Why you should book your Vacation to Belize through a Travel Operator like myself

Because there is no substitute to local knowlege for customizing your vacation in Belize.

The Ocean of Information on the Internet: The internet is covered with a vast amount of information on Belize. You'll find thousands of websites with information and products on the country. But how do you filter the credible and unbiased information from the rest? How do you put all that information into context if you've never been to Belize before? I've found that most people who are starting to plan a vacation to Belize with the internet as their only resource wind up frustrated with the endless flow of information. Too many options and not enough details or insight to make a choice. I know the feeling first hand, because I too plan vacations to other countries that I've never been to. This is where travel operators like DiscoveringBelize.com are invaluable. I was born and raised here. Since I was a child I've been exploring this country. My family and I would take weekend trips on my dad's boat to visit dozens of islands, both deserted and with cool little towns on them. He would often bring a friend of his, a local fisherman named Norman, and we'd go fishing or diving for conch. I had a horse on my dad's farm which I named Footloose. I remember day trips to have picnics on the river, or camp out in the jungle. I was touring Belize before I even knew what tourism was. Now that I'm in this business, I don't just sit behind a computer all day. I've continued exploring this country. I've stayed at resorts of every color and flavor throughout the country. I've been out on countless tours, constantly looking for the best guides. I've been there and done it, and all those experiences are perfectly organized and contextualized in my head. The internet is an ocean of information of variable quality that is hard to navigate. Contact me and I'll put it all into perspective for you.

Personalized Itineraries: As I emphasized in my letter above, traveling is ultimately a personal experience. I often say that there is no such list as the "best things to see and do". The only thing that matters is what you want to see and do. After you decide on a country, one of the first and biggest decisions you have to make is what destintions(s) you want to visit. Belize has about a dozen major destinations and even more if you count the off the beaten path places. Say for example you want to stay on an island. There are dozens of them, from deserted island to large ones with towns. Where should you stay? While you may find a lot of information online about each place there is often little to no information that helps you compare destinations. How do you know which is best for you? And the decision process becomes even harder if you want a complicated itinerary that includes 2 or more destinations. This is where my in depth knowledge of the country is invaluable. I've been to pretty much every destination you could possibly visit in Belize. I know first hand the atmosphere of each place that is often hard to describe in words. In the first few minutes of talking to you I get a good idea of what destination(s) is right for you. So you want to feel like a castaway on a secluded island and have a keen interest in marine biology, how about Southwater Caye or Frank's Caye both with marine research stations? So you want some of the best diving in Belize and are happy to dive all day, how about the Aggressor liveaborad or a dive resort on one of the atolls? So you're an avid fly fisherman and are hungry to catch the elusive permit, how about the saltwater flats off of Punta Gorda? So you want a remote and luxurious jungle lodge and have a keen interest in wildlife, how about the wild jungles of Orange Walk? So you have a taste for adventure, how about the caves, maya ruins and rivers of the Cayo district? And so on... I can guide you through ever decision you'll have to make and the end result will be a beautiful itinerary completely personalized to your tastes and interests.

Traveler and Guest Reviews: "I can find many reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have visited Belize, so why do I need a travel operator?" I think traveler and guest reviews apply particularly to resorts and hotels. I enjoy reading experiences from travelers online, however they are limited as a source for planning your trip. First of all all hotel guests do not rate the property with the same measureing stick. Some guests are very laid back and will complain about very little. Other guests are very picky, and will complain about the smallest thing. And the collective wisdom of all the reviews doesn't always apply to you! Check out this Trip Advisor review on a resort called Hamanasi, which is just south of Hopkins Village. Hamanasi has a a 5 star rating based on the average of 124 reviews (as it should, it's a great resort), but this woman rated it a low 2 stars! Not because, it's not a good resort overall, but because this was not a good resort for her tastes. She based her decision, as she states in her review, primarily on the great reviews from Trip Advisor. But none of those reviews could tell her what I could have told her in 5 minutes. "This destination is not right for you, it's secluded and remote. I think you'll be happier in a town where you have a choice of restaurants, bars and shops." Just a month ago I had a someone contact me with the idea of taking her family to Hopkins. In fact she was just about to book the resort before she called me. I immediatly realized that she was making the wrong decision and I completely redid her itinerary. After her trip she emailed me saying "Hi Alex... Just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic holiday and will definitely be going back to Belize... Thank you for your help in putting together the holiday. We'll be in touch next year when we return... Laurie" If this was you, who's shoes would you prefer to be in: the poor woman who wrote that bad review on Trip Advisor or Laurie? This brings me to the second problem of reviews, there is no basis for comparison. These are guests sharing their isolated experiences of a hotel. But how do you compare one hotel to the other? As we've seen, it's not a simple matter of picking the one with the best reviews. The only way to truly compare is if the person has stayed at both hotels himself. I've stayed at so many resorts in Belize I've lost count, I can compare any of them to the most minute detail and recommend the one best suited for you.

Unbiased Recommendations: I'll admit that I'm biased in terms of Belize as a destination. So if you ask me, which is better Belize or Costa Rica? Of course I'll say Belize, it's my home. However when it comes to making recommendations about your itinerary in Belize I am completely unbiased. My only concern is for you to have a great experience in my country, no matter what destination in the country you choose or for that matter what resort. Try doing that by calling the hotel directly! If you call a hotel in Ambergris Caye for example, can you imagine them telling you "well sir, I regret to inform you that I don't think we are the right resort for you, why don't you try Acme Resort down the beach, I think they are better suited to your tastes." Never in a million years! Every resort will tell you that they are in the "best" destination in Belize, the "best" resort in the area and the "best" resort for you. They're also the "best" resort for advnture, relaxation, couples, families, eco tourism, diving, snorkeling, fishing as well as perfect for honeymoons and weddings! Yeah right! No resort is better than the other, they are just different. They represent the owner's individual idea of paradise. As a result, resorts in Belize come in all shapes and colors. They have distintive atmospheres that are hard to describe in words. Boiling down a resort to a 5 star average rating tells you very little about whether it's right for you. The same logic applies to picking a destination. Ambergris Caye for example receives the most visitors of all the destinations in Belize, and with good reason, it's a fun island. However does that make it the best destination in Belize? Not at all! Some prefer the more laid back and low key atmoshpere of Caye Caulker or the beaches in Placencia for example. I can't stress enough the difference a personalized itinerary will make on your experience. And to customize an itinerary you need unbiased recommendations from someone who's been there, period.

Prices & Ethics: Many people have the idea that booking your trip through a travel operator, costs more. Unfortunately, this does happen sometimes. It's often done with packaged itineraries where all you see is a final total and you don't know the itemized costs. An agent can hike up the total price and you are none the wiser. Cruise ships for example are notorious for hiking up the prices of shore excursions. Or a resort might hike up the price of a tour. However, this has more to do with the business ethics of the individual owner and company than with an inherent problem in the tourism industry itself. Fortunately, it doesn't happen often and most travel operators, travel agents and hotels are honest in their pricing. Speaking for myself and my company, I believe strongly in sound business ethics. The prices I quote are exactly what you would pay by booking directly. All my invoices have the costs itemized so you are welcome to test my word. Also, because of the leverage I have with hotels and tour guides, I can often get you better deals than you could on your own. The interests of businesses and customers are often not the same, but I belive that in the long run businesses that serve their customers well and are honest will do well.

If you have any comments, questions or general interest in Belize I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at info@DiscoveringBelize.com or call me at (713) 429-4384

The picture is of me relaxing at a beach resort, one of many resorts I've personally visited throughout the country.

cheers, Alex Gamero

Belize Lobster Festival 2008: beach, sun, music, drinks and all the lobster you can eat!

