Visitor Guide Page 1 - Ambergris CayePage 4 Visitor Guide December 20, 2007 seum. A large garden...

Visitor Guide December 20, 2007


Where did you read yourSan 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 arepreferred. Be sure to identify who is in the photoand where the photo was taken. Don’t forget toinclude your names and what you were doing.

Publisher The San Pedro Sun Ltd.Editor Ron Sniffin [email protected] Tamara Sniffin [email protected] Editor Kainie Manuel [email protected] Writer/ Mary Gonzalez [email protected] DesignStaff Reporter Maria Novelo [email protected] Assistant Nathalie Manuel [email protected] The San Pedro Sun,

P.O. Box 35,San Pedro TownAmbergris Caye, Belize

Telephone 011-501-226-2070US Telephone (307) 460-4114Fax 011-501-226-2905E-Mail [email protected]/WEB www.sanpedrosun.netMain Office #63 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro

Receive Receive Receive Receive Receive The San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guide weekly in weekly in weekly in weekly in weekly inyour mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. 26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(Other locations vary.)

The San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San Pedro Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun is mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywhere.e.e.e.e.

More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize!

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Address

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Zip

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E-mail:

Greetings to my visiting friends On behalf of thepeople of San PedroTown, I extend a warmwelcome to all visitorsarriving to our shores.I assure you that yourtrip to “La Isla Bonita”will be no ordinary va-cation. Our island is fa-mous for its rich cul-tural diversity, whereMestizos, Creole andGarinagu blend to forma unique encounter.While here, I encour-age you to explore theCaribbean Sea and findBelize’s abundant trea-sures. Hol Chan Marine Reserveand Shark-Ray Alley are just twoof the many spots where you canenjoy our coral reef formation andabundant and breathtaking sea life.San Pedro is also home to world-class fishing and scuba diving. For the more adventurous, “LaIsla Bonita” offers a wide array ofwater sports and for those lookingto get a glimpse of the mysticalworld of the Maya, these historicalruins are just a short expeditionaway. You will also be able to dis-cover Belize’s vast cave systems and

many natural sanctuaries that arehome to our country’s unique floraand fauna. Whether you are spending yourhoneymoon at an exclusive resortor looking for an adventurous, yetromantic escape, San Pedro issurely the place to be. I invite youto explore our home and see themany wonders it has to offer. We welcome you with openarms. Bienvenidos a San Pedro!

Elsa Paz, Mayor,San Pedro Town

Carl J. Dunst (Señor Carlos), part time resident ofSan Pedro Town and Fairview, North Carolina, took hiscopy of The San Pedro Sun to Spain. He is in front of the1st/2nd Century Roman Aqueduct in Segovia, Spain.

Language canlink us with othercultures, no matterhow foreign thetongue may be.In an effort toshare this form ofcommunication withour audience, The San PedroSun proudly presents –Words of the Week. This

week, we willpresent a couple ofwords in Creole,and translate it toEnglish, using theCreole/ EnglishDictionary released

through the Kriol Coun-cil. Special thanks to SylvanaWoods for our copy of thedictionary. Enjoy!!!

Frayd Afraid, fearful – Unu mos neva frayd fi weh pipleseh. (You should never be afraid of what people say.)

Oabya Obeah; to put a curse on. – Di laydi she ih geh soarfut kaa dehn oabya ahn. (The lady said that she had sores on herfoot because they put a curse on her.)


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

www.tropicair.comThe Airline of Belize

Located just 20 minutes from BelizeCity, the Orchid Garden Eco-Villageoffers visitors the opportunity to exploreand learn about the beauty of Belize andthe natural world. The village is home

Orchid Garden Eco-Village…Where you LEARN to love Belize!to a Museum Café, Artistry Gift-Shop,Eco-Village Hotel, three museums,edible garden, nature trails and more.Each amenity perfectly complimentsthe other and visitors are immersed in

the beauty of nature that lives in har-mony with the Belizean culture. In order to learn more about theEco-Village The San Pedro Sun had thepleasure of visiting the area and en-gaged in their three-hour Belize FAMtour. The tour is designed to share theCultural, Historical and Artistic splen-dor of tropical Belize while exploringtheir Edible Garden, walking througha Savannah Eco-System, and learningabout Experimental Sustainable Pro-grams they have designed. The tourends with a meal at the Orchid GardenRestaurant and is an excellent way tostart off your vacation in Belize or ex-perience while you are here to gain abetter understanding and appreciationfor all that is Belize. When you arrive at the Eco-Village,The pathways are thick with impressive tropical flora.

The birding courtyard is a tranquil place to spot more than 80 species of birds.

the garden path that leads you to thereception area is dense with exotic fo-liage and a prelude to what is yet tocome. The Orchid Garden Restaurantalso serves as the reception area andthe building itself is the living Eco-mu-

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seum. A large garden courtyard is the center piece with lushgreen vegetation and streaming sunlight spotlighting the ef-fect. Exotic tropical hardwoods, high thatched roof and bam-boo walls adorned with bromeliads and orchids blooming indifferent stages make up the room and transcend you into atranquil, rainforest atmosphere that begs you to come and sitawhile. The Eco-village is owned and operated by Jason and Chris-

(Right) The Mahoganytrunk table tops insidethe Eco-museum are awork of art. On top ofthem orchids are dis-played and informa-tion plaques provideeducational readingfor visitors.

