Exploring-the-Hills-of-the-Cayo-Di

Visitor Guide Page 1 February 3, 2011

Despite the immense love we have for Ambergris Caye, there is enough love to spread around for the entire country of Belize. Being from the largest district, Cayo, I find that there is always a little pull towards home. Every once in a while, it’s time to pack up for the weekend and head to the mountains and ‘green’ air. It takes about 3 hours via bus from Belize City to the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio, the base of travel to other parts of the district. If one were driving down, well, that time is cut to about an hour and a half (driving carefully of course!) From San Ignacio, it’s easy to catch a bus to other parts of the district. Of course, having been raised in San Antonio, it’s the way to go for me if I want to explore the Pine Ridge Area. To do so, the half hour to 45 minute bus ride on the Mesh line to San Antonio is the way to go. Along the way, there is a lot to observe, and the sheer greenery on either side of the road is breathtaking. Even the air is different: cleaner, fresher and much cooler. The few miles through Cristo Rey to San Antonio are a mix of paved streets and bumpy, dusty roads that wind through high hills and over bridges crossing small creeks, plus of course, the ever present and spine tingling Monkey Falls. No matter how many times one takes this route, it’s nearly always the same. That sense of timelessness and unchanged surroundings makes for a peace-ful coming home feel. A little development here and there shows, but for the most part, everyone is happily chugging along to the same beat. The plan is to head over to the Pine Ridge area to see Five Sis-ters Falls and then take a dip in the river/pool at Pinol from San Antonio. San Antonio is a Yucatec Maya village located in a valley, and the mountains that we greet on a daily basis cocoons us like a bowl of green. The sounds of birds, and other calls through the day and night echo in our ears, and remind us that while we may be the dominant species, there are other creatures in this world that have their territory staked and marked for themselves. If staying overnight in the village (and truly, who would give up the chance to do so?) indulge in the fantastic folklore stories. There are places to stay, mostly in the outskirts of the village heading to the Pine Ridge Area. When dawn breaks, and the sun makes its long trek to peek at us from the top of the mountains, it’s time to gear up for an outing to Pine Ridge. After packing extra clothing and food items for a fun day out, we jump into the car and start the drive. Along the way, one can note the new buildings that have cropped up throughout the years. Right next to them are the typical thatched roof homes that house an entire family, smoke coming out from the backs where a fire hearth smolders, awaiting to cook the noonday lunch, or afternoon supper. Pretty soon, we’re deep into the Pine Ridge area, and the road is deep, orangey red and sandy. Pine trees swish by us as the car picks up speed. A cloud of dust marks our way down the winding road. The trek slows down as we take the curve and head down a hilly spot on the way to Five Sisters Lodge and the falls. A sign indicates that we must ask permission to trek down the steps to observe the falls, and the very friendly receptionist grants our wish and sends us off on our way to the falls. The roar of the falls greets us down the first stair and we are excited to observe the rushing waters peeking through the trees.

Continued on Page 3

Enjoying the hills of the Cayo District

Reservations: 501-226-2012Fax: 501-226-2338Email: [email protected]

The Airline of Belize www.tropicair.com

February 3, 2011

Vol. 21 #05

Ambergris Caye, Belize Central America

The Island

Newspaper

THE SAN PEDRO SUN

VISITOR GUIDEFREE

Page 2 Visitor Guide February 3, 2011

The San Pedro Sun is mailed everywhere.Publisher The San Pedro Sun Ltd. Ron Sniffin [email protected] Tamara Sniffin [email protected] Reporter Dennis Craft [email protected] Writer/ Mary Gonzalez [email protected] Graphic DesignOffice Assistant Nathalie Manuel [email protected] The San Pedro Sun, P.O. Box 35, San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye, BelizeTelephone 011-501-226-2070US Telephone (307) 460-4114Fax 011-501-226-2905E-Mail [email protected]/WEB www.sanpedrosun.com www.sanpedrosun.blogspot.comMain Office #63 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro

Receive The San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide weekly in your mailbox. 25 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $60 U.S. Domestic: $60 BZ. 50 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $110 U.S. Domestic: $110 BZ. (Other locations vary.)

More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize!

Name

Address

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E-mail:

Where did you read your San Pedro Sun?

