cpr training as well. If I end up moving on as a result of my concerns I still urge anyone who can to help either by volunteering or donating toward this very important initiative. Let's face it, these concerns could be a deal breaker for some of you considering San Pedro for your next home especially for those with young children but I will keep you posted on the progress the Red Cross is making. This is a beautiful place to live so lets help make it a safe, beautiful place to live. I don't mean to sound like a PSA but hey, they really can't do it alone, they need your help and mine, together we can help save lives. Please see the link below for contact information.

http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/stories/2012/march/06/belize-red-cross-san-pedro-branch

Author's note: We don't know that our friend's life could have been saved even if emergency responders were available and if he were found sooner however it is indisputable that many lives could indeed be saved by quick response times of emergency medical personnel.

R.I.P. Jan, you will be missed.

Island Time

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:00:00 +0000

"If you can wait with joy there will not be much need to wait for long, if you cannot wait with joy you may have to wait for many lives — because the divine can happen to you only when your waiting is ecstatic, filled with joy" ~ Osho

This is the most recent life lesson I've learned living in Belize. One cannot maintain their sanity here without patience. Fortunately I've always had plenty of this valuable virtue and have lovingly been referred to all my life as "The Jamaican" by friends and family. The real lesson I've learned however is to "wait with joy". I am good at waiting and letting go of control but the trick is mastering the art of being ecstatic while I'm waiting months for an important package to arrive or (ahem) three hours in the treasury office today! That's where I've had to work on my Zen mindset.

There are so many things to wait for here... documents, licenses and permits (if you plan on working or driving), mail, visits from friends and family; we must wait not only for government offices but retail shops as well to open again after their lunch-time siesta, leisurely staff can be found everywhere and please let's not talk about the internet. I'm currently working at about half my regular productivity level due to very slow internet here but I'm learning to "wait with joy" while the little blue circle spins around and around.

Ah yes, I am experiencing the process of "slowing down"... So, why is it that some can survive this process and some cannot? In my short time here I've seen new expats come and go due to their inability to adapt to island time. The secret is in your perception; it's all perception baby! Initially I allowed myself to fall into the "I'll be happy when..." trap and was very anxious to get settled here and felt like I wouldn't relax until all the details were sorted. I now realize that it will be a very long time before all my ducks are in a neat row here.

I am also realizing the meaning of the above quote. If I tune myself into the feeling of being settled even though there may still be business that needs to be sorted, I will take myself out of that place of discomfort that is impatience. There will always be things in life to wait for but if I waste my time jumping ahead and feeling unsettled until they happen, I will spend my entire life in limbo. At the same time simply tuning out and waiting patiently means that I am losing precious time as well. The only way to wait is happily... I may not be able to get my browser to load a page in under 30 seconds but if I align myself with joy and ecstasy during those 30 seconds it will not feel as though I've been waiting at all.

No one knows more than a single, working mother just how valuable time is but if you can find your happy place you will find yourself shrugging off long lines, slow internet and never ending red tape. Even in this world of urgency I am now able to catch myself appreciating those extra moments we call life.

Cabin Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:36:00 +0000

photo courtesy of best-horror-movies.com

I've been feeling a little like Jack Torrence lately since I've decided to put my nose to the grindstone and catch up on a few work-related projects. Some days over the past week Ive been too busy to eat or sleep so needless to say the kids are getting ants in their pants, anxiously awaiting the day when I can put the work aside and take them out for an ice cream or a leisurely stroll on the beach.

As much as I would love to hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having lately, I honestly just haven't been able to. The number of fights in the house has jumped considerably over the past 4-5 days and I think I've begun to hear echoes of Delbert Grady's voice in my mind... "Perhaps they need a good talking to if you don't mind my saying so..." (gotta love The Shining!)

Fortunately for all parties, I am closing in on the end of my long to-do list and we will be able to slow down a little again (it also helps that I have found a regular nanny and started to get them out of the house while I work) but all this chaos has made me realize the true downside to living so far away from friends and family when you have children. It's not just physical cabin fever that we are experiencing. There is definitely a metaphoric sense of the same that comes from the isolation we feel being so far from home. I'm feeling it and I know they are feeling it as well.

No matter how many different swimming pools they visit, new friends they meet or new creatures they discover in the lagoon or ocean, kids (and some adults) are still going to miss the company of their loved ones. Distraction is only effective for so long. I think it's time I put the work down and relieve the nanny for an afternoon. I know it'll certainly do me good to hush Delbert Grady and get the hell outta here for a while. A long stroll along the beach and some ice cream from Manelli's is definitely in order while we plan a much needed visit with family.

