It was not long before  Seleni and Madison came along and wanted to share our toys. They played with the hula hoops and the float rings and were very eager to have us pull them around the pool. As soon as Dennis worked out that the shallow fountain pool was warmer than the big pool kiddy rides stopped and lounge time was on. Looking back, I should have have stayed there and not volunteered to go to the store.

They say bad things happen in three’s well I can vouch for that one. Before our road trip, Dennis came upstairs to cook a chicken carcass for soup, got busy didn’t notice that the water had boiled away. Not long after I suffered from severe burnt toast and later in the afternoon I got my freak accident out of the way for 2012 [and hopefully longer].

Dennis and I were going to pick up smokes for Paul at the store and while driving there I turned to the side at the wrong time, Denis hit a bump and before I could stop it from happening I got spat out of the cart and onto the dirt road. It was pretty funny till I tried to get up and discovered my right foot was likely sprained. I also got my left finger and now I cannot do peace signs or flip anyone the bird for a while.  The silver lining to this dark storm cloud was…. when Paul found out he kissed my sore finger better and immediately proceeded to make sure I had food in front of me and ordered shrimp Quesadilla. He knows me so well good food = tacogirl. Back at our lounge chairs, Dennis did a finger kiss to my knee and asked if Paul had kissed my booboo’s. He said “that is the first thing you do when a girl gets hurt”. I told him he is going to make someone a great boyfriend one day. I cannot even claim party foul on my golf cart accident, while I did have a white rum and cranberry juice in the cart with me, I was no where near drunk or even tipsy for that matter – chalking it up to centrifugal acceleration force and a dumb@ss accident

This unfortunate incident left me researching how stunt men do it. My first Google search was ‘how to fall out of a moving golf cart’ I was not surprised that turned up some interesting stuff including a video of John falling out of a golf cart. I instantly got sidetracked watching videos of Jackass boys and their golf cart antics, this left me thankful that Johnny Knoxville or Bam Margera were not driving or my injuries would have been way worse. I wonder if the golf cart company charged for extra insurance when Johnny Knoxville was in San Pedro.

I also found some interesting stats on golf cart occupant ejections from Technology Associates Engineering experts website. Based on CPSC statistics, roughly 40% of golf cart accidents involve a person falling out of the car, and many of these accidents involve young children. In addition to ejection accidents, approximately 10% of golf cart accidents involve a rollover and statistics indicate that such accidents are roughly twice as likely to lead to injuries requiring a hospital stay as non-rollover accidents.

Passenger Ejections – One common scenario for a passenger ejection accident occurs when a cart, traveling near its maximum speed, is turned sharply to the left. During a sharp left turn, centrifugal acceleration forces tend to force the passenger to his right, which can lead to ejection. Sharp turns are less likely to lead to a driver ejection because the driver has the steering wheel to hold onto and can always anticipate when he is about to initiate a turn.

Golf carts are typically designed with rectangular or semicircular bars that rise up from each side of the car’s bench seat and are designed to serve as both handholds and hip restraints. One of the deficiencies of this design is that the location of the handhold (i.e. at the outboard edge of the seat) is also the fulcrum about which an ejected passenger will tend to rotate. Therefore, this type of handhold, even when used, does not provide the passenger sufficient leverage to prevent ejection. Another possible deficiency is that the side restraint is often not large enough to prevent ejections.

And so ends my story of how I grounded myself on Sunday funday driving along the north Ambergris Caye road with Dennis. I would like to remind everyone to be careful when driving golf carts around town, especially if you have kids on them and pay attention to the laws of gravity . Off to make our morning juice and ice my foot.

[p.s. tech troubles with file names on camera, one pic not showing in order.]

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Aids Awareness Dinner at tonight – Three Course Meal at Crave. $65.00 per person with a portion going  the Belize AIDS Commission. You will also have a chance to win some good prizes at the raffles and auction, both ongoing throughout the night.

This Saturday Dec 3rd  marks the  6th annual San Pedro lighted boat parade. We had a great time last year and watched the parade from Coral Bay Villas with good friends and a poolside shrimp boil at the beach. This year’s festivities include the wonderful viewing of the lighted boats, Santa visiting the docks with goodies, face painting, DJ Debbie providing the evening’s music. For more information please go to the official  San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade website fr more details. [while looking up past boat parade posts I found a great one from Dec 2010 Coconut Leo climbing palm trees at Exotic Caye.]