What a great idea. An entire festival lasting 3 days, in 3 different towns to celebrate one of the most delicious foods on earth - lobster! Dozens of food vendors set up tents along the beach and streets serving up secret family recipes of fresh lobster. You can find it grilled, fried, stewed, boiled and covered in a variety of spices and sauces. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Imagine walking down the beach and every food stand is serving fresh lobster cooked in every conceivable form. Now add to the great food, live bands playing good music, the beach, great weather, tropical drinks and you have yourself one hell of a party. Or as we Belizeans call it, a "bash". Always present is the big Belikin Beer tent (the beer of Belize), serving up ice-cold beers all day. Quaint beach bars open up their doors serving rum and other tropical mixes. Music is blasting from every direction. During the day you’ll have live bands playing Calypso, Garifuna and Reggae. At night, there are different dances where you can move your hips to the rhythm of Punta, Soca and Dancehall. The summer months bring great weather so it’s hot and humid – perfect for a party.

MSNBC rates Belize’s Lobster Fest as one of the greatest food festivals in the world! "In June, kick off lobster season with Belize’s annual Lobster Festival, held first in Placencia, then on Caye Caulker. Each celebration lasts three days, and everyone from the villages comes out to celebrate. Whatever tourists who happen to be around reap the benefits of this spotlight on crustaceans. (Warning: napkins not included.)"

Every year, for the past decade, the towns of Placencia and Caye Caulker have organized these festivals to celebrate the opening of the lobster season, which is when local fishermen can begin catching lobster for the year. San Pedro joined the celebrations just last year throwing their first Lobster Fest, which was quite a success. These 3 places were traditional fishing towns before tourism became a significant industry in Belize. The locals have not forgotten their roots and still celebrate their fishing heritage. In fact the festival also commemorates Fisherman’s Day with a fishing tournament where local fishermen and visiting anglers test their skills on the sea. They leave at the crack of dawn in hunt of big fish. By the time they return just after noon the party is in full swing and crowds of onlookers gather around as the fishermen proudly display their prized catches. And for the fishermen who didn't win, there is no shortage of excuses as to why they missed the big one. Competition brings out the best and most colorful excuses.

Fishermen are not the only ones who get to compete in these festivals. Children also get to participate in a variety of games such as dance contests, balloon toss and sack race. And food and beer vendors are not the only ones lining the beach and streets either, you’ll find a variety of tents selling everything from souvenirs to Belizean products like Marie Sharp’s famed pepper sauces. You’ll also find tents representing different organizations including the local Village Council and various conservation groups like the Audubon Society and Friends of Nature. In fact, one of the main reasons for these festivities, aside from celebrating lobster, is fund raising for these non-profit organizations.

This celebration has something for everyone. Belizeans from all over the country flock to Lobster Fest for great food and a lot of fun. In the past, travelers were not a big part of them. Only visitors who had booked their trip for that particular week, without knowing about the festivities, were pleasantly surprised. But today Lobster Fest is being promoted more outside of Belize and more travelers with a taste for lobster and culture are planning their trip around this annual event. This is your chance to visit one of Belize’s most beautiful beach destinations and enjoy Belizean culture in all its glorious colors. Overall it’s a fun and care-free event for everyone to enjoy. Of course, you also get all the lobster you can eat!

Here are the dates for the 2008 Lobster Festivals:

Placencia Lobster Fest: June 27-29
Read Article with Pictures and Watch Video

Placencia - Barefoot Perfect
7 Days / 6 Nigths Package
From: $482/Person
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Caye Caulker Lobster Fest: June 27-29
Read Article with Pictures

Caye Caulker - Go Slow
7 Days / 6 Nigths Package
From: $318/Person
Learn More >>>

San Pedro Lobster Fest: June 14-19
See Pictures

San Pedro - Isla Bonita
7 Days / 6 Nigths Package
From: $513/Person
Learn More >>>

Book your trip early. Hotel rooms get booked out fast, because nobody wants to miss the fun! If you would like a personalized itinerary Contact Us

Silk Cayes, two Deserted Islands on the Barrier Reef with beautiful Beaches

The Silk Cayes, also known as the Queen Cayes, are 2 deserted islands located right along the Barrier Reef. They are picturesque islands fringed by white beaches and dotted by dozens of coconut trees. A trip to these islands usually includes snorkeing along the reef as well as a beach barbeque. These islands are easily visited on day trips from Placencia. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

The Case Family, Freezing in the Snow & Dreaming of Tropical Belize

By: Angie Case

Twenty three degrees Fahrenheit, with a "real feel" temperature of eighteen… Good Grief... It's been snowing on and off here for nearly a week, with no end in sight. Eight to twelve inches they said. Try more like three feet with snow drifts of five feet or so... What a mess. The driveway is frozen, the sidewalk is under a foot or more of fresh powder, hidden beneath that is a nice fat layer of ice to make sure you slide from the front door to your four wheel drive vehicle. What's that you say no four wheel drive vehicle? Well then forget it; you won't be going anywhere until it thaws.

It was always my husband's dream to live here in the shadow of beautiful Mount Shasta, California. We took what few trips we could afford in our early years together from our home in Sacramento, California up here in the warm summer months to camp and fish. His dream came true. We've been living here for close to six years now. Our family and his business are thriving.

We came from down in the valley below, where February may have called for long sleeves, but you could be guaranteed that gardeners everywhere were already turning the soil. Summer time temperatures peaked in the middle of July, sometimes soaring into the 113 degree range. I remember people boasting that it was so hot outside you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. It really was possible, although I could never figure out why you'd want to. As a youngster in that climate, with little to compare to, you just accepted it and wore as little as possible. Your skin would turn a lovely golden brown and your eyelashes would be tinted by the summer sun. I thrived in it. The weather was hot, lovely...

I'm freezing, it's that simple. Yes, our little home in the woods is perfect, you simply cannot beat having 29 acres for a house full of teenagers to run off their energy on but it's so cold! I can't help it; my old bones protest this weather so much! The view is spectacular. From nearly every window in the house you can see mountain ranges, Black Butte, The Eddys, and of course, majestic Mount Shasta, the lovely lady in white who watches over us all. It's a spiritual place I understand, a place where people flock to be closer to this powerful mountain.

The crime rate is low and for that I'm very thankful. We don't worry over the same kinds of things that parents in the big city do. Our children are doing very well here; my husband's business is really taking off.

Every winter though, the children and I battle with our inner demons, the voices inside our heads filled with a wanderlust. A need to move south where it’s warm. I am grateful for all we have, truly I am, but it's cold! I'm just not a snow kinda girl. We don't drive a suburban and we don't have ski racks on top of the car. I don't ski for a reason. I just have no desire to be that cold. That would involve the chance of falling down in the afore-mentioned white stuff!

Seriously, I'd trade evenly, a cup of sand flies per cup of snow... I'd be willing to show up with trash bags in hand and comb the streets and by-ways for all the trash I could find. I'd be happy to do whatever public service...whatever penance it would take to find myself living in a warmer climate. But not just any place.

Ah, Belize...

Desperate times call for desperate measures. My way of coping with all of this snow, is to research lovely places I wish I was rich enough to travel to. Thank goodness for the internet.

A couple of years ago, my daughters and I were huddled together in front of the wood stove, complaining about being cold, dreaming aloud. I told them about this wonderful place that I had been researching.

Just the sound of the name does funny things to my insides... Belize. It calls to me with its exotic sounding name... Tropical climate, crystal clear blue waters, the color of my youngest son's eyes. Almost perfect fishing conditions. Boy, that would do nicely for the older son... the one who talks fishing morning, noon and night. I can just see him now, lean and tan, happy and thriving with a fishing pole in hand. This boy's life long dream has been to own a fishing boat.

