Fabulous February

February kicks off during the week before Lent with the Fiesta de Carnaval. Next is the International Bullfish Tournament at which a grand prize of $50K goes to the fisherman who successfully lands a 500lb blue marlin.

Busy March

March features three holidays: The Annual Agricultural and Trade Show and the commemoration of Belize’s biggest fan, the benefactor Baron Bliss. To round-out the month, every other year in Belmopan during the last weekend of the month a rodeo is held.

April Holy Days

In April, Belize sees the most observant Catholics attending Good Friday church services, during which most villagers participate by carrying a cross through the town. Next is the Holy Cross Country Classic in Belize City. Toward the end of the month is the San Jose Succotz Fiesta at which a good tie is had by all.

Mega-May

During May, Belize goes nuts with the Cashew Festival at Crooked Tree Village. Next is the Cayo Expo in San Ignacio. Also in May is the Coconut Festival, and Commonwealth Day, Labour Day, and the Toledo Festival of Arts.

Sublime Summer Time

The month of June offers a three-day long event in Belize: Dia de San Pedro. Highlights include a parade, fiestas and the blessing of boats and fishermen.

Don’t miss the Belize Lobster Festival! You will be served lobster in every possible manner; from kabobs to tacos, to right out of the shell.

In July, there is the Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta and the Belize Tourism Expo.

The Deer Dance Festival is held during the month of August – a celebration featuring historical reenactments and local arts and crafts.

Two weeks before St. George’s Caye Day, Belizeans celebrate Independence Day. Next, there is Mexican National Day and at the end of September St. George’s Caye Day gets underway.

Awesome Autumn

October begins with the Belikin Spectacular, which is a billfish tournament offering prizes to the winner. Additional events this month include Columbus Day, which celebrates the Mestizo culture.

November

In celebration of the 1832 arrival of the Garifuna in Dangriga, a festival is held in the southern areas of Belize. Later in the month is the Stann Creek Agricultural Fair.

The Party’s Over…

So there it is; a brief overview of most of the events and holidays celebrated in Belize. No matter when you decide to visit, there is sure to be more than a few events in Belize in which you can participate.

As in any planning, it is first important to know what is available. Below is a list of things to do in Belize.

Stay at the Exotic Caye Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye

One of the main attractions in Belize is scuba diving and snorkeling. Located off the coast of Belize are the cayes (pronounced “keys”), the offshore atolls and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Since Belize is still an unknown treasure of Central America, the scuba diving and snorkeling is phenomenal. Many coral cayes have become home to resorts that serve water sport enthusiast, marine naturalist and beach goers. On top of scuba diving and snorkeling, Exotic Caye Beach Resort also offers sea kayaking, sea boating, fishing, sailing, sail boarding, marine and wildlife viewing nearby.

Tour Belize City

Belize City, the largest city in Belize, is where most people fly in and out of the country. Here you can visit places like the Belize Zoo (the place to see local animals you won’t see in the wild), Belize Tourism Village, Museum of Belize and so much more. Most day trips and adventure trips leave from here. It’s a good place to start an adventure.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has become very popular in Belize. There are many groups that offer different types of adventure tours. Types of trips offered though not limited to: river kayaking and boating, day trips to the Mayan Ruins, nature viewing, hiking, scuba diving, caving, zip line canopy tours.

There are so many things to do in Belize. This list is just the beginning. Decide how you want to experience Belize and start planning!

It is a fortunate thing that the Belizeans are an eco-savvy and forward-thinking populace, otherwise much if not all of this idyllic isle would soon be a deforested, depleted, concrete-dominated wasteland. The country offers innumerable ways for visitors to leave the smallest carbon footprints as possible: solar energy is used to power beach resorts and lodges in the tropical rain forests are designed and built using domestic salvaged mahogany.

Certified tour guides not only entertain tourists; they educate them, as well. Visitors learn about the fragile and delicate nature of the coral reef, the curative elements of the indigenous plant life and the precarious state of wildlife habitats; especially that of the jaguar.

Conservation Efforts and Eco-Friendly Tourism

The Belizean flag reads Sub Umbra Florero which translates as “Under the shade, I flourish.” This maxim refers to the majestic mahogany tree which, unfortunately, is not as abundant as it once was. Nevertheless, the mahogany’s depletion has brought about a collective awareness of its importance and intrinsic value. The Belizeans have come to realize that their homeland’s greatest asset is under siege and must be cherished and protected for future generations.

As well, they’ve recognized that tourists play a fundamental role in the preservation of the country’s natural resources and pristine beauty. It is this progressive methodology that has warranted the Utopian isle its status as the exemplar of ecotourism, as well as the best island in the Americas.

An Historical and Cultural Wellspring

In another direction, the island has more to offer than pristine beaches and the stunning coral reef. Its diverse attractions include helicopter tours, kayaking, fishing, a charming zoo, spelunking and exploring the temples and archaeological ruins of Altun Ha, an erstwhile agricultural community dating back to 560 AD.