Aids Awareness boat from 2007 San Pedro Lighted Boat Parade

For those of you looking to do something different this could be it -  Bill Yim, Party Caricaturist from Hong Kong, is on Ambergris Caye and doing 3 shows nightly at Rendezvous Restaurant and Winery. Rendezvous is approx 3.5-4miles north of town. If you are feeling ambitious, you can walk there on the beach in under 45min.  If you prefer a ride, the Coastal Express water taxi is your best option.  [A few minutes walk from Captain Morgan's dock]

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When residents of the San Mateo reported that there was an injured dog, possibly shot, in their neighbourhood, Hurricane Rina was threatening the coast of Ambergris Caye. Evacuations were in progress and SAGA was making
emergency plans in case the hurricane struck. Despite all of that, SAGA workers and volunteers hurried into action to try to find the dog and bring him in for examination.

It is always very concerning to hear that someone may have been shooting a gun in a residential area where so many families live, so the SAGA team were hoping that the report was not true. Unfortunately, residents confirmed that shots had been heard the night before and they located the injured dog quickly.

After muzzling the dog for their own safety, a SAGA volunteer and a SAGA staff member, wrapped him in a blanket and rushed him back to the clinic, where he was given urgent medical treatment by the SAGA veterinary surgeon.

Once the wounds were exposed, it was very clear that it was a gunshot wound and the bullet had entered and left the dogs body. Lucky for this little dog, no vital organs had been damaged and SAGA was able to save his life.

Because the dog had been abandoned he has no name, so SAGA named him Si and he is currently in a foster home receiving the love and attention he needs to help recover both his health and his confidence.

SAGA deals with animal emergencies in San Pedro every day, helping to make the community safer for people and pets. They depend on your donations and support to provide this very special ‘emergency service’. Si is one of the lucky ones, because the caring people of San Mateo made sure they called SAGA.

If you have an animal emergency or have seen an animal that needs help, please call SAGA on 226 3266.

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I finished up my work early today so I could do out with Dick and Paula to celebrate his birthday. Since it was his day we gave him carte blanche to choose what ever he wanted to do. Paula and I were happy that going for a swim at the beach was what his top pick and we all agreed a nice walk down to Banyan Bay area was a perfect way to celebrate.  We hung out on the dock and got chatting with a nice couple who was repeat vacationing. The November weather was perfect and the water at the end of the dock was gorgeous. It was so shallow that we were able to sit in the sand and relax, I felt like I was at a tropical spa. Afterward we decided that fish and chips at El Divino restaurant was in order, so we walked to Banana Beach Resort for lunch. They make the best fish and chips there and the staff is always friendly and making us laugh. [ If you go fishing and have a big Catch you can take it to El Divino and they will cook it up any style, forget the price but it is very reasonable. Our friend Mary did that when she was here and ordered family style sides to go with the fish]

On a slightly different note, I found an interesting article that many of you will enjoy  – Expat stereotypes: Do we deserve them?

We are all aware of the different stereotypes attached to local groups when we are visiting or living in their country, but it seems to be less often discussed how we expats might also easily be stereotyped. Obviously the locals in a city where many other nationalities are congregating can generalize about each group, and and the expats themselves can also group the others together as well. To read the full article go to Expatify.com

Hare are pics from our walk and beach time, a small part of me fell in love with Ambergris Caye all over again today as I was thinking about how it took us 15 minutes to get from my front door to the end of the dock and tropical paradise.

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Hoping to go to class today but I have a feeling the pool will be closed. Quite a few businesses around town were closed yesterday – glad DandE’s was open.

Likely write more later.

This next round of pictures is Our walk through town on the beach. We stopped at Master Lee’s for a drink and some almond cookies, then we watched them play backgammon for a bit on the side street by Estel’s and headed to DandE’s for frozen custard.

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They say that ‘curiosity killed the cat’ and in Lucky’s case, this almost came true. Darling little Lucky was brought into Pampered Paws looking like he’d been fighting a war – and he was the loser. It is believed that his terrible facial injury was due to an unfortunate encounter with a raccoon.