Orchid Garden Continued from Page 3

tine Liao and it is Christine who greetsus. Sweet and soft spoken, she is ea-ger to show us their pride and joy, andour tour guide Alfredo, meets us shortlyafterwards. The tour begins inside theOrchid Garden restaurant which is aliving museum of tropical Belize trea-sures. Alfredo shows us how they haveutilized and recycled natural resourcesin the construction and decoration ofthe museum and through out the roomsome of the features are exhibited asexample. Utilized is the native dye-wood, locally known as Tindo. This treeis considered the tree that changed thehistory of Belize as it was a valuablelogwood to Britain. The dyewood, alongwith the Mahogany wood attracted theEuropeans and resulted in the eventualBritish occupation of the country. Wealso learn about the bamboo used toconstruct the building and that bamboois not really a tree but a grass! Theroom is a wealth of information and ajoy to explore. Blooming orchids adornthe table tops and are creatively dis-played throughout the room. The Ma-hogany trunk table tops are one ofMother Nature’s finest works of art.One wall shares a side with their But-terfly Corridor and you can see thecolorful “Winged Flowers” float fromplant to plant. Alfredo leads us throughanother room that displays indigenousstones of Belize and explains their manyuses, not only as a natural resource butto appreciate their natural beauty. Wealso tour the large conference room andthen head outside to explore the gar-dens. Gravel stone pathways lead usthrough a maze of tropical wonders.Alfredo is a wealth of knowledge, andafter working at the Eco-village for 17

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Located at Journey’s End Resort, NorthAmbergris Caye, Luna features Palm TreeCuisine, a fusion of Central American and

Caribbean specialties.

Daily specials are prepared by our awardwinning chef;

Calbert Santiago, Taste of Belize, Chef of theYear 2007

For the best truly island dining experience youmust visit Luna, open air dining, surrounded by

candlelight with stunning views of the Carib-bean. You’ll want to tell your friends back home

about the food, the view, the experience.

Join us for Friday Night Beachside BBQ, anisland tradition. For reservations call 226-2173.

Open seven days a week, serving breakfast,lunch and dinner.


years he knows the grounds, plants, andanimals in the area intimately. We firstvisit the birding garden which is de-signed for bird watchers. Experts arethrilled to be able to identify birds of80 or more species in a few days andnovices are awed by the colors, thesounds, and the sheer beauty of thebirds that come to visit this quiet, shadyarea. The area is alive with little birdsbusy in the tree tops and we are de-lighted when an Acorn Woodpecker,occupied with collecting just that, flitsfrom branch to branch above us, drop-ping nut shells on us as he busies abouthis day (See photo on front page). Next we explore the Mushroomhouse which is part of the Experimen-tal Sustainable Program Jason has de-veloped for people interested in semi- Continued on Page 8


retiring or relocating in Belize. Theroom is a specially designed green-house and is dark and warm with a rowof shelves lined up with long plasticbags lying on their sides with one endopen. Protruding from the opening isLavender Mushrooms in differentstages of growth. Alfredo explains thatthe process of growing these fancy fungiis very basic. The bags contain Ma-hogany sawdust and once the mushroomspores are added to the bag and the bagsare watered from the outside it is justa matter of time before the spores be-gin to grow. Once they reach maturitythey grow at such a rapid rate that themushrooms can be harvested every sixhours! Another project is their Experi-mental Aquaponics System which dis-plays a farming method based on the

recycling of nutrients. In this systemfish and plants grow in harmony, in acycle which allows for no waste and

no pollution. The unused nutrients fromthe fish in their Aquaponics tank be-

The self contained Aquaponic greenhouse yields abundant organic produce.

Inside the mushroom greenhouse Lavender Mushrooms sprout at different stages.


We at Southwind Properties specialize in the listing & sale of fine island properties -Homes, Condos, Hotels, Commercial, Income-Producing Properties & Land for homesor large parcels for development. Be sure to meet with Marianne, Edwardo or Claudioto discuss your particular needs. Southwind Properties prides itself in being there full-time for full service and full disclosure for all your real estate needs. Call 226-2005/2060 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Serving San PServing San PServing San PServing San PServing San Pedredredredredrooooosince 1980!since 1980!since 1980!since 1980!since 1980!

Commercial/Condos/HomesBelize Yacht Club (W16) beachfront unit –1 bdrm/1 bath, kitchen, and fully furnished in mint condition.$219,500.00 US.El Cocal Condos (E16) – New condo project offering deluxe oceanfront living with magnificent views ofthe Caribbean Sea. Only 3 beach front units available for sale. Enjoy the great island life with easy accessto all amenities, yet convenient, peaceful, and private. Prices starting at $192,500.00 US. Call or email ourAgents for complete details!Upscale & Secluded Villa (A23) Custom, unique architecture, beachfront villa, 5 bdrms, 5½ baths, 3storey solid concrete building, tastefully furnished. Nothing compares in class, style or quality. Call forfurther details. $1,669,000.00 US. Cash. Reduced $1,390,000.00 US