Ah the joys of balancing work, parenting and living an expat life :)

San Pedro Drama Club

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:54:00 +0000

image courtesy of oupeltglobalblog.com

Well that didn't take long! I've only been here two months and seven days and I have officially been inducted into the SPCD...

"Is this some sort of artsy, exclusive 'members only' club?" you ask. Naw, it's just the same old run of the mill circle of gossipers found in most small communities. You know the type, small-minded individuals who have nothing better to do with their time than pass judgement on others without knowing half what they need to in order to at least pass a somewhat accurate judgement.

I hate to disappoint but they will soon learn as so many before them have... I believe that what others think of me or my life decisions is really none of my business. Fortunately for me, this initiation makes for an entertaining blog post... and nothing more :)

Those who know me and my family can tell you that it doesn't take long for us to spark controversy wherever we go, especially in a small community. You know, what with our alcoholism, wife swapping lifestyle, delinquent children, ties to organized crime and that purple dragon thing that we keep locked in the basement. I mean, how can we not, right?

Part of my mission to elevate human consciousness involves eradicating judgement and in order to do so I must not judge those who judge me. Too deep? Sorry, I'll keep it light here. I just want to say that when it comes to this game, let it be known that I am no fun. I won't engage in it, period... nope, not gonna play! You'll just have to go find another willing embezzler or wife beater to play this game that never seems to get old for some.

Wishing love & light to all that inspired this post :)

Do You "Belize" In Love?

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:26:00 +0000

photo courtesy of usatoday.com

Seriously? Sorry ABC but you're going to have to do better than that to recruit me as a regular Bachelor viewer! Perhaps it's just that I'm not the romantic type at all but the only thing that held my attention during the recent episode was the strategic camera work which showcased the beautiful side of San Pedro. From the camera's perspective, it was breathtaking. And don't get me wrong, it really is beautiful; I just wish I had "zoom vision" so I could cut certain things out of the scene in reality. Like the trash that washes up on shore or the crown of mosquitoes everyone seems to wear at dusk. Ah well, that's the price you pay for raw, natural beauty I suppose.

As you can see I'm more of a realist that a romantic so I'm not sure if I'm the right person to address one of the biggest questions I've been asked: "What is the single/dating scene like in San Pedro?"

I could answer this any one of several ways... I could say "Well, depends on your age group..." or "Go to Wet Willy's on a Wednesday night..." or "Hmm, what's your sign?" but alas, I will spare you the Cupid act and simply say:

Here is the reality, whatever the Universe has in store for you will be found wherever you are so relax, take in the beauty. Have a couple of cold beverages to help with your "zoom vision" and take pleasure in the moment. "Just be..." and needless to say don't allow the magical charm of a tropical location to rush you into anything. I mean really, ask yourself why you want a ball & chain so badly anyway... okay okay, just because I don't "Belize" in love doesn't make me a bad person, jeesh!

I know, time for me to jump back into the pool isn't it? Alright then... SPLASH!!

'til next time!

The Ugly Side of Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

photo courtesy of abc.net.au

I think we are all familiar with the good (sunshine, beautiful scenery, diving etc.) and the bad (costly internet, hurricanes) when it comes to Belize but what you don't see anywhere out there is the downright ugly.

Don't worry, even the downright ugly isn't all that bad and can usually be overcome with a little effort.

You know I hate to do this but someone has to... Okay here it is, my list of unpleasant surprises:

Where are the beaches? All the ads and travel websites show pictures of beautiful beaches right? Well those photos can be very deceiving. Ambergris Caye has beauty beyond your wildest imagination don't get me wrong but there really isn't a public beach area or any ideal swimming spots (that we have found yet). The "beach" that runs along pretty much the entire length of town is very nice however it is a very narrow strip and mostly runs along resorts, restaurants and private homes. It is more of a walking/biking path. Although the water is a beautiful aqua green it is scattered with sea grass which is great for the ecosystem, just not the greatest for swimming. *(If wide expanses of pristine sandy beaches is what you are hoping for then Placencia is more the place for you.)

The bugs! Okay, everyone knows that Belize is known as "The Mosquito Coast" but seriously?? It's not just mosquitoes, there are sand fleas, sand flies, no-see-ums and the most stealthy little black mosquitoes in the world! You dont' hear then buzzing around you like you do at home, you don't feel them land on you like you do at home (giving you time to swat) but rather they swoop in, unseen and bite several times before you can feel the itch. It isn't until a short while after being attacked that you begin to feel the itch creeping up. Of course by then it's too late; you're covered in bites that will drive you mad for days.