Lucky was suffering from a terrible injury and could not breathe properly after having his tiny face sliced right open from the top of his forehead to his mouth. Part of his nose was completely missing. It was a serious wound for such a young animal to suffer, but Lucky was very lucky indeed to find himself in the care of San Pedro’s very own Humane Society, SAGA.

Dr. Orlando, the caring SAGA vet, took one look at little Lucky and decided to undertake reconstructive surgery immediately, which would not only save his life,

but help him to develop and grow normally. It was a delicate operation, as Lucky was so small and was already having difficulty breathing. The surgery was detailed and lengthy, but in the end the amazing SAGA team gave Lucky a brand new face and the chance to breathe and eat as well as enjoy a full and pain free life.

Within a week, Lucky was recuperating and well enough to go into a foster home, where he can receive plenty of love and attention before finding a permanent and loving home. Lucky couldn’t have been luckier and you can hardly tell that he’s had any ‘work’.

If you know an animal that needs a little bit of luck in their lives, please call SAGA on 226 3266. Please don’t forget that SAGA depends entirely on the donations of the public to do the important and life saving work that they do in the San Pedro community.

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Grand Caribe Belize Beach Resort

Giant Lobster found in pool at Grand Caribe Resort

What a fantastic day perfect tropical September weather I am so glad I had my birthday at Grand Caribe Resort, I could not think of a better place. We ate, drank, hula hooped and floated in the pool for hours. Cowboy Doug was an excellent host and the staff at Footprints Beach Bar and Grill did a great job at making sure we were well taken care of. Thank you to Grand Caribe for putting up with our floaty toy invasion and my birthday present – a complimentary drink for all my party guests.

I am officially the last man standing aside from CD,  it is 8:33pm [the day after] and I have not made it home yet. Cowboy Doug is letting me use his lap top to get this post started. I have a lot of pictures to edit so you will have to wait till I get back to my own machine tomorrow for pics of the beach front condo, and our pool party fun.

Colder weather is coming fast and I know many of you are in Belize vacation planning mode. If you missed my write up on the 14 night special Grand Caribe Resort is offering check North Ambergris Caye News post for details. Don’t forget to join Grand Caribe facebook fan page to keep updated on future specials and daily news.

3:36pm Tuesday, I finally made it home. Cowboy offered me a ride, he had a few errands  to run along the way and I told him I could help him out for finding some of the things he needed. Along the way we ended up with an invite to Pedro’s for some of Waiter’s famous stew and the Arsenal game – always a good time.

I just finished unpacking and noticed I was feeling much like many of you do when you get home from a trip to Ambergris Caye and find yourself having to get back to the real world. I am already missing Grand Caribe and the peaceful vacation feeling. We do not get away enough, I am sure many of you can relate.

I was pleased after a quick check on on tacogirl.com facebook page, I saw that at least one person fell for my giant lobster trick. I definitely have my work cut out for me, 315 pictures  and 8 videos to edit not even ready to see what gmail is looking like h ha. I am still missing the proper codex for movie maker on this lap top so I will have to get that sorted out before I can get Emily’s hula show on tacogirl.com youtube.

Sunday was a perfect day for my party, and we decided to head to Grand Caribe early even though my invite was for noon.  Cindy and I took charge of the packing, of course we ended up with a floaty toy convoy.  Nothing like driving through town with a bunch of blow ups strapped to your cart.  After a quick stop in town for more hoops we were on our way north.

Once we crossed the bridge that Sunday drive in the country getting away from it all feeling hit me, the drive  is such a nice one. Grand Caribe is only 2 miles north so it was not long before we were at the resort, thankfully the roads were in decent condition. When we arrived, Beth and Char were already at the pool,  smart girls had the same idea as we did – more pool ti

[ click the following link Grand Caribe Resort pool party part 2 to see hula hooping, pool party and condo pictures. ]

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I have a few things to report for North Ambergris Caye area today. First off Grand Caribe Resort and Condominiums is offering a great 14 Night Special; pay 7 nights and stay 14 nights.  Special runs from August 15th to December 24th, 2011 and January 1st to February 1st, 2012.

Grand Caribe has 500 feet of beachfront, 3 swimming pools, a wonderful pier, Foot Prints Poolside Bar and Grill serves great food and drinks right on site. You can even have meals delivered right to your condo! There are also  Several restaurants within walking distance and a  full service concierge can book any tour Belize has to offer.