White sand beaches, quiet places, still left where one can sit quietly and soak up the warm sunlight. Yes, this sounds about as close to paradise as can be for a family with aching joints from the cold and vivid imaginations.

I watch my children grow and encourage their dreams. Belize fits nicely into their imaginations as it does mine.

Sipping coffee one morning about a month ago, I stumbled upon a website called discoveringbelize... Inside were beautiful pictures, some of which brought such a yearning to my heart that I actually found tears in my eyes. Raising teenagers is hard work, hard on the pocket book too. My husband and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this year and I really wish I could take him far away to a place where the sun shines down on you, there's actually time for things like holding hands... a small escape from our ordinary snow bound, hard working, small business owner-existence where the kids never seem to stop and the phone rings all the time. My husband works so hard. How wonderful it would be to just take him away for a few days....

But where would the money to go come from? It's all we can do to feed everyone, pay the monthly bills and keep everyone in shoes and clothing.

This fast paced, American Dream isn't for everyone, just so you know. Some of us dream of a slower pace. Some of us dream of meeting new people and hearing their stories, learning about different cultures, finding the commonality of peoples from all over the globe. Some of us dream awfully big, sitting in our kitchens next to the fire, wishing and dreaming of warmer climates where the sun shines brightly and the beat of the ocean waves matches the pulse of those who live by her tides.

Alex Gamero, a kindly, unsuspecting Belizean man, answered an email one day, thinking that he was putting together an itinerary for a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary... what he found instead was a pen pal. We cannot afford to visit Belize at this time, but through Alex's photography and descriptive words about a country that he clearly loves, he has allowed me to visit at least in my mind. Over the course of the last month, Alex and I have exchanged at least a dozen emails. How or why he finds the time to answer my many questions like this, I'll never fully understand, but I am thankful. It's good to dream.

It's funny, Alex asked me to tell him what I'd like to do if I were to come to Belize for a visit and my mind just whirls with the possibilities. I think with as long as my family has been yearning for this and researching, and falling in love with a land we've yet to lay eyes on, perhaps the kids are right, perhaps one day we can just pack up and move there. Dreams do come true sometimes.

I think first, we'd have to spend some time on a quiet beach somewhere, just soaking in the healing warmth of the sun. Perhaps Alex and his lovely wife would like to sit with us, share a beer and discuss places to see things to explore!

I'm so excited about visiting the jungle, just hearing the sounds, the feel of that much flora surrounding you. I am a plant nut. I love them all. To me being surrounded in green like that would be a slice of heaven! My youngest daughter talked in her childhood years of a dream of visiting the jungle. Oh, how I ache to see her dream come to fruition.

The Mayan ruins. The idea of standing in a place rich with history like that sends my mind to reeling again. I wonder how many places on earth are left like this? Remote, overgrown, untouched by human hands for possibly hundreds of years? I can just imagine my children’s eyes as they take it all in.

Dangriga is another that tops my list of places I want to experience. From what I understand, the town is home to some of Belize's finest painters, musicians and drum makers. The history of the Garifuna people fascinates me. "Sweet water is close at hand" is the loose translation of the Garifuna word, Dangriga. Sounds lovely to me.

One day beautiful Belize...

Until then, I'm thankful for my Belizean pen-pal friend Alex, who encourages my family's dreaming and ends all of his emails in,

Cheers, Alex.

Every time we have a spare penny, nickel or dime, it goes into the Belize ginger jar.
One day beautiful Belize, one day!

Mayan Archeology & Maya Ruins, an Interview with Belize's Minister of Archeology, Jaime Awe

In this video we talked to Jaime Awe, Minister of Archeology for Belize, to get his views on the Mayan civilization. Belize has a rich Mayan heritage, boasting many ruins and artifacts. Today, these massive stone temples lay dormant, surrounded by overgrown forests. But to the keen observer, they tell a story of a great civilization. The Maya were a technologically advanced civilization. When Christopher Colombus landed on the New World, the calendar the Europeans were using was actually less accurate than the one the Maya had already developed! Their art, hieroglyphs, religion and culture have fascinated many curious minds. Visiting one of Belize’s Maya ruins and learning about their civilization is an experience that should not be missed! (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Diving the Belize Barrier Reef, an Interview with PADI Course Director, John Searle

John Searle is a PADI certified Course Director, which is the highest certification offered by PADI for dive professionals. If anyone can describe the diving in Belize it's John. In this interview he summarizes the diving opportunities in Belize. After his interview, the video continues highlighting some underwater scenes from dive sites all over Belize. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Hopkins Village & Garifuna Culture - A Quaint Village with a Deep Cultural Tradition

This quaint fishing village is nestled on the southern coast. It is a Garifuna village, a cultural group with deep traditions who are descendants of escaped African slaves and Caribbean Indians. It's sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and cool breezes provide an ideal backdro for relaxing. There are quaint shops, a few bars, great little restaurants and many interesting people to enjoy here. Of course, taking in a Garifuna drumming and dancing show is a must. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Fishing in Belize- Saltwater Flats, Reef, Deep Sea & River Fishing

By Alex Gamero

The variety and quantity of fish in Belize is a result of the diversity of aquatic habitats that support them. The barrier reef is the most important, providing shelter and food for a huge variety of crustaceans and reef fish which in turn attract larger predatory fish. The reef also breaks the strong ocean currents producing calm sheltered waters for fish. The country’s second virtue is freshwater rivers and their brackish estuaries which are often used by fish to spawn before moving out into the sea. These nutrient-rich rivers also dump a wealth of bio-mass into the sea which forms the base of the food-chain that supports larger game fish. The sub-tropical climate maintains water temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit which is just right for literally hundreds of fish species as well. This rich mixture of sandy beaches, barrier islands, intercoastal waterways, seagrass beds, mangrove-studded bays, salt marshes and estuaries is what makes fishing in Belize so diverse. It is important to bear in mind that there are many variables that affect fish movement and their propensity to feed such as tides, moon phases, water temperature and wind. With so many variables there is no precise equation for guaranteeing catches. However, local fishing guides have a wealth of knowledge which together with skill, persistence and some luck should insure a memorable fishing experience in Belize.

The Flats: Mangrove-lined bays, creeks, channels and lagoons form vast saltwater flats, popular with fly-fishermen. A day usually involves wading or fishing from the casting deck of your skiff. Bonefish are the most plentiful game fish on the flats, ranging around 5 lbs with plenty of fight. Tarpon range from 60-90 lbs but can approach 200 lbs. Their migration is from April to October with the peak months being June, July and August. Also called saltwater torpedoes, they are known for jumping out of the water when hooked. Permit has become a popular game fish because it requires a lot of skill to hook on a fly-rod. You can set your sights for the Grand Slam of fly-fishing, catching a tarpon, bonefish and permit in one day.

Reef & Offshore: The barrier reef offers the greatest opportunities for catches, because it harbors so many types of fish. Trolling along the reef with both surface and deep running plugs can yield barracudas, jacks, groupers and snappers. Drop fishing on “fishing holes” will often produce a lot of small snappers. Moving outside the barrier reef into deeper waters can yield kingfish, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin. Most offshore fishing takes place during tournament time in February, June and October. However, offshore fishing can be arranged year-round. Barracuda, snapper and marlin are good all year, while sail fish is best in the spring and wahoo in the winter. King Mackerel is best in April, May and June.

The Rivers:Many rivers meet the sea along the coast, cutting deep into the jungle. Fishing along these rivers involves either spin or fly fishing. Cuberas are best caught when the water is cool with deep running plugs as they tend to find cover in the deep holes along the middle of the river. They are also called river rhinos as these hard-fighting fish are known for pulling hooks. Snook are plentiful and are best caught along the mangrove edges at outgoing tide when the water is a little muddy. Tarpon are good during the spring when they enter the river to spawn. You can set your sights for the Jungle Slam of river fishing, catching a tarpon, cubera and snook in one day.