Rats! No, seriously... rats! In the condo. We are staying in a decent resort/condo complex (not going to say which one) and discovered that we have a rat problem. Several neighbors filled us in shortly after we moved in (perfect timing!) Our property manager suggested filling in all gaps around plumbing etc. with expanding foam and putting out poison. Well... filling gaps, fine but I don't recommend the poison. I awoke one morning last week to find a medium sized rat in the middle of the floor, gasping for air and struggling to make his way across the room. It was just heartbreaking. As much as I don't want vermin for housemates it broke my heart to watch it die slowly (it took a few hrs.) I have heard that this is a common problem here but will need to hear directly from those who have experience with it before I will say for certain whether is this an island wide issue or specific to our location.

Bad hair day... every day. No one tells you that the salty, humid sea air here will turn your hair and skin into that of a sea hag. I find that I have to scrub my skin several times a day with an exfoliant to keep it from developing a grimy feel. I can't begin to tell you what it's done to my hair! Needless to say, I've had it wrapped in a bun 99% of the time. No feeling attractive here, nope.

Stray Animals... everywhere. I was warned before I arrived here but it still doesn't prepare you for the sight of mangy looking stray dogs in the streets, in restaurants, even in grocery stores! They just run loose everywhere and for the most part get fed here and there but the worst is the fighting. Witnessing a dog fight can be a harrowing experience. We had the unfortunate opportunity to stand helplessly by as one of the strays in town literally killed another dog. I can't describe the feeling... and having to help the kids through it, well that's another post!

Immigration & Residency In Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:10:00 +0000

Belize's policy when it comes to residency is easily found online. You're passport is stamped when you enter Belize which is good for 30 days. Upon expiry and every 30 days after that you must visit the immigration office to get another stamp (tourist visa). The cost is $50 BZ for the first 6 months and $100 BZ after that. Everything I read before I got here said that you must be in the country 6 mos before you can apply for a business permit and 12 mos for a work permit but this just isn't so. They do like to see some permanency when considering a work or business permit but the application is actually the same for both and it is only recommended that you be here 6 mos. *The tourist visa extension (passport stamp) states that you can remain in the country provided you agree not to conduct business or work during that time.

The (immigration) policy states that you must be able to prove that you have the financial means to remain in the country which I believe is set at an amount of $60/day (pp). This is not always asked of you when visiting the immigration office. As a matter of fact I think they are more concerned with you getting there by the required date. *Note: The office is not open on weekends so according to a very helpful immigration officer who we interviewed last week, if your stamp expires on a Saturday then you must come in no later than the Friday prior to expiration. If it expires on a Sunday then you are okay to come in the next day. However he did stress that it is wise to err on the side of safety and go in on Friday anyway as it is at the individual officer's discretion how a tardy visit will be handled. You may be given a warning or could be refused your stamp. In which case, it's "Adios amigo!"

A typical visit consists of waiting in line, requesting an extension, receiving an invoice (a hand-written piece of paper) which you need to take down the hall to the treasury office and pay, then return to the immigration office with your receipt and get stamped. Simple as that.

Earning In Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Well this is a tricky one... the rules say that you must be in Belize for a minimum of 6 months to be eligible for a business permit and 12 months for a work permit. I have not found this to be the case in reality. I was welcomed into the Labor Office and provided with a list of items I should return with in order to obtain a business/work permit. (below) Now, I should say that the list of items isn't particularly difficult to get but indeed it has proven to be very frustrating. For example, the trade license is something that gave me a particularly unbearable headache! I visited the Town Council office (located on the second story of the sea green building next to SpinDrift) and was told that I needed to have a business permit first in order to obtain a trade license. You can see where this is going... After several visits to various government offices where I was greeted with the same nod of agreement and shoulder shrug when I explained my confusion I finally found a compassionate soul who let me in on the big secret. I needed to return to the Town Council office and ask for a provisional trade license to use for the purpose of getting the business license at which point I could return to the same office and apply for the actual trade license. (no comment!)