Raw LandEiley’s Subdivision (G45) -Large & nice lot within electricity access located just a couple miles southof town. Parcel 2927, measures approx. 80’ x 60’. $23,000.00 US.Palmero Point Beach Club (N21). Large residential lot with guaranteed ocean view & pier access. 80’x 100’ $70,000.00USEsperanza (B41) Gorgeous beach front acreage with prime location. Ideal for beach front hotel or condoproject. 300’ of beach frontage with 4.6 acres in all. Price 2 million USDPlaya Blanca (C50) 2-3rd row lots 6miles north. Together apprx. 100’ x 100’. $90,000.00 US.Ambergris Bay (G41) Nice beach front parcel measuring 50’of beach frontage x 82’ of depth. Priced at$75,000.00 US.Ambergris Bay (P54) Gorgeous beach front parcel Measuring approx. 124’ water frontage x 80’ x109’. $105,000.00 US.Palm Bay Club (T38) Lot #61 – Great opportunity- the only 2nd row lot on the market, measuring 100’x 92’. Asking price $25,000.00 US.Santa Fe (M64) 5.5 miles north – 2nd row lot accessible by boat & golf cart & within electricity. 70’ x 180’.Price- $85,000.00 US. REDUCED $69,000.00 USAmbergris Bay (Z03) Large beachfront parcel 140’ x 184’ of depth. $175,000.00 US.Ambergris Bay (H35) Beach front lot approx 60’x 80’. $90,000.00 US.Escalante Subdivision (A18) – Lot is 50’ x 75’ $50,000.00 USCaye Caulker (J25) 4 acres with 240’ of beach front, beautiful cleared & filled land. $425,000.00 US.Robles (N12) – 3 side by side off the beach lots each 92’ x 190’ for $60,000.00 US each

CH

come liquid fertilizer for the plants,which, in turn, act as a bio-filter forthe fish waste. Beneficial bacteria inthe gravel and on the roots recycle thewasted nutrients into food for the plants,at the same time cleansing and purify-ing the water which goes back into thefish tank. This system is an integral partof Orchid Garden’s Try Belize retire-ment program and one must marvel atthe ingenuity used to develop this sys-tem. Alfredo explains that at times theAquaponic garden can produce up to500 pounds of tomatoes, wow! Other

Experimental Sustainable Programsinclude bamboo, fruit tree and nativeOrchids and Bromeliads cultivation. After we leave the Aquaponicsgreenhouse we proceed to the NatureTrail which winds through a livingpiece of Belize’s Savannah Eco-Sys-tem locally called Pine Ridge. Again,Alfredo impresses us with his knowl-edge of the flora and fauna in the areaand as we walk the comfortable trailhe points out parrots, iguanas, squir-rels, plants and trees of interest andshows us a pile of chewed on cohune


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palm nuts that a fruit bat has left be-hind. The shades of green are as manyand as varied as the types of tropicalplants and wildflowers that we see onthe trail and the experience is a mustfor nature lovers. The trail comes to a clearing and weare amazed at what we see…a statelyand beautiful two-story white houseframed with huge Guanacaste trees andperfect landscaping. You can hardly be-lieve your eyes! The main floor housestheir museum which exhibits BelizeanHistory in Bottles, Paintings of Belizeand many exotic Nature Artistries. Firstwe admire an impressive selection ofold bottles from the Emory King collec-

tion, some dating back as far as 1670.The bottles reflect the culture of theirtimes and are showcased along withsnippets of Belizean history that help tobring this history to life for viewers.Next we view over 200 semi-preciousstones that combine the natural richnessof jade, agate, desert and river stones,and carnelian and crystal with the inex-plicable wonder of Mother Nature’screativity. Within these stones, all ofthem are cleverly named to capture theirspirit and images of trees, butterflies,animals, wind, and water are reflectedin their natural design. Anyone whoviews this collection will be swept away

Along the Savannah Eco-System trail Alfredo points out a parasite that is over-taking this tree, we are surprised to learn that the parasitic plant is Mistletoe!

Hidden at the end of the Savannah trail, this grand building houses the museum.


The Lions Club of San Pedro relieson income from its Friday and Satur-day Night BBQ to support the needycommunity. Help a great cause -havedinner with us!Green Reef A non-profit organizationdedicated to the promotion of sustain-able use and conservation of Belize’smarine and coastal [email protected] /226-2833San Pedro AA - 226-4464, 600-9061Saga Society A non-profit “humane so-ciety” to address the stray cat and dogpopulation in San Pedro. Phone 226-3266.CARE BELIZE - Children’s Special-ist, San Pedro. 622-8200SP Town Library - 206-2028

SEASIDE REAL ESTATE – Many listings, from raw landto beautiful beachfront homes. We can help you own a pieceof paradise. Call 226-4545 or E-mail [email protected] REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, condos andinvestment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or E-mail: [email protected] PROPERTIES - For all your Real Estateneeds. Call 226-2005 or 226-2060 for information or E-mail:[email protected] for current listings.SUEÑO DEL MAR - Paradise has a new address! Locatedon Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street), across from Fido’sRestaurant. 8:30AM to 5PM, www.dreambelize.com,Phone: (US #) 719-302-5398, (Belize #) 011-501-226-4001.INVEST IN BELIZE - Call for Appointments and pick-ups.226-4000 or www.investinbelize.comRE/MAX Isla Bonita, 1ocated at 10 Coconut Drive, SanPedro. 226-4400 e-mail: [email protected] or visit ourwebsite at www.owninbelize.comCORAL BEACH REALTY - Professionalism at it’s best.Visit our office “Unda da Palapa” on Barrier Reef Drive,226-2681. www.CoralBeachRealty.net

ISLAND FERRY SERVICE & WATER TAXI – Sched-uled ferry service & water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone226-3231.MONCHO’S GOLF CART RENTALS - Four & Six seatergolf carts available. Open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. We deliverto your room. 226-3262 or 226-4490.CRYSTAL AUTO RENTAL – Largest fleet in Belize. Of-fices at International Airport and Belize City. 223-1600, 0-800-777-7777.