Fishing Destinations

Essentially you can drop a line at the end of a dock anywhere in Belize and catch something. However, if you want to go after specific game fish then you must consider the types of fisheries around various destinations. Below is a brief description of the fishing in these different destinations that should help you in choosing where to go.

Ambergris Caye: The barrier reef is visible from the shore of the island and offers good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and groupers. Offshore fishing will take you well outside the barrier reef for the best chances at big deep sea game fish. There are many saltwater flats around the island especially on the western lagoon side of the island. These flats are known for good tarpon fishing where you can site cast for them during most of the year. They are quite forgiving fisheries good for novice to experienced anglers.

Caye Caulker: Caye Caulker is just south of Ambergris Caye so it shares many of the same fisheries. The reef fishing is good for barracuda, snapper and groupers. The offshore fishing is also good, but is not offered as much by local guides. There are many saltwater flats on the western lagoon side of the island, however Ambergris Caye probably has more flats. The flats are known for good tarpon fishing as well. You generally get better rates for boats and guides here than in Ambergris Caye.

Atolls: Of the 3 atolls, Turneffe Islands Atoll and Glover’s Reef Atoll are the best for fishing. Turneffe has many mangrove islands and vast saltwater flats in its central lagoon. This makes it a popular destination for saltwater fly-fishing. These flats are particularly abundant in game fish. Glover’s Atoll is a marine reserve so it has very good fishing. Trolling or spinning along the reef or offshore waters may yield tuna, mackerel, barracuda, jack, grouper and snapper. Some area coral flats also offer opportunities at bonefish and permit.

Belize City: Belize has a good variety of fisheries to choose from. Probably the best known are the rivers, especially the Belize and Sibun Rivers. They are plentiful in snook and other river game fish like cubera and seasonal tarpon. Just off the coast are many small mangrove islands that can yield good catches by casting along the mangrove edges. The barrier reef is just 30 minutes offshore and offers good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and grouper. Moving past the reef into offshore waters offers good deep-sea fishing.

Punta Gorda: Punta Gorda offers a wide variety of fisheries to choose from. The coastal rivers are good for snook and seasonal tarpon. The patch reefs around the coastal islands are good for barracuda, jack and snapper. The saltwater flats are good for bonefish. However, these flats are particularly known for offering some of the best chances to catch permit on a fly-rod, giving it its reputation as “the permit capital of the world”. These fisheries are not very forgiving and are best appreciated by experienced anglers.

Placencia: Placencia offers a wide variety of fisheries to choose from. Saltwater flats can be found around the extensive mangrove and coral islands off the coast with a lot of bonefish and occasional permits. The mangrove islands are good for tarpon. The patch reefs around the coral islands and barrier reef are good for barracuda, snapper and jacks. The offshore waters can yield grouper, wahoo, tuna, marlin and sailfish. The Placencia Lagoon has mangrove lined flats and creeks good for tarpon and snook.

Dangriga: The coast of Dangriga has an extensive network of mangrove and coral islands that produce saltwater flats with plenty of bonefish, particularly around South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The mangrove islands are good for tarpon. The flats between Bluefield Range and Gladden Caye are known as permit alley for their good permit fishing. The patch reefs around the coral islands as well as the barrier reef offer good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and jacks as well. The offshore waters can yield grouper, wahoo, tuna, marlin and sailfish.

Wild Howler Monkeys at the Community Baboon Sanctuary

Bermudian Landing was visited by primate researchers in 1981, whose follow up studies highlighted the higher densities of Black Howler Monkey. After initial consultation with the villagers in 1984, an application was made to WWF USA in 1985 for funds to set up the reserve. Local landowners and the Village Council signed a voluntary management agreement in 1985. The reserve has expanded since to include over 100 landowners who have committed themselves to the land management practices winch accommodate the Howler monkey (known as baboons in Creole). (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Deserted Islands & Beaches off the Coast of Punta Gorda

Belize has many islands. Some have large towns while others are just small mangrove specks. Some of the true jewels are those deserted coral islands surrounded by blue water and white sandy beaches. In this picture series you'll see 3 remote islands off the southern town of Punta Gorda. Abalanoe Caye features a ranger station. Several studies are done on East Snake Caye. Lastly West Snake Caye stands as a perfect example of deserted islands. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Majestic Waterfalls of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve covers 300 square miles of pine forests on the slopes of the Maya Mountain Range. This mountainous terrain with many rivers forms numerous waterfalls. Thousand Foot Falls drops deep down a river valley and is one of the largest waterfalls in Central America. Big Rock Waterfall is a huge waterfall where you can get close enough to feel its mist while Rio On Pools features dozens of refreshing pools. Butterfly Falls is nestled in thick jungle and has a beautiful pool where you can swim. Many such waterfalls can be fround throughout this rich forest reserve. No visit to this area is complete without seeing at least one. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye - Belize's Most Popular Destination

San Pedro is Belize’s most popular destination. This island, off the northern coast of the country, centers around a vibrant town lined with cobbled stone and sandy streets. San Pedro is just a great place to relax. There are countless coconut trees, a few nice beaches, friendly people and lots of sun. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from as well to fill your evenings. There’s a reason Madonna made a whole song about this island, calling it “Isla Bonita”. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Sailing in Belize, an Interview with Captain Cliff Wilson

By Alex Gamero

Cliff Wilson is the owner and captain of the Aubisque Catamaran. He has been sailing in Belize and taking guests to explore its coastline for many years. We talked to Cliff about his views on sailing in Belize.

Tell me about yourself. Where were you born? What do you do? What key moments in your life have brought you to where you are today?

I have been a sailor at heart most of my life, and finally got bored with being a lawyer, so we sold everything, bought a boat, and moved to Belize. My wife was sweet enough to go along with my plan. We have been married for about 33 years.

Belize is not as popular as destinations like the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands when it comes to sailing. Why should sailors consider exploring the coast of Belize?

Why Belize? For the reason we picked it. It boasts the second-longest barrier reef in the world, it is not crowded like the Easter Caribbean, and only hours away from anywhere in the US. You can still find anchorages that you will have to yourself (in fact, most of them are that way), and it has not been over-fished so far. Belize has been at the top of the list for divers and salt-water fly fishermen for years. It just has not been brought to the attention of the general public.

The extensive coral reefs in Belize have been known to wreck quite a few number of vessels. What is the navigation like on these waters?

Navigation -- yes, the barrier reef made Belize the premier pirate hide-out for many, many years. It is difficult, and the charts are outdated. It is not a good idea to attempt a bare boat charter here, although TMM and the Moorings are doing a fair amount of business. It took me about six months of exploring before I could start to enjoy myself, as opposed to being constantly watching the charts, the depth sounder, and maintaining a bow watch.

Belize is in the tropics, which produces sunny skies on some day and not so sunny skies on others. What is the weather like? What are the wind conditions? What is the best time of the year for sailing?

Weather -- tropical. Basically, it is the same as any other location in the Caribbean at this latitude. Winter months see cold fronts coming from the north every 3 or 4 days, which bring squalls from that direction. Squalls are very localized rainstorms, that hardly ever last more than a few minutes. You can be anchored in the sunshine, with thunderstorms on either side of you, or have one on top of you. The summer months see trade winds, with tropical waves coming from Africa every 3 or 4 days, which bring squalls from that direction. Basically, the weather is wonderful most of the year, unless you get a hurricane.

There are many different types of sailboats. The one that seems to be the most popular in Belize are catamarans. Why is this?

Catamarans are most popular in Belize because they are shallow draft vessels, and can get to many, many more locations than a mono hull.