For the less adventurous tourist, the innovative Image Factory art gallery showcases the works of local artists and also sells books and souvenirs. There is also the extraordinary Belizean Museum which is located in the Fort George district―an absolute must-see for the history buff. Set in the country’s previous central jail this unique museum keeps a single jail cell in its original condition, including the preserved graffiti art of former inmates. The cramped quarters are mind-boggling!

In an adjacent section of the museum, you’ll find a display of Belize’s vibrantly colored postage stamps, as well as its insect life forms, with complete detail as to the repulsive manner in which the botfly exploits living human flesh in order to feed its larvae.

To conclude, it is the conservation efforts, unassuming culture, natural beauty and more that conspire to make Belize truly the best island in the Americas .

]]> http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/05/03/an-eco-conscious-utopia/feed/ 0 http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/05/01/an-address-in-utopia/ http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/05/01/an-address-in-utopia/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 00:02:21 +0000 Mike http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/?p=4170 Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in Belize? Well, if you’ve got your heart set on the Caribbean, Belize is quite possibly the best choice. One of the advantages it has over its neighbors is that English is the official language which makes doing business and living in Belize relatively stress-free.

If You’ve Got the Money, Honey…

Having determined that a move to Belize will cost a nice chunk of change there are incentives offered to foreigners – especially those over the age of 45 – who seek to declare permanent residency abroad. This is something worth looking into if one is seriously considering a pulling up stakes.

The cost of living in Belize will fluctuate dramatically depending on where you choose to live. Ambergris Caye and Placencia, for example, are more expensive. Since the former is an island, everything must be imported which means added cost. Alternatively, you may decide that northern Belize near Corozal, perhaps, is the place to be. Due to its proximity to Mexico you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: shopping across the border in Mexico will save copious amounts of money, while still enjoying the benefits of living in an English-speaking country.

The Creature Comforts

You will find that the cost of food varies significantly throughout Belize, sometimes even in the same neighborhood. Finding the expats who know the ins and outs of living well on a budget is the key for newcomers in Belize. Case in point: Eating foods that are indigenous to Belize will cut your food bill by at least half.

Obviously, Belize enjoys a tropical climate, thus; decorative vegetation grows like weeds. This means property maintenance is required, and yard workers charge about $20.00 per day. However, a rock-scape would circumvent this expense. Other expenses include housekeeping, which runs about $15.00 per day. While cars are relatively inexpensive in Belize, gasoline is high. On the black market, however, a “bucket of gas”ť as it is called, is half the price.

Ready, or Not? Take the plunge and learn more about living in Belize.

Aside from listening to the concerns raised, Mayor Guerrero informed the Polyclinic doctors that a parcel of land has been identified for the construction of a hospital. According to the Mayor, the Ministry of Natural Resources has identified and secured a piece of property opposite Bowen and Bowen’s Cristal outlet on Blake Street all the way north to the San Pedro Family Fitness Club, adjacent to the airstrip.

The Mayor said that the land has been transferred to the Ministry of Health, who will have to identify funds for the construction of the hospital. While funds can take years to be allocated, the Mayor hopes that the hospital is constructed within the timeframe of the current central government administration.

(Note that the property for the future hospital is just down the street from the Baymen Garden development. So owners will have easy access to medical care, once the hospital is completed.)

Construction crews have worked diligently since last June. Progress was very obvious as each floor was added. But once work shifted to the interior it wasn’t as easy to demonstrate construction progress. But now there are clear signs that the project is moving towards completion.

Building A Tile Work

The two pictures included in this post illustrate the progress to date. The main blog photo illustrates that the entire building has received several coats of white paint. And the bright turquoise trim is now being applied. The picture of the building’s interior indicates that the tile work is well underway within the units, and the central hallway.

John Morgan, the project construction manager, has been working closely with the Belizean contractor, Daniel Camal. They are both driving this project forward as quickly as possible.

I recently asked John if the construction would be completed by the end of June, 2012, which is ambitious. He said that the end of June would be a stretch. But we do expect it to be completed soon…

If you would like to visit, and check out Building A, and construction progress, sign up and come for a visit during a Chill Weekend…

The Government of Belize is committed to improve the standard of living of the people of Belize. To this end tourism development has been earmarked as one of the most promising avenues of growth thus increasing the demand for safe, fast and reliable telecommunication services. As always the relevant issue is how to steer growth in a sustainable direction so that it will provide sustainability for all stakeholders, local, national and international stakeholders. The object of the project is to ensure social, economical and environmental sustainability and equilibrium, which are the three keys to a successful project.

The project entails the installation of a Submarine Fiber Optic Cable (SFOC) from mainland Belize to Ambergris Caye, where it will be incorporated into the network that presently exists on the island . This upgrade, by virtue of Fiber Optic Cable (FOC), which is a state of the art tool in telecommunications, will allow for quicker service time and allow easier access and download times on the internet, which in the case of San Pedro, is essential due to its importance to the tourism industry of Belize.