If you are a tropical swimming pool fan I would definitely put a visit to Grand Caribe on your list. I am in the works of planning a pool there – stay tuned for more info on that.

[picture alignment issues with internet explorer will fix shortly]

Second, Maureen and JD are having a Big yard Sale this Sunday August 28th 2pm – 4pm
Their house is on Left hand side of the road just before Palapa Bar. Look for MJ sign on the fence.

List of items for sale:

One Hummingbird Rocking Chair, living room Chair, Large Sideboard, Display Arch shelves,
two Hummingbird oblong coffee tables , one round coffee table, one T.V. display shelf three levels,
one corner display shelving, one large linen cupboard, one Vanity Unit with stool

Kitchen Equipment – bowls, utensils, chopping boards, blenders, plates, Pyrex dishes, pans, cutlery, serving dishes,baking trays, etc, etc.

Various Curtains, 50 dvds, books, magazines , Christmas decorations, toolbox with tools, chest freezer, selection of cushions, lamps, and ornaments.

Leaving country and everything must go.

Last but not least – Reminder of the clean-up campaign  from Diane Campbell – SATURDAY, 27 AUGUST – starting at 8 AM.

There will be two Clean Teams – one meeting at the Bridge and working North; one meeting behind Capricorn and working south. Each team will have a Town Board Truck accompanying it.

Clean-Teams meet their respective trucks at 8AM. Scott Harnish will direct the Bridge Team.
Tammy Peterson will direct the Capricorn Team. There will be a supply of drinking water in the team cart.

Bridge Team works heading North, Capricorn Team works heading south. Meet in the middle at Palapa bar for lunch, swim and re-hydration.

Town Board is sending two trucks and four staff. Tony is donating the use of his backhoe.
BTB is sending 8 staff. Other resorts, companies and individuals are pitching in. The greater the number of volunteers, the more we can do in less time – and it will be FUN. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!

Trash bags will be available from Tammy or Scott in advance of the initiative, and will be at each team-cart during the clean-up.

Please bring gloves if you have them.

MANY THANKS to the Town Board for mosquito fogging the road in advance of this initiative. The fogger went through yesterday, and will make another pass through the area early on Saturday, in advance of our clean-up work.

This is the beginning of a series of initiatives to make our neighborhood cleaner, safer and more beautiful.

JOIN IN!!

For information on the Bridge Team – Scott Harnish – 610-4322
For information on the Capricorn Team – Tammy Peterson – 610-0226
Other information/co-ordination – Diane Campbell – 610-5118

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So I wrapped up work and headed out the door on foot with my bike and music player. As I was walking the back road through San Pablo, Glenn called out to me from his backyard work shop and asked if I wanted a ride. Perfect timing.

Josiemar quickly assessed the bike and came to the same conclusion as I had that both tires and tubes should be replaced. So we headed off to Castillos Hardware to get what was needed then Josiemar and his helper went back to Changes in Latitudes courtyard to do my Bike repair. Cost of 2 white wall tires and 2 tubes $43.75 bzd.

I continued on by foot taking stock pictures and doing errands in town. It was not long before I got the text that my bike was ready to be picked up. I started walking and quickly hitched a ride with Walter to Latitudes Bed and Breakfast. Josiemar left it up to me how much I should pay him for the bike repair so I gave him $30 and his helper $5.

I decided to test out my new whitewall tires take and it for a spin. I wanted to get some tie straps and redo my basket so I headed to Captain Sharks and got 10 for $2.50 bzd. After that I went to the other side of the airstrip for a bit to take some more pictures and sit under a tree for a while.

I took my Ormon pedometer out with me as I was planning on walking the full way to town and back. In spite of all the rides, I managed to walk 8429 steps or 2.79 miles.

Tropical living tip – if you do not plan to use your bike for a while let the air out of the tires, it will help to keep them from cracking and avoid blow outs – by Josiemar.

Glenn offered me a ride

Castillos Hardware with Josiemar and his helper

2 whitewall tires number 26 please

New tires and tubes

A road less traveled

Water view San Pedrito area

Sitting under a tree

To find out more about the different areas of Ambergris Caye island visit
25 years ago on Ambergris Caye by Angel Nunez

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