Where did you take your San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide? Take a photo of you and the paper and send it to us at

[email protected]

Photos taken in unique and unusual places are pre-ferred. Be sure to identify who is in the photo and

where the photo was taken. Don’t forget to include your names and what you were doing.

Gil Carlson, the bro-ker/owner of

Re/Max Isla Bonita reads The San Pedro Sun on the deck of

his son’s home during the Christmas Holidays in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was the first time in four years the entire family celebrated the

holidays together.The 40 degree

temperature was much higher than

normal for this time of year but it was still 45 degrees lower than

in San Pedro.


After a set of fifteen or so steps, there is an observation landing, and we take breathers and enjoy the sight. The stairs lead ever further down, and those adventurous souls who are accustomed to trekking up and down hills find it easy to get an up close and personal look at the rushing waters. For those who have gotten used to the flat beaches, well, taking in Mother Nature’s glorious falls from the top is just as fun.

Besides, a refreshing dip at Pinol awaits. About ten minutes after leaving Five Sisters Falls, we arrive at Pinol. We can hear trickling water and see a nice picnic area set up. Perfect for a family getaway (just pack the bug spray!), Pinol Sands has beautiful running water, a palapa perfect to hang a hammock and swing away the afternoon. There is even a bathroom and

Cayo District Continued from Page 1

Continued on Page 6


ELITE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS (EREI) - We are Ambergris Caye’s real estate specialists. Call now to schedule your free professional investment consultation. Under $200K to $4.1M. Call 226-2260, or email: [email protected]. By appointment.SUNRISE REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, condos and investment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or E-mail: [email protected] RE/MAX Isla Bonita, 1ocated at 10 Coconut Drive, San Pedro. 226-4400 e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at www.owninbelize.com CASA CAYO - www.casacayorealestate.com. Check out our weekly specials, and our newest offering: In-digo. Luxury Beachfront Condominium Homes. www.indigobelize.com. Visit our office located at the South corner of Pescador Dr. (middle street) or call 226-2791 or 610-3005.

CARTS BELIZE - Conveniently located just one block north of the airstrip. Hourly, Daily & Weekly. Call 226-4084.COASTAL XPRESS WATER TAXI – Scheduled ferry service & water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone 226-3007.

GRUMPY & HAPPY - Snorkeling - private snorkel tours - just you on the boat, no set schedule! Visitors with special needs and children are welcome. Call 226-3420 or 672-1234. Visit www.grumpyandhappy.com, or Email: [email protected] SANDS DIVE SHOP - Specializing in daily full-service diving and SCUBA instruction. We pick you up at your hotel’s dock. www.whitesandsdiveshop.com, 226-2405.

CASTILLO’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, electron-ics, household appliances, tools, home repair items and a wide variety of paints, stains and varnishes. Pescador Drive. Phone 226-2302.

Police 226-2022South Police Sub-Station - 610-4911Fire 226-2372Emergency 911Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPSLos Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 226-2686.Dr. Lerida Rodriguez: 226-2197 or cell 620-1974.Dr. Miguel Allison: 226-4052 or cell 600-9071. (Pharmacy 226-4051)San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 600-7119Dr. David Armold, Chiropractor: 634-0723.Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851 or 226-3195, Dr. Otto Rodriguez - 604-7599 or 226-2854. Antonia Guerrero - 628-3828 or 226- 4501.San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536. Dr. Zuniga: 670-8755 and Dr. Otto Rodri-guez: 604-7599.Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660, Emergencies: 629-3618.US Embassy - 822-4011Labour Office - 226-2700 (Open 8am - 5pm, Mon. - Fri.)Canadian Consulate - 223-1060Mexican Embassy - 223-0193Guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150Honduran Embassy - 224-5889British High Commissioner – 822-2146Local British Warden – 226-3658/610-3658San Carlos Medical (MD & Dentist Services) - 7:30am - 9:00pm, 226-2918SACNW substation - 610-4911Escalante Neighborhood Watch - 605-7803 Daytime only, 662-2725 Nighttime only, 630-5945- Call between 10:30pm and 6:00am.