SAILSPORTS BELIZE – Windsurfing, kite sailing andsailing. The latest equipment and expert instruction makesit easy to learn. 226-4488 [email protected] & HAPPY - Snorkeling - private snorkel tours- just you on the boat, no set schedule! Visitors with spe-cial needs and children are welcome. Call 226-3420 or672-1234. Visit www.grumpyandhappy.com, or Email:[email protected].

Water, Sports & Tours

CASTILLO’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, electron-ics, household appliances, tools, home repair items and awide variety of paints, stains and varnishes. PescadorDrive. Phone 226-2302.S.P. HARDWARE - Large variety of hardware and house-hold supplies. Will meet or beat any competitor’s price!Seagrape Drive; Open seven days a week. 226-4522

Real Estate...

Emergency 911Medical Emergency: 226-3231Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPSPolice 226-2022Fire 226-2372Wings of Hope - Medical emergencyair ambulance. Phone: 223-3292.Lions Health Clinic - 226-4052; emer-gencies 600-9071 or Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8am to 8pm; Sat., 8am - noon.Los Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 226-2686.Dr. Lerida Rodriguez: 226-2197 or cell620-1974.San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 226-4695Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851, Dr.Otto Rodriguez - 600-0287 or 226-2854.Antonia Guerrero - 600-5475 or 206-2152. Eleazar Portillo - 610-4560 or 226-3195.San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536. 8-12 and 2-5, Mon. to Fri. Emergencies226-2555/2918 or 606-3864.Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660,Emergencies: 606-2316US Embassy - 822-4011Labour Office - 226-2700 (Open 8am -5pm, Mon. - Fri.)Canadian Consulate - 223-1060Mexican Embassy - 223-0193Guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150Honduran Embassy - 224-5889San Carlos Medical (MD & DentistServices) - 7:30am - 9:00pm, 226-2918

IMPORTANT #s

Miscellaneous

San Pedro Roman Catholic ChurchSun. Mass: 9 a.m. English; 11 a.m.Children’s; 7:30 p.m. Spanish; Sat. Con-fessions 5-7 p.m; Mass or CommunionService every night at 7:30 p.m.Living Word Church Service Sun.10:45 a.m. Bible study Mon. 7:30 p.m.We do Christian charity work. 226-2950.Assembly of God Church onAngel Coral St. T-W-St.-Sn. at 7:30 p.m.Lighthouse Christian Radio - 101.3FM. 226-4673, Cor. Buccaneer &Pescador Drive.The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-ter Day Saints - Sunday Service: 9:30am, Wednesday Scripture Study 7:00pm. 17 Lagoon St. (between the bak-ery and the bridge).San Pedro Community Church -meets Sundays at 10a.m. at the Am-bergris Elementary School. All AreWelcome.

Church Services

Services...

Transportation...

THE HOLIDAY HOTEL - Every Wednesday, live musicand a fabulous Beach Barbeque 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Bar-rier Reef Dr. 226-2014.PALAPA BAR AND GRILL - The Coolest Place, Northof Bridge. Drink & Dine out over the Caribbean waterswith cool breezes and no mosquitoes. Specialty is a BBQ,Slow Smoked, Pork Sandwich and Fresh Caught FishTacos. Open 7 days, Happy Hour Drinks 4 - 6 226-3111.ROADKILL BAR - For a GREAT time! Mondays withDennis Wolfe and Caroline’s BBQ. Enjoy happy hour from2pm - 6pm on Thursdays and Sundays. BBQ Lunch onSaturdays. Across from Crazy Canucks, open daily from12 - 12.COCO LOCO’S SWIM-UP & BEACH BAR - 1/8th of amile north of the bridge, directly on the beach! Happy Hourdaily from 4-6pm. Great music and the best bartender!The new owners are doing it up right! Call 226-2910.

Party...Party...Party

Belize Tourism Board - 223-1910.Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) - 227-5717.San Pedro Tourist Guide Association 226-2391.

Tourist Information


SAN PEDRO FITNESS CLUB – A/C Gym at Bel-ize Yacht Club, Fully-equipped. Open to the public.Tennis Courts, Lap and Family pools, Aqua Fitnessand Toning Classes.Open 7am Daily, 8am Sundays.226-2683.

CAYE COFFEE – Take a taste of our locally roastedfresh coffee back home. A wonderful cup of coffeemakes such a great difference in your day. Try itand ask for more. 226-3568.

THE GREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce & Seafood.Belizean and imported speciality. Fresh herbs, coldcuts, chilled goods plus an exciting selection of gro-ceries. A/C local on Barrier Reef Dr. 226-2084.

CAYE INTERNATIONAL BANK - Offering De-mand Deposit Accounts, Loans, Savings Accounts,etc. [email protected] or phone 226-2388.