As well I was given three choices when applying for my police record.
1) visit Belmopan and have it the same day (timing is important on this one because you must reach the police station in Belmopan by 10 am in order to have it back by 4 pm the same day. So from San Pedro your best bet would be to fly over on Tropic Air or risk having to spend the night in Belmopan)
2) request it through the police station in San Pedro at a cost of $12 BZ and have it back in 4 weeks
3) request it through the Minister's office (located on the main floor of the Town Council bldg) at a cost of $24 BZ but have it in 1 week

I opted for #3 since it was reasonably priced, saved me a much dreaded flight on a puddle-jumper and seemed quick enough. So, let's see, that was back at the end of January and we are now past mid-March. No police records have arrived from Belmopan yet! Mind you there were federal and municipal elections held on the 7th of March which interrupted a lot of government business but really?

If my experience doesn't appeal to you, one can have a local resident with connections facilitate and speed up the process of obtaining a work/business permit for a fee of $1,500 - $2,500 US saving you the legwork of running around to get all of the items on the list. Average turnaround time on this is 3-5 days and it is my understanding that just your passport is required. This alternative option was explained to me by a reliable source who tells me it is perfectly legal. His advice was just to beware of who you are giving your money to... make sure it is someone well-known and reputable. I think that as deep as I am now into this process I'll save my $2,000 and be grateful that I have a Canadian consulting business which provides me with the required income to stay in Belize as a tourist for now.

**Here is the list of required items for obtaining a work/business permit in Belize. The process for both are the same with a few minor exceptions. It was also explained to me that the application is processed through both the labour office and the immigration office. Although the official list states the 6 month requirement the nice young man who helped me explained (as he stressed that it was "mandatory" and pointed to the same on the paper) that it is merely a suggestion! I had to laugh at that one. So the bottom line is that you can go ahead and apply whenever you like; they just like to see some proof of permanency from the applicant.

WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

1) Valid Passport

2) Application Form (A&R)

3) Three recent photographs (passport size)

4) Police Record

5) Treasury Receipt of $25 admin fee, $20 worth of postage stamps (Post Office or Treasury receipt)

6) Three job advertisement clippings from local newspaper (not applicable for self-employment applicant)

7) Bank statement (Self-employed)

8) Trade License (Issued by Town Council OR City Council)

9) Recommendation letter from the Village Council / letter of recommendation from employer / church (missionary work)

10) Registration certificate (Companies – Organizations)

11) Qualifications – Diplomas, certificates etc.

12) Recommendation letter of support – from relevant Ministry or Local or Ministry of Education, Village Council, Relevant Association, Religious Denomination, Applications in respect to Companies Documentary Evidence of Incorporation and Old Company Tract Record, BELTRAIDE and EPZ Committee etc.

APPLICATIONS ON OTHER GROUNDS

1) GROUNDS ON LONGEVITY – Documentary evidence of legal entry.

2) GROUNDS ON FAMILY RELATIONS – Marriage certificate and/or a declaration witnessed by a commissioner of the Supreme Court for any person of Common Law relationship, Birth Certificate proof of Citizenship of Spouse (permanent residence / Nationality)

3) GROUNDS ON SPECIAL OR UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS – Documentary evidence of training and training proposal and for training Belizean counterparts.

PLEASE ALLOW 3-4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING

MANDATORY – PRSON MUST RESIDE IN THE COUNTRY FOR 6 MONTHS FOR TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT.

APPLICANT AND PERSON APPLYING FOR WORK PERMIT MUST BE PRESENT DURING INTERVIEW.

*The approval process can also be expedited by incorporating your business which entails a visit to Belmopan, approximately $700 US and some involvement of a local lawyer (approximately $400 US) This also allows you to set up a corporate bank account in Belize which provides you with more privacy regarding transactions etc.

To avoid having to deal with this altogether, any home-based business is going to be your ticket to paradise. It doesn't have to earn you a mint either. If you're going to barely "get by" in your home country, why not just "get by" in the tropics? Trust me, it'll be the best decision you ever make!

I've done a bit of research and made a short list of what seems to be the most realistic businesses that could potentially be packed up and taken anywhere.

Best Mobile Business Options

consulting (of any kind)
writing (copywriting, editing, ghostwriting, blogging, travel writing etc.)
travel photography
virtual assistant

You likely will have to combine a few of the above to earn enough to live on unless you become very successful with one but still a great way to live in paradise!

**Internet service in Belize is slower than it is in the U.S. or more developed countries. It is also more costly. Please see "Cost of Living" for more information on the internet in Belize.

Local Business

You will always find a bar or hotel for sale here in San Pedro but heed the warnings and give it some time before you commit to a local business. If hospitality is not really your thing, I hear from several sources that (good) contractors are always needed here.