One of the main features of Belize’s coastline, aside from the barrier reef and atolls, is the hundreds of islands that stretch north to south. Most are small mangrove and coral islands, while the larger islands harbor booming towns. What are some of your favorite anchorages?

My favorite anchorages are (in no particular order), the Drowned Cayes (lots of manatees and mangrove critters), St. George's Cay, South Water Cay, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Placencia, Robinson's Cayes, Goff's Caye, Tobacco Cay, Tobacco Range, Bluefield Range, Garbut's Cay… There is something for everyone at each location. Some guests want to be isolated -- others want a beach bar to go to.

Aside from the many anchorages to explore, what activities can one enjoy when out sailing in Belize?

Activities include kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, napping, reading a book, enjoying a rum drink and much more . . . .

The majority of travelers who charter a sailboat are sailors themselves. However, people who are not sailors can also go sailing by chartering a sailboat with a captain. Why should a non-sailor consider spending his vacation (or at least part of his vacation) at sea as opposed to a hotel?

Anyone who wants to spend some serious time exploring the reef should be on a sailboat. There are a handful of land-based resorts on the reef, but being on a boat permits you to see more than just one location.

Are there any final words you would like to say for those who might be considering sailing the coast of Belize?

To summarize, it is great fun to explore the second-longest barrier reef in the world aboard a luxury catamaran.

Belizean Culture & History - an Interview with Lita Krohn

Lita Krohn has a profound expertise on the culture and history of Belize. She was a professor of History at St. John’s College. She was the director of the Belize House of Culture. And now she is the director of the museum of Belize. In this interview she talks about the different cultural annual events like Garifuna Settlement Day, Independence Day Celebrations, Maya Dear Dance and sporting events like the Ruta Maya River Challenge. She also talks about Belize’s cultural diversity a unique mixture of different ethnic groups who together share the unifying cultural identify of being Belizean. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Independence Day Celebrations in Belize - Color, Music & Culture

Independent, Strong and Free, Belize fi all ah We!

Belize's Independence Day is approaching with 3 weeks of festivities leading up to it. Don't miss the chance to enjoy this unique culturel experience! September is a festive time of year in Belize. It is a time of year that celebrates our history, our culture, our people; our nation. This small and independent country of 8,867 square miles and approximately 250,000 people has much to commemorate and be proud of. It is a time when Belizeans, of all ages; young, middle-aged and senior citizens all take pride in celebrating Belize! People all over the country gather at public venues to enjoy entertaining and educational performances in honor of two very important national holidays, which fall in the month of September. These are the Battle of St. George's Caye Day (September 10th) and Independence Day (September 21st). It has been tradition in Belize that the Celebrations start in early September leading up to the first national holiday on St. George's Caye Day and continuing into Independence Day, extending the festivities to almost three weeks.

Radio stations begin playing popular beats, unique to the September Celebrations that are heard only during this festive time, which serves as a reminder to all listeners that the festivities are coming soon. The September Celebrations also means that one can expect to see official road marches, children and adults waving the Belizean flag everywhere, hearing lots of soca and punta music and people dancing in parades, and seeing buildings dressed up in the red, white and blue streamers, which are the colors of Belize's Flag. It is also a reminder that people in Belize can all expect to look forward to other traditional and newly planned events.

Traditional events that have constituted the September Celebrations include the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival Parade, St. George's Caye Day Citizens Parade, Expo, Official Independence Day Celebrations, and live musical concerts. New events will include the Cultural Explosion, Belize Sound Fest 2007, 26 years of dance, children talent parade, and "we are Belize"- in music. A complete Calendar of Events is posted on this website. Be sure to take a look so you don't miss out on any event that may be of great interest to you.

So whether you are a first time visitor to Belize, a returning resident coming home to joyfully reminisce or like most Belizeans living home, this year's September Celebrations is sure to get you up and moving to the Belizean beat. We especially invite you to come out and celebrate with us Belize's birthday, its history, its music, its culture, its food, and its people.

The winning theme: “Independent, Strong and Free, Belize Fi All Ah We” was submitted by fourteen year old E.P. Yorke Highschool student Esther Humes. "Belize Fi All Ah We" is creole (the language spoken throughout Belize) and means - Belize For All of Us. The teenager was awarded a thousand dollar cash prize for her effort.

Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve - Home of the Jaguar

Located in the Stann Creek disctrict, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary covers 150 square miles. In 1986 it was declared a protected reserve by the government. It was formed to protect its dense population of jaguars – approximately 200, the largest concentration in the world. When hiking through its trails, keep a keen eye out for this elusive and enigmatic cat. You may be one of the lucky few. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Black Hole Drop - 400 Feet Repelling Down a Steep Cliff Wall

The Black Hole is a large sinkhole where the ground has caved into an underlying cave, forming a huge hole in the ground that drops 400 feet. The hike to the sinkhole takes about an hour, going over 4 hills. It can be a strenuous hike but u will go at a comfortable pace. As you head up the 4th hill you get your first view of the massive opening and looking at the cliff face you begin to get butterflies about repelling off of it. Next, you strap on you harness and go over the edge. This is by far the hardest part, trusting the rope. It's a bit scary at first, but you won't regret it. After that, it’s a scenic descent 400 feet to the bottom. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave - Entering the Maya Underworld of Xibalba

Actun Tunichil Muknal means Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. This water cave was "discovered" in 1989, and it was quickly realized to be a gold mine of Mayan artifacts. Over 1400 artifacts - pottery, tools and other ceremonial items have been catalogued within the cave. The bones of several sacrifical victims, adults and children, have been found here as well. The most famous of which is the Crystal Maiden, a 20 year-old female sacrifice. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

20 Questions with Emory King, the great Belizean Historian

By BelizeMagazine.com

Please tell us where and in what year were you born? What was it like as a child growing up in your hometown? How has the town/district changed since your youth?

Emory King: I was born 22nd February, (Washington's Birthday), 1931 in Jacksonville,
Florida. I was soon orphaned and was raised by my grandparents. The Great Depression was in full swing when I was born. The middle-class neighborhood was in decline; many people had lost their homes and the properities were becoming rentals.

In spite of all that I had a wonderful childhood. There was little crime, the people around us felt we were all in the same boat and therefore helped each other when necessary.

Just before I was 11 World War II came to the USA. Suddenly there were jobs and money in Jacksonville. The shipyards along the St. John's River multiplied and military bases mushroomed. It was an exciting time for a youngster, but not dangerous.

I wanted to be a chemist, but failed algebra in junior high school and that shut out the natural sciences for me. Of the social sciences, I chose to be a writer. Being bone lazy I figured this was the only way I could earn a living sitting down.

I graduated from high school in 1949 and went off to Florida State Unbiversity where I majored in journalism. After that I went to Tampa, Florida where I became a crime reporter for the Tampa Daily Times. It seemed so exciting.

In six months I was sickened and disgusted with crime reporting. It was nothing like the movies or the detective novels. You do not meet the best people in that line of work.

About this time I met four fellows who were going to sail around the world. I figured every young writer should sail around the world, at least once. I was 22 and too green to burn, so I quit my job and went with them. We sailed out of Tampa on November 1, 1953.

When did you first come to Belize, under what circumstances did you arrive and personally become involved with the concerns of the people of Belize?

Emory King: After visiting Dry Tortugas at the end of the Florida Keys and Havana, we went to Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico. A wind storm pursued us from there to Isla Mujeres. Two weeks there and we went south. Passing Cozumel I asked the captain where we were going next. He said Belize. I said I'm tired of Mexico. He said Belize is a town in British Honduras.