PROVIDENT BANK & TRUST - Offering a fullrange of International Banking Services. phone 223-5698 services@prov identbank.bz

GRANIEL’S DREAMLAND - Locally made furni-ture & accessories from all Belizean exotic hard-woods & Mahogany. On Pescador Drive, oppositeRock’s, Call 226-2632, ext. 18 or 226-2938. Open

MATA CHICA - Mambo Cuisine - for food lovers.Homemade pasta, shrimp paté, bruschetta, char-broiled seafood and much more! Call 220-5010/5011.ELVI’S KITCHEN - serving the finest food since 1977.Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials. Caribbean Nighton Thursday. Mayan Fiesta every Friday - come tryour Maya Buffet. Open Monday – Saturday. Lunch:11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00p.m. Call us for group reservations. Ph 226-2404/2176“Where something good is always cooking!”CELI’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH at theSan Pedro Holiday Hotel, serves Great Fajitas, sal-ads and local dishes for LUNCH. DELECTABLESEAFOOD SPECIALTIES for dinner. OUTDOOR& INDOOR DINING 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 5:30p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Beach barbeque every Wednesdaynight with live music.LILY’S TREASURE CHEST RESTAURANT - Onthe beach behind Lily’s Hotel. Join us for a cool

T H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R O S U NS U NS U NS U NS U N VVVVVI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D E

Dining Out...

Mon-Sat 8:30-12:00 noon & 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. & Sun10-12 noon.

SUNDANCER + MOONDANCER - Unique bou-tiques featuring beautiful, quality clothing, jewelryand gorgeous gift items for both men (Sundancer)and women (Moondancer). Phone: 226-3126.

BELIZEAN ARTS GALLERY - Local art!

BELIZE MINI STORAGE / SELF STORAGE - Lo-cated in San Pablo. Elevated concrete constructionand gated entry. Security. Water access and a greatnew boat launch ramp on site. Call 672-1234.

PINGUINO BELIZE - Fine Wine. Gourmet Olives,stuffed olives and spreads. Exclusively in belize.Free Tasting! 226-2930. pinguinobelize.com

LIQUOR BOX - Wholesale and Retail on local andimported liquors. Delivery available! Case ofBelikin Beer, Ice Cold - only $60Bz! On BuccaneerStreet, open 7 Days a week 9:00am to 9:30pm. 226-2475 or 626-7331.

FOOTPRINTS - Crocs shoes, Reef shoes, and funbeach accessories. On Barrier Reef Drive, openMonday through Saturday from 9am - 6pm. 226-2689.

breeze and the best seafood or USDA beef on ourveranda by the sea. 226-2650.RAMON’S VILLAGE - Enjoy breakfast, lunch anddinner in a Mayan atmosphere or on the veranda over-looking the Caribbean Sea. Coconut Drive. Phone226-2071.LUNA at Journey’s End Resort - Experience finedining on the beach north of San Pedro. Visit ourtropical bar featuring karaoke, dance and fun mu-sic. Phone 226-2173.PAPI’S DINER – The place for fine food at dinerprices. Taste the Caribbean. Call 665-4506.MICKEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. - 10a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunchand 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritos on Wednesdays.Pescador Drive. Call 226-2223.BLUE WATER GRILL – Island cuisine with a twist!Wood-fired Oven Pizzas, Sushi & more! Open daily.Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. 226-3347.

EL DIVINO RESTAURANT at BANANA BEACH- Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 a.m -10 p.m. Book your party or banquet today! Phone226-2444.PORTOFINO RESTAURANT AND GREEN PAR-ROT BEACH BAR - Meet our boat at 6:30 p.m. atFido’s Dock for a complimentary ride to one of thebest culinary experiences you will have while in para-dise. For reservations, call 220-5096.SUNSET GRILL - Offering local and internationalcuisine. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.Located on the lagoon side. 226-2600. Come by atsunset and help us feed the tarpons!JUNGLE JACK’S - International and Local cuisinefeaturing AWESOME hamburgers. Serving lunchand dinner with daily specials. Open 11:30am -2:30pm and 5:30pm - 9:30pm. Located across fromthe Belize Bank. Call 226-2639.RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR - Themost romantic spot in town featuring award winningchefs. Thai and French cuisine blended to make para-dise taste like heaven, or so our customers say. FreeRendezvous Wine tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Fermented, blended and bottled here on theproperty. Open for lunch and dinner. Call 226 3426for reservations and transport options.CASA PICASSO TAPAS + MARTINIS - Smallplates, big pastas and fantastic desserts! “Hippestmartini spot”-Frommer’s. Nightly 5:30pm, closedSundays. reservations 226-4507.BEACH ‘N’ KITCHEN - Open Daily for Brunch.Choose delicious Eggs Benedict, stuffed French toastor continental breakfast! Now open for dinner from5pm - 8pm. North of the bridge, near Palapa Bar.Call 226-4456.RICO’S SURFSIDE RESTAURANT – A trulyunique dining experience on the beach at Banyan Bay.Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Phone 226-3739 ext. 135.BLUE LOTUS LUXURY DINING- Delight your-self with Indian cuisine at San Pedro’s newest wa-ter-top restaurant. Spectacular views of San Pedroat night! Complimentary water taxi service. Call 501-620-BLUE (2583).ROJO LOUNGE - Enjoy tropical lounge cuisine inone of the most beautiful beachfront settings in all ofBelize - Azul Resort. 226-4012.

The San Pedro Sun

Visitor Guide

Contact The San Pedro Sun formore information.

[email protected](501) 226-2070

FAX: (501) 226-2905www.sanpedrosun.net

EVERY WEEK weprint a new editioncovering the “good

news” aboutSan Pedro and

Belize!