IMPORTANT #s

San Pedro Roman Catholic Church Sunday Mass: (English) 8am & 10am & Baptism: 11am; Spanish: 7pm; Mass or Communion Service every night at 7pm. Saturday evening: Anticipated Sunday Mass: 7p.m. Daily Masses 7am & 7pm.Living Word Church Service Sun. 10:45 a.m, Youth Meetings on Sundays at 7:30p.m., Women’s meetings on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., and Men’s meetings on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. We do Christian charity work. 226-2950.Assembly of God Church on Angel Coral St. T-W-St.-Sn. at 7:30 p.m. Lighthouse Christian Radio - 101.3 FM. 226-4673, Cor. Buccaneer & Pes-cador Drive.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Sunday Service: 9:30 am, Wednesday Scripture Study 7:00 pm. On the beach, in front of Ambergris Divers @ Blue Rail Apartments.San Pedro Church of Christ: Across the bridge to the left. 206-2731. Ser-vices: Sunday – 9am-11am, Bible Study & Worship Service. 7pm-8:30pm – Worship Service. Wednesday – 7pm-to8:30pm, Bible Study; Thursday – La-dies Classes; Friday-Youth Class

Services...

Transportation...

Belize Tourism Board - 227-2419.Belize Tourism Industry Associa-tion (BTIA) - 227-5717.Belize Hotel Association - 223-0669, [email protected] Pedro Tourist Guide Associa-tion 226-2391.

Tourist Information

Church Services

Water, Sports & Tours

Real Estate...

The Lions Club of San Pedro relies on income from its Friday Night BBQ, plus Reds’ famous chicken ceviche to support the needy community. Bingo starts at 7pm every Friday!! Help a great cause -have dinner with us!Green Reef A non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s marine and coastal resources. [email protected] /226-2833.Saga Society A non-profit “humane society” to address the stray cat and dog population in San Pedro. Phone 226-3266.CARE BELIZE - Children’s Specialist, San Pedro. 622-8200.SP Town Library - 206-2028.

Miscellaneous

SuDoku! Answers on Page 5


SAN PEDRO FITNESS CLUB – A/C Gym, Fully-equipped. Open to the public. Tennis Courts, Lap and Family pools, Aqua Fitness and Toning Classes.Open 7am-8pm Monday - Friday, 7am-5pm Saturday, 11am-5pm Sundays. 226-4749. [email protected] GREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce & Seafood. Belizean and imported speciality. Fresh herbs, cold cuts, chilled goods, plus an exciting selection of groceries. A/C local on Pescador Dr, next to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union. 226-2084.Ak’BOL YOGA RETREAT CENTER BELIZE- daily yoga classes at the end of the pier! All levels welcome! Mon-Sat 9am $15US/drop

in class/mats available. Kids Yoga Wed 3:30pm $10BZ. BackPackers Welcome: $35-50US/nt+tx - also thatched cabanas by the seaCAYE INTERNATIONAL BANk - Offering Demand Deposit Ac-counts, Loans, Savings Accounts, etc. [email protected] or phone 226-2388.

- located in the Vilma Linda Pla-za (the big purple

building) Custom framing/art gallery featuring original Belizean art and crafted items. Mon-Sat 10 to 6, Ph: 226-4437

T H E S A N P E D R O SUN VISITOR’S GUIDEDining Out...

...Unique Offerings...

CELI’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH at the San Pedro Holiday Hotel, serves Great Fajitas, salads and local dishes for lunch. Delectable Seafood Speciaties for dinner. OUTDOOR & INDOOR DINING 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday Beach BBQ. Also stop in at CELI’S DELI for treats and hot breakfasts!BLUE WATER GRILL – Island cuisine with a twist! Wood-fired Oven Piz-zas, Sushi & more! Open daily. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. 226-3347.Ak’BOL YOGA RETREAT CENTER Beach restaurant/bar, local food@ local prices, hearty breakfasts, Daily Belizean Lunch Specials, pizzas, Fish and Lobster dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan options. 1 mile North of the bridge, on the beach/cool breezesNAUTICA SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR - Fine dining on an intimate balcony over the water. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes and specials. Upstairs inside Fido’s Courtyard. Call 226-3265. Closed Sunday & Monday.RICO’S SURFSIDE RESTAURANT – A truly unique dining experience on the beach at Banyan Bay. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Phone 226-3739 ext. 135.AJI TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT: Open Daily 11am - 9pm. Please join us: 226-4047.EL DIVINO RESTAURANT at BANANA BEACH - Serving breakfast,

Party...Party!!