The FOC will run from Maskall to Bomba and from Bomba to the coastline, overhead on the existing Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) poles . The FOC will then proceed underground and via a SFOC to the island of San Pedro.

Once the SFOC reaches the island, it will be incorporated into the grid via manholes that have already been installed throughout the town.

It must be noted that this project will be implemented during the dry season, thus decreasing and\or minimizing the impacts onto the environment, both land and marine.

The Country of Belize

The Island City of San Pedro 

Condos in San Pedro will provide a quiet, intimate setting for a couple or family. Every condo in San Pedro is close to the beach and offers views of the tropics. The condos combine modern technology with the spirit and culture of the Belize people helping you enjoy the lifestyle that makes Belize famous.

Options in Ownership

Once you have your condo in Belize, you have the option of setting up residency and living in Belize, or renting out your Condo for anywhere from $200 – $700 a night when you are not using it, depending on the size and luxuriousness of the condo you purchase.

If you choose to live in Belize , there is an incredible education system in place for any children that come along. Once settled in Belize, you realize there is little to be done to change the circumstances or challenges of everyday life, and it is unquestionably best to sit back and enjoy the view.

For more information on how you can own or rent your very own Belize condo, contact the Grand Baymen community.

]]> http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/04/18/san-pedro-condos-a-tropical-paradise-to-call-home/feed/ 0 http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/04/11/bill-gates-family-vacationing-in-belize/ http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/2012/04/11/bill-gates-family-vacationing-in-belize/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:07:01 +0000 Brunette http://www.grandbaymen.com/blog/?p=4095 US billionaire, Bill Gates, the second richest man in the world, and his wife Melinda along with other family members are vacationing in the Jewel. News that his yacht was moored nearby sent the residents of the island speculating whether the Gates would drop in to enjoy the island’s charm.

Gates arrived this morning on his luxury mega yacht Attessa IV which is sitting right off the coast of Ambergris Caye, outside the barrier reef. As far as we can tell, soon after arrival the Gates family was flown to the private resort of Cayo Espanto off Ambergris Caye and by this afternoon they reportedly headed to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The billionaire and his family are expected to make stops at various world renowned destinations in Belize including southern Belize, the Turneffe Atolls and the Great Blue Hole. Immigration and custom officials this morning gave them the all clear for a one month stay in Belize but it is not known how long they will remain in the country.

The three hundred and thirty foot yacht has a crew of twenty-three and comes complete with a helipad.  The vessel is being captained by Sergiy Pashchenko; it has an estimated value of two hundred and fifty million dollars and can accommodate up to thirty-six guests along with the crew.

BILL AND MELINDA GATES

Gates, the founder and owner of Microsoft Company, has a fortune worth some sixty-two billion dollars. He has donated in the range of thirty billion dollars to charity and is a recognized as a leading philanthropist. Along with his wife, they have established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest charitable foundations. To understand the magnitude of his wealth, it is estimated that Gates earns two hundred and fifty US dollars every second, which is over twenty-one million US dollars a day. On a point of interest, in January of 2012 the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed an agreement with Belize under the Salud Mesoamerica 2015 Initiative during the SICA Head of Central Banks meeting at Coco Beach Belize on Ambergris Caye. The project has sponsorship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carlos Slim Health Institute. Slim, a Mexican national, is the richest man in the world.

Source:  Belize News 5 and San Pedro Sun on line

It’s Affordable

Retiring in Belize is a great option because your money can go further. You can easily support yourself off of your retirement checks and any investment income. You will also find many services are more affordable in Belize than in other places around the world so you’ll spend less on services like cable television, health insurance, produce, property taxes, cleaning services and even medical care.

Life is Exciting in Belize

You’ve worked hard all of your life to earn your retirement, so why not spend your golden years in paradise that offers so many things to do and to see.

You can explore the thousands of species of animals, birds, fish, butterflies, trees and flowers that flourish on the small island. If you are an adventurer, you can canoe or paddle down the various rivers in the country. You can even go scuba diving, caving or mountaineering.

You can also immerse yourself in Belize culture by enjoying the many cultural events and festivals that occur throughout the year. Of course, if the idea of lounging on the beach is more your style, you will be in heaven on the extraordinary beaches of Belize.

 A Fresh Start

One of the things that retirees most look forward to when they retire in exotic locations is the opportunity to reinvent themselves. By retiring to a country such as Belize where English is the main language, retirees can feel inspired to take on new hobbies or even return to interesting part-time work in fields that may have felt unattainable or perhaps frivolous to them in the past.

These are some of the most common reasons for retiring in Belize but you will find so many more reasons why it’s attainable and extraordinarily desirable when you begin to learn more about the country and its people.