...Unique Offerings...


by the power and beauty of nature’s fin-est creations. We also view an inspir-ing and beautiful collection of “Root Art-istry”. The imagination and creativityof the artist have transformed ordinaryroots into whimsical cranes depicting awide range of emotion. These gracefuland delightful works of art are truly oneof a kind. The museum offers a largeopen sitting area where a large varietyof orchids are displayed and paintingsby Carolyn Carr grace the walls, por-traying Belizean life, culture and nature. After exploring the museum Alfredoleads us to the Cottage Complex wherewe look at their accommodations. Thecompound houses 18 guest rooms, each

with two-double beds and private bath andthere are also 2 two-bedroom apartmentswith full kitchens and bath. The inviting rooms are spacious, tran-quil and warmly decorated and the cot-tage grounds are surrounded with tropi-cal foliage that sport vibrant flowers andattract colorful butterflies. There is alsoa recreation house where guests canwatch TV, use a large kitchen and oraccess a small library, perfect for fam-ily gatherings or business retreats. Our visit concludes with a fabulouslunch and Jason joins us to share withus his passion for nature and why Or-chid Garden Eco-village is so unique.The compound is a total of 42 acreswith 60% of the land established as anature reserve in order to provide habi-tat for the indigenous wildlife. Not onlydo they offer all that we have experi-enced today but a variety of extendedstay experiences that include guidedtrips to nearby Mayan Ruins, cave tub-ing and visiting the Belize Zoo. TheirTry Belize Program is designed forpeople who are interested in retiring;relocating, investing or long term staysas they provide an ideal location to use asa home base while exploring the coun-try. They offer very affordable long-term

rates that even include meals and an in-troduction to their many unique Sustain-able Programs. There is so much to learn about Belizeand the more you learn the more yougrow to appreciate and love this jewelof the Caribbean. The Orchid GardenEco-village is the perfect prelude to thislearning experience and their infectiouspassion for Belize will embrace you im-mediately. For more information aboutthe Eco-village please visit their websiteat www.trybelize.com.


Ancient bottles each have a story of their own, while beautiful semi-preciousstones on display showcase some ofnature’s finest artwork.

The landscaping around the cottagecomplex is lush and teaming withblooming flowers and flitting butterflies.


We all form part of an intricate foodchain that, once broken, can take manyyears to fix. For example, large sharkssuch as black tips eat fish such as barra-cuda and hammerheads snack on stin-grays and eagle rays. Remove thesesharks through over fishing and you endup with more barracuda and more rays.

more about the populations and distribu-tion of sharks and rays and Goliath grou-per, also known as jewfish. Our goal isto foster the management and conserva-tion of these long lived and, in manycases, endangered species. To date, re-search results have been disseminated

Top Predators

Submitted by Dr. Rachel T. Graham,Wildlife Conservation SocietyContact: [email protected]

Why Belize needs animalsat the top of the food chain(and we don’t mean us!)

More barracudas mean fewer herbivo-rous fish that eat algae and more eaglerays mean fewer conchs (eagle rays preyon small conch). Take it one step further: with no her-bivorous fish to eat the algae coveringthe coral reef there is nowhere for littlecorals to settle down and grow following

coral spawning and the reef dies withoutbeing replaced. So top predators fulfillan important role in the marine ecosys-tem and their removal can have impactsthat may be far more severe and wide-spread than we can imagine. Before we can understand some of thecomplexities of the food chain and ourimpacts on its networks, we need to knowmore about the species and the links inthe chain. One such set of links includesthe sharks and Goliath grouper. Southern Belize hosts two top preda-tor research projects spearheaded sinceDecember 2005 by the Wildlife Conser-vation Society in partnership with localfishers and guides, Fisheries and localnon-governmental organizations TIDE,SATIIM, FON and TASTE. Theseprojects focus respectively on finding out


The Goliath grouper, also known as Jewfish, is a top marine predator in our waters.


The San Pedro Sun Virtual Taste TripHoliday EditionHoliday EditionHoliday EditionHoliday EditionHoliday Edition

It’s perhaps the most daunting time for many cooks out there. Christmas is loom-ing and treats have to be baked and prepared for the many little and not-so-littlemouths that will soon be arriving to help partake in and spread holiday cheer. San Pedro is not so far behind with the preparations. Already, the decorationshave been hung, some sort of plans made but not fully confirmed. It’s time to thinkwhat treats will be on the table this year. Let us look at making some traditionalBelizean desserts. Of course, we had to add a twist to the fudge by throwing insome walnuts! Enjoy a couple bites of fudge and indulge in some nice slices ofblack cake - after all, Christmas only comes once a year!

Chocolate Walnut FudgeIngredients:1/2 cup butter1 cup semisweet chocolate chips1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups white sugar1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk10 large marshmallows1 cup chopped walnutsDirections:Butter an 8x8 inch dish.