SuDoku Answers! Puzzle on Page 4

lunch and dinner from 6 a.m - 10 p.m. Book your party or banquet today! Phone 226-2444. MICkEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch and 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritos on Wednesdays. Pescador Drive. Call 226-2223.CARAMBA’S RESTAURANT - Where the food always speaks for itself. Come enjoy excellent seafood and great margaritas!! 226-4321.

THE HANGOVER SPORTS BAR AT THE HOLIDAY HOTEL - En-joy delicious tropical cocktails and hang out on the deck on the beach. Barrier Reef Dr. 226-2014.FIDO’S RESTAURANT & BAR - Fun & food on the beach. Live music nightly, island drink specials, new shot menu with over twenty selections! 226-3176TRADEWINDS RESORT & BAR - Fun for everyone. Formerly Mayas Katut, we are now a family friendly place to enjoy great drinks, snacks and swim in our pool!! Come on by!! 670-4808


changing area for those ready to dip into the cold waters of the pool. Warm sea water it is not, but after a quick dunk, the body embraces the cold. It is in these pools that we relax, and surrounded by pine trees, abundant foliage and the possibility of all manner of wildlife well-hidden away until they decide to come out and roam at night, this is where home is: Cayo, green, fertile and constant. For those wishing to drive at their own pace, hiring a car is their best bet. We recommend renting a vehicle from Crystal Auto Rentals (223-1600 or 0-800-777-7777). From their office and parking lot in Belize City, you can drive down to the Cayo District and onwards to San Antonio and Pine Ridge. When traveling at your own pace, everything slows down, and you can create memories while chasing the sun through the mountains of Belize.

Cayo District Continued from Page 3 Trivia Tidbits *The Moon weighs 81 billion tons. *Robert Louis Stevenson said he had envisioned the entire story “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” in a dream and simply recorded it the way he saw it. Stevenson claimed to be able to dream plots for his stories at will. *The crayfish isn’t a fish at all — it is related to the lobster. *A “fruit machine” is the British term for a slot machine, or “one-armed bandit.” *The driver’s test was invented in France. In 1893, drivers of all self-propelled vehicles had to undergo an exam that included driving ability and vehicle repair.


Wolfe’s Woofers

by Dennis Wolfe

TEL 501-226-3737 / FAX 501-226-3379 www.SunriseBelize.com

E-mail: [email protected]

YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!

DEVELOPED PROPERTIESVilla Amber at La Perla del Caribe secluded beachfront 2-bed 2-bath villa - pristine $595,000Villa Pearl at La Perla del Caribe. Income producing 5000 ft2 furnished home amongst an enclave of 12 villas on 500 ft beach. $1,200,000Tres Cocos Beach Villa 4 bedroom mature landscaping, seawall, pier, fully furnished $985,000 Lakeside Villa 1 mile south of town, 1632 sq.ft. 2 beds/2.5 baths fully furnished and equipped for full-time living $289,000Escalante Subdivision 3 beds 2 baths bungalow located in a residential neighborhood 1.5 miles south of town. $199,000Pelican Reef Villas – Ocean front 2 bedroom furnished $497,000, 3 bedroom $637,000Banyan Bay Villas upper level ocean view pool side 2 bed/2 bath fully furnished $295,000 Grand Caribe Condos 1 mile north of the bridge on 500 ft of coconut grove. 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms. San Pedro’s most exciting new project - 3 pools & marina. Financing - Inquire!Miramar 2nd and 3rd floor beachfront 2 bedroom tastefully furnished condos from $330,000 - ready to deal!Oasis Del Caribe fully furnished large 2nd floor ocean view 2 bed/2 bath - $299,000Paz Villas 1 mile south of town. Sold fully furnished. Affordable residential complex closed to the beach $95,000Tres Cocos ocean view 1200+ ft2, 2-bed/ 2-bath 2 level garden home w/loft. Vaulted ceil-ings, observation deck, fully furnished $295,000.Holiday Lands Sunshine Home Fully furnished 2 bed/1 bath up with 2 bed/1 bath apt below and roof top patio $299,000. Fixer Upper Home in a quiet residential neighborhood. Large lot – huge yard – perfect for the garden enthusiast! $150,000Esmeralda Home A perfect place to call home. Ground floor commercial space equipped and ideal for a restaurant. $295,000

ROYAL CARIBBEAN BEACH CASITASBest deal on the island! Beach casitas for sale at Royal Caribbean Resort starting at $85,000 with only 10% down payment 10 years 8% interest. Furnished, a/c, kitchenettes. Ready to rent or live in with very affordable monthly fees. VRBO or rent through the resort. Office con-cierge service at your service. Huge swimming pool and beach bar on premises and more!