I had never heard of British Honduras. On a beautiful moon-light night in December, 1953 our yacht ran up on a reef of staghorn coral at English Caye. The Lighthouse Keeper from the caye, a Mr. Ely, and his sons soon got us off the reef and around in the lee of the caye.

We did not sink. The next morning we limped into Belize. What an exotic, wonderful place. In addition to that, the people spoke English!

The boat required a whole new bottom, which virtually bankrupted us. Later, when they decided to have the boat towed back to Florida behind a rusty old tramp steamer, I decided not to go. I couldn't swim and did not want more ocean excitement.

A kindly lady told me perhaps I could get a job teaching at St. John's College, a Jesuit High School. The Superior of the Jesuit Mission said no, he did not need another teacher. He needed a Public Relations Officer and Director of Alumni Affairs.

So, there I was at 22 a thin, frightened boy of Protestant background, suddenly the PR man for a Catholic Mission in Central America. Wow.

In the next two years I traveled the Colony, visiting Catholic schools in every District, town and village, and meeting everyone who was anyone from British Colonial Civil Servants to mulecart drivers.

The Movement of Liberation had begun three years before and was headed for Independence. I was facinated by the idea of a group of people wresting freedom from the Mother Country, just like the American Revolution--but without the bloodshed. I did all I could to help.

What do you consider to be the primary challenges for the people of Belize in the 21st century?

Emory King: The same things that challenge every society in every age throughout the world - food, clothing and shelter, education, health, defense, and spiritual guidence to survive.

What are you doing to educate the youth of the country of Belize regarding the challenges facing them?

Emory King: Not as much as I would like. I write for the newspaper weekly, (sometimes weakly), I lecture on the history of Belize to students, tourists, potential investors and retirees. However, because of political problems I am not asked to lecture to students as much as would be good for them. I have written many books on the history of Belize, but they are politically unacceptable to the politicians. Perhaps the next generation will benefit from them.

How will the current governmental fiscal restraints challenge the people of Belize?

Emory King: The financial problems of the Government will be solved one day. In the meantime no one entitled to a pension cheque from the Government has failed to receive it; no one entitled to a Social Security cheque has failed to receive it.

The amount of cars running on $8.00 a gallon gas keep on rolling and increasing every month. Houses are being built in every village, town and city. All will be well.

Can you tell us a highlight to date of your life spent in Belize?

Emory King: Take your pick:

I was instrumental in bringing the Mennonites to Belize in 1958. They have brought about a revolution in agriculture in the country.

I brought the first movie, "The Dogs of War" to Belize in 1980. That led to "The Mosquito Coast" and others as well as hundreds of television shoots.

In partnership with Net Vasquez I brought the first private Earth Station to Belize in 1980, although I am not sure how proud I should be of that. It started the television business in Belize and you know how bad it is and how potentially good it could be.

I introduced Michael Ashcroft to the proposal of the Royal Bank of Canada to sell off their branch in Belize in 1987. This turned out very well. Michael has done nothing but good for Belize since then, in spite of what politicians and jealous people say.

I was instrumental in bringing the first hydroelectric plant to Belize at Mollejon in the Mountain Pine Ridge in 1990.

Can you tell us a highlight of your personal life that defines who is Emory King?

Emory King: Meeting George Price in 1954. Becoming a Catholic in 1955. Meeting
Elisa Deogratia Vasquez in 1955 and persuading her to marry me in 1959. So many things shape a person's life. Picking out one is impossible for me.

Having an occupation as 'The Film Commissioner of Belize' as well a noted published writer and newspaper correspondent, obviously occupations that are demanding both mentally and physical, what do you do to keep in shape?

Emory King: Nothing. I am bone lazy. I do not exercise. I do not push myself away from the table. I do not smoke since 1995 when the doctore told me to quit after 50 years of smoking an average of 5 cigars a day. I don't drink any more. I don't drink any less--Irish whickey if I can get it, Chivas Regal Scotch if necessary.

What is your favourite past-time occupation?

Emory King: Reading and researching Belizean history.

What was it like to be associated directly with the hugely successful movie 'Mosquito Coast' that starred Harrison Ford and no doubt brought the world to Belize?

Emory King: It was a delight. Harrison was great guy and so was his wife, Melissa. Everybody treated me very well and treated everyone in Belize very well too.

I asked the Government for the second time to appoint a Film Commission to promote Belize as a place to make movies, but they said no, the movie people know we are here now and they will come. It was 8 years before we got the next picture.

Despite the fact that you have been the visionary behind the film industry in Belize, during the 2005 Belize Film Festival held in February at 'The Bliss Center', you were noticibly absent though you are the embodiment of the industry in the country. When our attending correspondent questioned the festival spokesperson, she declined to comment. What is your current relationship with the filming industry today in Belize and why were you absent?

Emory King: I had and have very serious reservations about the Film Festival, but I agreed to Produce the first two. I feel that Belize should promote a film indusrty in Belize to do two things: One, create jobs for Belizeans and Two, bring hard currency to the country.

The Director of the Festival is of the opinion that the festival should concentrate on Third World films and works done in the Caribbean and Central America.

My view is that they have no money, they are not coming to Belize to make pictures and they will not provide jobs for Belizeans. They have their problems and we have ours. Let Belize concentrate on getting Hollywood, Pinewood and Canadian film makers here with their stuff. That will, in addition to everything else, fill the seats at the Festivals. The Director and I came to the parting of the ways.

What do see to be the future of the film industry in Belize?

Emory King: I am afraid it is going to be tough. The tragedy of 9/11 frightened Hollywood about going overseas. They may be getting over that now, but Canada has started offering such extensive tax advantages to Hollywood that poor Belize hasn't much of a chance.

In addition, and worse, the present political situation in Belize , because it is broadcast over the internet every day, has sent shock waves throughout the film industry, not only in the US and Canada, but UK as well. This goes for TV production as well.

We know that all of this is a propaganda war and that nothing much has happened here, but the internet reports have scared off a lot of potential film shoots.

So, we soldier on, trying to calm the fears and regain the three or four shoots a month we had before the G-7 fiasco.

What is the greatest outdoor adventure you have ever experienced in Belize?

Emory King: I don't have outdoor adventures. I prefer indoor adventures.

What is your most favourite Belizean food dish? What are your most favourite locally grown fruit and most favourite vegetable?

Emory King: Porterhouse steak from Running W Meats with mushrooms. Fruit: mangoes, vegetable: cho cho.

Have you ever had the luck to see any of Belize's exotic wildlife such as a jaguar, tapir or the like? Have you ever been bitten by a scorpion, snake or spider?

Emory King: I suppose you don't mean jaguars, tapirs, etc.inside the delightful
Belize Zoo? No, I don't go where they live. I was bitten by a scorpion once. It was hidden in a towel in my bathroom. I killed it.

Although the Belize Maya have many archaeological sites, in your opinion, what are the historically significant sites in Belize for the Kriol or Garifuna people that should receive more focus and attention?

Emory King: The Graifuna have been very good at promoting their culture at home and abroad among themselves and to strangers. They have a memorial statue and park near Dangriga.

The Belize Creole history goes back long before the Garifuna, but only recently have any attempts been made to glorify it. It's coming, but it will take more time and more research.

Which of the Maya archaeological sites in Belize have you visited? Which site was the most fascinating for you??

Emory King: I suppose I have visited all the sites in Belize and I am left cold by them. I am not hostile to them, but they leave me uninterested. I don't know why. They are good for tourism.

What are the top three books we should all read in our lifetime?

Emory King: "The Source" by James Michner. This will give the reader an in depth
review of the development of western civilization.

"Belize, 1798--The Road to Glory" by Emory King. The book which could lay to rest the canard that the Battle of St. George's Caye was a myth! It will give the reader an idea of the people who lived here, loved here and stayed here to lay the foundation of our Independence.