The San Pedro Sun& Visitor Guide

www.sanpedrosun.net226-2070

Black Fruit CakeIngredients:3/4 lb. Margarine1 lb Brown sugar5 large eggs1/2 cup Black coloring1 lb Flour2 tsp Baking Powder1 tsp nutmeg1 tsp Allspice (ground)1/4 cup wine1/4 cup rum1 tsp Vanilla1 tsp Rosewater2 lbs mixed Fruit, nuts (chopped)if desired1 cup brown sugar1 cup wine

Directions:Cream margarine and brown sugar

together for about 25 minutes.Beat eggs with a fork and gradu-ally add to creamed margarine andsugar.Add black coloring gradually tomixture for desired colour.Combine flour, baking powder,nutmeg, and adllspice and add al-ternately with the wine mixture (1/4 cup wine, rum, vanil la,rosewater). Begin and end withflour.Combine mixed fruit, nuts, brownsugar, 1 cup wine in a pot andbring to a boil. This should bedone a day ahead so that fruits aresoftened. Fruits should be flouredeach time with a little flour to pre-vent it from sinking to the bottomof the cake.

Place butter, chocolate chips andvanilla in a mixing bowl. Set aside.In a medium saucepan over me-dium heat, combine sugar, milk andmarshmallows. Bring to a boil, stir-ring frequently. Reduce heat to lowand cook 6 minutes more, stirringconstantly. Remove from heat.Pour marshmallow mixture overcontents of mixing bowl. Beat en-

tire mixture until it thickens andloses its gloss. Quickly fold in nuts

and pour into prepared pan. Re-frigerate several hours until firm.


www.sanpedrosun.net

through community presentations, hand-outs and articles published in “ThePlacencia Breeze.” Evidence that populations of sharksand rays worldwide are buckling underthe pressure from unsustainable fisher-ies prompted our research. Dramaticdeclines and complete disappearance offunctional populations for a range of sharkspecies has been documented over rela-tively short time scales. Goliath grouper,another top marine predator in our wa-ters, have also faced dramatic declinesthroughout their ranges leading to localextirpations that have earned them thelabel of “Critically Endangered to Ex-tinction” by the World ConservationUnion’s Red List. The food chain’s top predators havesimilar life history traits of long life, latematuration, low production, and lowpopulation recovery rates. Their absenceis a strong indicator of fishing pressure.In many coastal and coral reef habitats,an abundance of sharks represents func-tional ecosystems. Moreover, in manysites worldwide sharks and grouper formthe basis of a rapidly expanding snorkeland dive tourism industry. With one in

four Belizeans asso-ciated with tourism,and a country-widefocus on marine tour-ism in particular,keeping sharks andlarge grouper alive isgood for business. Results from thefield work and fishersurveys have alsorevealed a lack of toppredators throughoutBelize, and Southern

Belize in particular. Historical accountsderived from fishers, dive tour operators

mud-bottom dwelling sand sharks tomake up for the increasing lack of largesharks (black tips, hammerheads, lem-ons, reef sharks and tigers). This is simi-lar to findings presented by other re-searchers worldwide. There is even less information onGoliath grouper as most populationsworldwide have been fished out beforeresearch could even begin. It’s not justimpacts on the species themselves that iscause for concern but on their habitats.Recent studies in Florida have revealedthat Goliath grouper require red man-groves to survive as juveniles – this is thesame species that lines many of our es-tuaries and coasts in Belize. Goliath grou-

Top Predators Continued from Page 14and guides have provided information onthe changes in abundance and distribu-tion of shark species and Goliath grou-per populations. Surveys of local andGuatemalan fishermen revealed thatcatches of sharks and large Goliath grou-per, once commonly taken, have declineddramatically over the past twenty years. Some species such as lemon sharksand hammerheads are rarely found any-more where they were once abundant.More worrisome is the fact that fishersin Livingston who used to fish shark inAmatique Bay have now turned to catch-ing stingrays as the sharks were fishedout. A similar trend is occurring in Belizewhere fishers are increasingly focusingtheir efforts on nurse sharks and small Continued on Page 18


per are therefore increasingly vulnerableto the rapid changes in Belize’s coastalmangrove habitats fostered, ironically,by tourism-driven development. Whereas Goliath grouper are pri-marily caught by local fishers for localconsumption, sharks are captured inBelize by fishers residing in Guatemalaand products are exported to Guatemalaor Mexico. The demand for sharkproducts is fueled primarily by the

Lenten season and the Asian fin mar-kets – both of which are growing.Goliath grouper are not being sparedfrom market demand either. A restau-rant survey conducted as part of theresearch has revealed that additionalpressures will be placed on this criti-cally endangered species due to plannedexpansion of restaurants and increaseddemand; and Goliath grouper wasn’teven considered a favorite fish species

for the dinner table! Fishers identifiednets as their preferred shark fishinggear and spear fishing and set linescapture the majority of Goliath grou-per. Most dramatically of all, the twospecies of sawfish that existed in Belizeappear to be ecologically extinct: not asingle one of the 151 fishers inter-viewed had encountered a sawfish inrecent years despite an increase in fish-ing effort throughout the country.Again, nets were cited by the majorityof fishers interviewed as the reason fortheir demise. It is hard for some to imagine whyone would want sharks or huge grou-per. Yet we need to think about the fu-ture of our coasts and reefs, our fu-

ture. Also, can we imagine a sea, oursea stories or our imaginations devoidof sharks or large groupers? Will welet these species; these “jaguars of thesea” become distant memories like ouronce abundant sawfish? We hope not.Big fish are not only part of Belize’sheritage; they keep the country’s ma-rine realm healthy and attract tourism.In fact, sharks are friends, not food!We look forward to working with fish-ers, guides, NGOs and government tobring back and manage the populationsof large marine predators for futuregenerations and we definitely want tohear your stories of the big fish youhave seen and have kept alive in yourmemories.