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIESVictoria House Area 4.5 ac commercial parcel fully fenced all utilities available $1.5MBeachfront lot in Town south of High School - 2 apts $465,000Restaurant Location Previously known as ‘Taste of Thailand’. $295,000Coral House – 3 bed, 2 bath apartment & 1 bed, 1 bath apartment $249,000. Low down TermsSand Piper Apartments 4 apt, 3 stories, centrally located by the Yacht Club with close beach access $395,000. Adjoining roadside 50ft X 75ft vacant lot available for $75,000Pirate’s Lantern – 3 apartments - 3 vacant lots - right on main street. InquireSan Pablo Apartments – Canal Front. $275,000. Terms

UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIESHoliday Lands area 2 miles south of town. Home site lots close to beac priced between $33,000 - $82,500 Terms 15% down 10 yrs 8% interest.Victoria House Area 4.5 ac commercial parcel fully fenced all utilities available $1.5MMexico Rocks beachfront 200ft x 400ft 1.68 acres $700,000Club Caribbean beach 50ft x 100ft road accessible. 4 miles south of town.$150,000Esmeralda two adjoining lots on main road 100ft x 75ft - $170,000 Robles 75 ft x 360 ft with back lot bonus $155,000Palm Bay Club beach front lot from $49,000Palmeros 2 x beach lots with pier 80ft x 200ft each. Asking $235,000Basil Jones 145ft beach lot $375,000Mata Grande one off the beach 75ft x 150ft $55,000Mata Grande 100 x 300ft one off the beach. Cleared - $245,000Mata Grande 100 x 200ft prime beach lot with pier permit $445,000Mexico Rocks area 4.6 acres beach 300ft x 460ft inquire Boca Ciega 4.5 acres 174ft beach front. $350,000West Coast Beach Lots 1, 2, 3 sold as a package 180’ x 100’. Terms. $355,000West Coast Beach Front 60ft of beach with a depth of 100ft. Terms $125,000Laguna Estate off beach lots. Each lot is 60’ x 100’. Terms. $75,000West Bay private sandy bay with 260 ft frontage only $425,000West Bay oceanfront 100ft x 500ft $119,000San Marcos Double lots measuring approximately 100’ X 90’. Fenced. $90,000 pairSan Marcos 2 adjacent lots 50x90ft lot $55,000 eachHabaneros area – 2nd row $85,000 3rd row $45,000 multiple lots available.All prices are in US dollars and subject to change without notice. For

further details on these properties and much more call your AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS

Answer: Dozens.

Riddle Me This: Q. A word I know, Six letters it contains, Subtract just one, And twelve is what remains. What is the word? Answer below...

Birthday Cake “Drop Davin and me off at Bermuda Beach,” Dulce said. “Davin’s going to a birthday party with Wyatt.” “Didn’t Wyatt just have a birthday yesterday?” I asked. “I thought they went to Wyatt’s party on Sunday.” “This is another birthday party for one of their friends,” Dulce explained. I left them at Bermuda Beach at Chris’s condo but Dulce called me back just before I got to the street. “Drop the boys off at the party on your way back to town,” Dulce said. “Chris and I don’t want to go so we’ll stay here and have a few drinks at Coco Loco’s.” “Davin, you be a good boy and don’t fight,” Dulce said, before we drove away. “Yes, Grandma.” Chris said, “Wyatt, don’t ask for more than one piece of cake.” “Sure, Dad,” seven year-old Wyatt said. “I have to watch him,” Chris said. “He loves cake and always tries to get as much as he can.” I left the boys at the party and a couple hours later I got a call from Dulce. “Can you get the boys from the party and then come pick me up?” she asked. When we got back to Bermuda Beach Dulce said, “Davin, you didn’t get in any trouble did you?” “No, Grandma. I was good even when Maria hit me. I didn’t hit her back. I just pinched her.” “Wyatt, you didn’t ask for extra cake, did you?” Chris asked. “No, Dad,” Wyatt said. “But I asked Maria’s mom for the recipe so Ms. Dulce could make one like it for me. She gave me two more pieces without me even asking.”


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Exploring-the-Hills-of-the-Cayo-Di