"The History of Christianity in Belize--1776-to-1840" by Wallace Johnson. A comprehensive research of how the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist churches got started in Belize. The author quit before the Catholics arrived.

Who would be on your list of favourite Belizean artists, writers or musicians? Who would be on your list of favourite non-Belizean artists, writers or musicians? What kind of music do you like to listen to?

Emory King: Artists: Pen Cayetano, Carolyn Carr, Mr. Nicholas; Writers: Zee Edgel, Sir Colville Young, Emory King; Musicians: Pen Cayetano, Andy Palacio, Sir Colville Young. I don't pay much attention to non-Belizean artists, writers or musicians. My favourite music is from the 70s - not the 1970s - the 1770s. Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Händel etc.

How would you answer the question, "What is Belizean Culture?"

Emory King: There is no such a thing as Belizean Culture. There is Garifuna Culture, Creole Culture, various Maya Cultures, Mestizo Culture, East Indian Culture, etc. Every year when we send girls off to International Beauty Contests we have the unsolvable problem of creating a national dress.

Belize is so ecologically diverse with abundant natural beauty. What do you consider to be the most beautiful spot in all of Belize?

Emory King: There are so many.

What is your favourite vacation spot outside of Belize?

Emory King: I don't take vacations either inside or outside Belize.

What would you consider to be the greatest asset of Belize? What do you consider the biggest challenge for Belize and Belizeans in the 21st century?

Emory King: Our greatest asset is our English-speaking people who have been educated in Church schools and who are determined to make Belize a better place to live. Their biggest challenge is to see to it that the political and spiritual values of our past are not destroyed.

You are a long time author of major books regarding life and culture in Belize. Are there any current projects that you would like our readers to know are forthcoming??

Emory King: I am finishing my 15th book - a booklet really - which will be called "The George Price I Know" It is my recollections of my personal experiences with The Father of Our Country plus a number of letters written to each other.

Belizeans have always been intrigued about the events surrounding the Hurricane of 1931 that so devastated Belize City. What can you tell us about you knowledge of the actions of the British Government the day the hurricane struck Belize City??

Emory King: The Governor and a number of British Colonial Officers, plus a few prominant Belizeans knew of the storm coming on the 10th of September 1931. They decided among themselves to not tell the people.

It was a holiday with thousands of adults and children ready to march in parades, but no official announcement was made. Over 2,000 were killed.

What is your opinion regarding the current political tensions in Belize that have gone so far as to have the opposition call for the resignation of the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Said Musa?

Emory King: The Opposition in any Commonwealth Country which operates under the Westminister system is ready (theoretically) at a moment's notice to assume
the reins of government. Our Opposition really thought that the Government was in such turmoil that it could stampede it into resigning. They were wrong.

Fortunately, the whole thing quieted down before there was any bloodshed or deaths. Property damage was serious, but not extensive. Unfortunately, the media deliberately made such a hullabullo about it that the rest of world believed we were on the verge of complete collapse.

We recently noticed that your property and home are for sale. Are you planning to leave the country that you have called your home for so many years and if so why?? If you are not leaving, why are you selling your beautiful home??

Leave Belize? Never!!!! A few years ago I bought a cemetery lot at Lord's Ridge Cemetery for $7. I certainly have no intention of leaving Belize and losing my real estate investment in the cemetery lot.

When we built our home about 23 years ago there were 7 people living there: my wife and I, our two sons, her mother and father and an adopted son of theirs. They are all gone now excpet my wife and I. We have 4,000 square feet under roof on two storeys with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. In addition there is a house for our yardman on the property. The land amounts to five acres.The place is just too much for my wife to handle. I am going on 75 and my wife is almost 70. It is time to build a smaller place.

What would you most want someone reading this article to remember about what a one Emory King has to say?

Emory King: Belize is English-speaking and part of the British Commonwealth, and is a democratic Christian country. If that ever changes Belize will be no more.

Ras Creek - Caye Caulker's Most Colorful Character

Bert Nicholas is known to most by his nickname – Ras Creek. Although at first glance he might seem like just another hippy-rasta, he has an intuitive understanding of the sea. He was a key figure in the discovery and development of Shark-Ray Alley and the Sea Horse Ranch, turning them into must-see tourist destinations. His colorful Bohemian personality captivates all those who meet him. Whether you like him or not, and he’s one of those persons where there is no in between, there is no denying his passion for life and what he does. Take a ride on his boat, the Heritage Cruise, and let him show you his home of Caye Caulker. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Being Belizean - American, Born in Belize & Now Living in the USA

By Nicole McKinstry

My name is Nicole McKinstry and I consider myself to be a Belizean-American. I was born in Corozal, Belize which is the most northern town of Belize that borders Mexico. Since I was plucked from Belize at the tender age of six months, I cannot describe our house, what we did, or even what we ate, but even so, my home in Houston was the setting for a variety of Belizean holidays, traditions, and routines.

My family’s history points everywhere else except residing in Belize. My grandparents on my father’s side are from Barbados, whom after whirlwind travels to Africa, England, and other parts of the West Indies, simply just fell in love with this Caribbean escape and decided to settle there. They built a farm in Cayo which believe it or not, was next door to my mom’s farm, but their love story didn’t begin until later on. I’m told my grandfather built the house and a boat at the farm by himself. He was called crazy for building a boat so far away from the sea, but when a hurricane came and flooded parts of Belize he was the one smiling and waving in the end.

My mother’s side holds our Lebanese and Scottish roots. I do not know much history of this side because a lot are scattered throughout Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and the States. I do know that I have to eat taboule, which is an Arabic dish that my taste buds do not agree with and that names like Nazha, Aisha, and Nasim run in my family. Speaking for my Scottish side, the only thing I can manage to say is there are a lot of us and we are Catholic. Period.

My parents to this day have spent 50% of their lives in Belize and the other half of it in the States. They managed to spend their childhood, adolescence, and part of their adulthood in Belize and with that comes many aspects of Belizean culture. We, Belizeans like food. We like rice, beans, rice and beans, and meat - and plenty of it. Since my parents grew up on this staple diet (or lack of), we at home in Houston eat rice and beans or rice with beans for most of the week. Being the hyphenated American, we also enjoy our baked potatoes, Tex- Mex food, and any other cuisine, but for the most part it’s an unmistakable choice every night - rice and beans or rice with beans.

As part of any culture, there’s its music. I like to think my parent’s met under a musical moon, or for the not-so-romantic, at a dance. My dad was one of the few white, non-Spanish of Belize and I think my mom liked him for that very reason. My mom was at a dance with her friend who desperately wanted to go home because no one would ask her to dance, while my dad was trying to coax my mom for a spin. My mom refused to leave her friend so my dad got one of his friends to do him a ‘favor’, and the line, “Can I walk you home, Ms. Reyes?” at the end of the night was it. The type of music I’m sure was played at the dance was the hits of the bell-bottomed 70s, as well as the Belizean flare. In Houston, Belizean music was and still is part of my life. At any celebration, party, or a simple get together my family plays Belizean hits from artists such as Gil Harry, Punta Rebels, Titiman Flores, and Griga Boys, as well different Caribbean genres like calypso, soca, and ‘rockers’. Now we simply have added that basis and incorporated American music into our festivities. But I must say, no one is as rhythmically enhanced as a Belizean.