Top Predators Continued from Page 17

The two species of sawfish that existed in Belize appear to be ecologically extinct.


byDennis Wolfe

Wolfe’s Woofers

References

Trivia Tidbits... *The studios wanted Matthew McConaughey, the newest heartthrob in theindustry, cast as hero Jack Dawson in the 1997 box office hit Titanic, but direc-tor James Cameron insisted on Leonardo DiCaprio.

*Before he catapulted to fame, Bob Dylan was paid $50 in 1960 for playingthe harmonica on a Harry Belafonte album.

* All mammals have tongues.

* James Madison, 5 feet, 4 inches tall, was the shortest president of theUnited States. Abraham Lincoln was the tallest at 6 feet, 4 inches.

* If you never get thirsty, you need to drink more water. When the humanbody is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off.

* There are 293 different ways to make change for a dollar.

* Humans have about 80,000 genes in their DNA.

* There are 690 known species of bats.

* The average human eye can distinguish about 500 different shades of gray.

“All I know is that this yard had better be cleaned up by next week,” Dulce said. “That’s not fair,” I told her. “It took me a year and a half to fill it full of all ofthis junk. You can’t expect me to clean it all up in a week.” “I don’t care how you do it. Just get it done.” “Come on, Dennisito,” I said. “Let’s get to work.” “Hey, that’s not my junk,” Dennis Jr. said. “Why do I have to clean it up?” A few hours later I came in the house and flopped down on the bed. “I’m dying,” I told her. “If I work out there for another half an hour in that sunit’s going to kill me.” “Well, in that case, make sure you dig a big hole before you die,” she said.“We can save the expense of a funeral.” “Son,” I said to Dennisito, “Your mother is a cold, heartless woman.” “Dad, why don’t you hire somebody to do it?” Dennisito said. “I just saw a guydown the street with a weed-wacker and a rake.” “Go find him and bring him back here,” I said. After Dennisito left Dulce said, “I don’t like strangers in the yard. The lasttime you hired somebody to clean it up the guy stole a bicycle and two of yourshirts off the line. If he doesn’t have references he’s not working in my yard.” A half an hour later I came into the house and said, “This guy seems to be allright. He said he worked for Jim and Sharon at Casa Mañana for a long time.” “Call and check. Don’t take his word for it.” When Jim answered the phone I said, “Jim, I’ve got a guy named Florenciohere who says he used to work for you.” “Oh, yes,” Jim said. “I remember Florencio quite well.” “Did he steal?” “No.” “How long did he work for you?” “I think it was something like five hours,” Jim said. “Five hours!? He said he was employed by you for almost two years.” “That’s right,” Jim said. “He was employed by us for almost two years. In allthat time he worked for about five hours.”

DEVELOPED PROPERTIES Grande Caribe Beachfront Condos 1 mile north of the bridge on

500 ft of coconut grove. 1,2 & 3 bedrooms. San Pedro’s most exciting newproject 3 pools & marina. Under construction. Inquire! Casa Blanca on ½ acre beach Mata Grande. Extensive new rental

home complex. $ 1,950,000. Oasis Del Caribe Fully furnished 2nd floor ocean front 2 bedroom

$335,000 Miramar new 3rd floor beachfront unfurnished 2 bedroom condo

with 4th floor penthouse suite unfurnished – any reasonable offer consid-ered Miramar new completed 2nd floor beachfront 2 bedroom fur-

nished condos from $ 375,000. Beach villa - Caye Villas Mata Grande 2 Bed 3 bath fully furnished

pool rental management program $429,900 bring offers! Caye Casa - Beachfront condo in finishing phases of construction,

quiet, in town, pool, pier, thatch porches, furnished, with on site propertymanagement. Living the dream. Inquire! Banana Beach 1-3 bedroom ocean front condos with 2 Pools, beach,

restaurant and bar from $130,000 to $185,000 with guaranteed rental in-comes. Boca Ciega ocean and lagoon view 3 bedroom home, turnkey and

tasteful. Inquire. Tres Cocos 2 bed/2 bath garden home with swimming pool $495,000. Vista Del Mar – Attractive Holiday Lands home. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom

spacious owners level with 4 immaculate one bed, one bath rental apart-ments. $589,900. Tres Cocos large beach home Inquire $ 1,500,000 Tres Cocos beachfront commercial/residential venture $ 1,200,000 St Georges Caye private island large beach home $1,150,000 Resort Properties available – Inquire.

UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIES West Bay LAST OF ITS KIND private sandy cove 260 ft frontage ONLY

$350,000. Cash offers West Bay oceanfront 100 ft x 500 ft $ 250,000. Mata Grande 100 x 200 ft prime beach lot with pier permit $ 445,000. Mata Grande 100 x 200 ft residential beach lot $ 465,000. Esperanza 1.5 acres beach 150 ft x 460 ft $ 1,000,000. Esperanza 4.6 acres beach 300 ft x 460 ft $ 2,000,0000. Boca Ciega 4.5 acres 170ft beach front. $350,000. Palmeros 70 x 350 ocean view lot $ 110,000. Acreage available on Lagoon side Inquire. Commercial sized Islands in the lagoon Inquire. Laguna Estates ocean view lots from $60,000.

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

E-mail: [email protected]

YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change withoutnotice. For further details on these properties and much more

call your AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS

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