Moving away from the music of Belize, there is an even more important culture trait which is language. It is important to note that yes, the official language of Belize is English, but when you hear it, it doesn’t sound like English a foreigner can easily identify with. This is the language of Belizeans, which is called Kriol. There’s been arguments across the board that say the dialect of English Belizeans speak is exactly that, just a dialect. There are others who say Kriol is a full blown language having a uniform grammatical system. Whatever your stance is, it is different. As a Belizean-American my family and friends speak to me in both Kriol and in English. I do hesitate in answering them back, but I’m completely aware of what it is they are saying. My parents talk to each other and amongst their friends in Kriol and when I was smaller they would constantly refer to me and my siblings as ‘pickney’ a Kriol word meaning kids, which I think more sounds like rodents than anything else. I’ve been scolded with not particularly Kriol sayings, but sayings said in Kriol, like “you deh fly past ya nest” or “you only deh one ruud lee baby”. The first means you’re going too far from what you know and you’re bound to get in trouble and the second means that I never did anything right as a child. Jokes and stories were always told in Kriol within my family. I still relish in listening to my grandfather tell stories of wrestling with snakes, meeting my grandmother, and doing daredevil stunts- true or not, with a hint of Kriol they are so much more compelling and entertaining .The point that I’m trying to make is that my ears have grown accustomed to Kriol. It’s a cultural trait that I may not have by the reins, but I think I’m stably mounted on the horse.

Being a Belizean-American is not an identity crisis for the most part, it can be frustrating on where I check under ethnicity or if people ask me, “So what exactly are you?”, because I’m simply bewildered as what to say. I’m still compelled to say Belizean for the most part, but my geographical location says differently. I like being American because honestly I do have better opportunities as an American than as a Belizean. Being American things can be overwhelmingly fast-paced, but things are on time and there when you need it. I have more options of anything I could desire in the U.S., but on the other hand, I identify much more with Belizean Culture because of what my family has instilled in me. Belizeans have a sense of strife, a desire for working with your hands, and a more relaxed view on life. Things seem to slow down in Belize, money although wanted and needed, is not more important than family. To be honest, I wish Belize was better off economically and politically than it currently is, but that’s in the hands of Belizeans that are there. The handful of Belizeans I have met here in the States that have left Belize or are studying abroad, always have that urge to do something for their country and that speaks of the quality of its vibrant people, no matter where their lineage or location lies. Belize is in its own sense is a melting pot just like the States is deemed and in the end as a Belizean-American, I am just blessed with the two.

Happy Adventures!

Nikki

Maya Ruins of Lamanai - Last Surviving Maya City

Located in the Orange Walk disctrict, Lamanai had one of the longest histories known in the Maya world, being continuously occupied from 1500 BC to 1675 AD, up to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. It offers one of Belize’s largest ceremonial centers, perched right along the New River Lagoon. Howler monkeys and many species of tropical birds live in the surrounding jungle. Nearby lay the remains of an old sugar mill as well. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Ranguana Caye, Belize Deserted Island

Belize has over 200 islands dotting it's coastline. Most are tiny mangrove islands. Some are large islands with vibrant towns like San Pedro and Caye Caulker. However, among these many islands, are beautiful deserted islands picked right out of a magazine. Ranguana Caye sits beside the Barrier Reef about 18 miles of the shore of Placencia. It's white sand beaches are washed by crystal clear waters that just beg you to jump in. You can comb the beach, take a refreshing swim, do some sea kayaking, snorkel the reef or just relax under the shade of a coconut tree with a good book or cold drink. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

The Creole Language, Belize's Unique Language

by Alex Gamero

If you look at the faces of Belize they represent a diverse cultural landscape. There are Creoles, Mesitzos, Mayas, Garifunas, Mennonites and many newly immigrant groups such as Chinese, Lebanese and East Indians. Despite their different cultural roots, the one thing that everyone has in common is the Creole language. It is one of the cornerstones of being Belizean.

But isn’t the official language of Belize English? Yes it is. Our educational, legal and political systems were adopted from our colonizer, Britain. Every child who goes to school learns to read and write with English textbooks. However, it’s when the bell rings and children storm out to the playground that they learn a different language. Playing marbles, catch, football or hide-and-seek, kids communicate in Creole. Take as an example a newly immigrant Chinese family. Their son is born in Belize and goes to a local school. At home he speaks Mandarin with his parents, in class he learns English, but with his peers, outside of school, he learns Creole. And it’s this way that a language unites so many different cultures in Belize, no matter what you’re background, when you grow up in Belize you learn to speak Creole.

What is a Language?

But is Creole really a language? To answer this question we must delve a little into the science of linguistics. The linguistic definition of a language is a form of speech used by a group of people with a unique set of vocabulary combined in uniform patterns (syntax) to convey meaning (semantics). By this definition, Belizean Creole is a bona fide language. On the surface Creole might seem like just a dialect of English, because it borrows a lot of its vocabulary, but in many ways its grammar is different. Let’s take 2 simple examples, of saying the same thing in Creole and English:

English: Let me do it. (Use of an object pronoun)
Creole: Mek ah du it. (Uses a subject pronoun)

English: Where is he? (Verb in the middle of the question)
Creole: Da weh ih deh? (Verb at the end of the question)

There are many different Creole languages, many of which are found in the Caribbean and South Pacific. There’s even a Creole spoken in Louisiana. Although they are all referred to as Creole languages, they are each unique. For example, someone speaking Belizean Creole cannot converse with someone speaking Hawaiian Creole. So what are Creole languages and how are they formed?

When speakers of different languages come together and have to communicate, but don’t have the opportunity to learn each other’s language, they develop a makeshift jargon called Pidgin. There are two big examples in world history in which this happened. They are the Atlantic slave trade and indentured servitude in the South Pacific. In the Hawaiian sugar plantations, indentured workers were brought from China, Japan, Korea, Philippines and other varied countries. They had no way of communicating in their native languages, and so they put together words as best they could, and this is Pidgin. According to the linguistic definition, Pidgin is not a real language. It is just a few vocabulary words thrown together with no real grammar. They don’t have consistent word order, no prefixes or suffixes, no tense or other temporal and logical markers, no structure more complex than a simple clause, and no consistent way to indicate who did what to whom. As a result, a lot of the meaning conveyed in Pidgin is inferred by the context rather than any real meaningful grammar. However, it is in the minds of the children of subsequent generations, with their innate instinct to create language, that the birth of a new language begins. They turn a crude form of communication and essentially create grammatical rules to turn it into a richly expressive language. These new languages derived from Pidgins are what are termed in linguistics, Creoles.

In the case of Belize, it was slaves from West Africa brought by the British that gave birth to its Creole language. Although much of the vocabulary is borrowed from English, there are still words in Belizean Creole which come from native African languages. For example Pinda, which means peanuts, is borrowed from an old African word. And the African roots go even further; Belizean Creole follows more closely the grammar of African languages than English. With time, the Belizean Creole has also had small influences from other languages. Surrounded by Spanish speaking countries like Mexico and Guatemala, it has adopted some Spanish words, like goma, which is Spanish for hangover. Another example is konkas, meaning house fly, adopted from the Miskito Indians of Nicaragua. The history of Belize as a country is embedded into its Creole language. It tells the story of how many different cultures came together to coexist in one land.

In the past, the Creole languages of the world were regarded as “uncivilized” or “broken” speech – imperfect, childish copies of the colonial languages from which they were derived, whether English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. Today, with a better understanding of linguistics, these languages are being recognized for what they are: new linguistic creations with fully-fledged, highly nuanced grammatical systems.

Wap a li Kriol

For native English speakers listening to Belizean Creole you might be able to pick out a few familiar words and infer some meaning from the context, but full comprehension always seems to slip away. So for those of you who want to wap a li Kriol (speak a little Creole) when you’re in Belize, here are some common phrases you can try:

English: My name is…
Creole: Mi naim da…

English: What time is it?
Creole: Da weh taim?

English: What’s up?
Creole: Weh di go aan?

English: Good morning
Creole: Gud mannin

English: Let me have a Belikin beer.
Creole: Mek ah get ah Belikin.