Sargassum is Back Sargassum is here on North Ambergris Caye.  After a blissful 2020 without it.  (It might be the only characteristics of 2020 that I can call “blissful”) But let me back up a bit for those who don’t know what sargassum is!  You lucky people! What is Sargassum? Sargassum or sargasso (the plural)Keep reading »

Generally, I dislike a vague title like this…one that is confusing…means very little to you when you read it.  The nice day part, yes…but Chicken boat dreams? But life is small right now…for many of us, confusing.  Limited trips to town still (more because we are low on funds but also because it seems safestKeep reading »

Yesterday I wrote a post about what the Caribbean and Central Americas countries re-opening or not re-opening.  Two weeks ago, we got a set date – August 15th.  But there are LOTS of restrictions and safety measures – and last night, we got the answer to many of our questions. You can click thru toKeep reading »

Belize’s borders have been closed since the end of March.  Just last week, a very limited re-opening of the International Airport has been announced for August 15th. Arrivals in Belize are HIGHLY recommended to have a COVID test within 72 hours of arrival to be fast-tracked thru the customs and immigration process.  But they willKeep reading »

I just drove 2 miles north – to a resort/residence called Sapphire Beach at about mile 9, North Ambergris – to drop Jeff and his beloved bamboo flyrod off for some wading and fishing. I stayed there a WHILE ago (5 years+ now!) and wrote this blog post. This morning, I took pictures and foughtKeep reading »

Yesterday, on a quiet and Saharan-dusty Sunday morning (it’s not often I get to use an adjective like Saharan-dusty!) – Ak’Bol Yoga Resort started teaching yoga again… (For the current status of the Saharan Dust plume – hello Miami! -, click here.) After 3 months of general inertia – it felt SO good to goKeep reading »

he Prime Minister of Belize held a press conference today, Thursday, June 25th at 10 am…well actually 10:20.  They are reliably 20 minutes late.  The topic?  THE TOPIC!  The way forward for Tourism in Belize during the global pandemic. These are my notes – you can watch the press conference yourself on the Facebook page: Keep reading »

Secret Beach is the most tourist-ed spot on Ambergris Caye.  Endless blue clear water.  And at the right time of the year, rows and rows of chairs filled with visitors to our island.  Jet skis, tubes shaped like flamingos and champagne flutes, pina coladas served in whole pineapples, loud music…people, people, people. But things haveKeep reading »

It’s a warm Saturday morning on Ambergris Caye, the sun is shining and the international airport (and the borders) have been closed since the end of March.  About 3 months now. **Kids playing yesterday at Boca Del Rio park and a kite surfing lesson in motion. This past week has been RAINY – so rainyKeep reading »

Mata Chica is a DREAMY resort about 5 miles north on Ambergris Caye.  A long stretch of beautiful beach dotted with fruit colored (and fruit named) cabanas and what I think is the prettiest dock on the island. Just last weekend, Mata Chica re-opened for the first time since the Pandemic and State of EmergencyKeep reading »

Almost a month ago, some of Belize’s Pandemic State of Emergency restrictions eased and while the borders and the International Airport remain closed, the internal economy has re-opened. Yesterday, June 11th, we saw further easing to allow spas and gyms to re-open, larger gatherings (up to 100) and the curfew was again eased though notKeep reading »

Belize’s borders remain closed with no definitive re-opening date planned.   For the past few weeks, repatriations – for Belizean citizens either “stuck” on cruise ships or stranded outside of the country – have started. (For a full timeline of CoVid dates, see here) When it Comes to Covid Infections, Belize has Been Particularly Blessed AfterKeep reading »

Last Friday I read about a storm system that was forming around and over us called the Central American Gyre. Defined here:  “The Central American Gyre is an area of counterclockwise (cyclonic) rotation around a broad area of low pressure, and can develop over Central America during the rainy season. Essentially, it is a bunchKeep reading »

It’s Time to Start Steering the Roller Coaster A few months ago, we had plans.  Remember plans?  Jeff planned to close out a very successful camp season in mid-August.  A bit of time off, some upgrades to the camp including a small greenhouse and an expanded living area for us, Jeff was going to headKeep reading »

When You Are Stuck At Home But Your Heart is in Belize…   Last week, I shared a link to this tee shirt and I LOVE THIS SENTIMENT!!!!!!!!! And SO many of you went to the website to check it out. Many bought shirts which I hope are being proudly worn when you are outKeep reading »

Belize has been under a State of Emergency due the Covid-19 virus since the end of March/beginning of April. But last week, new Statutory Instrument was released – effective Friday, May 15th – that called for a slight loosening of regulations for Belize’s current State of Emergency since the country has been COVID-free for overKeep reading »

Support Ambergris Caye AND Learn How to Make Fry Jacks, Conch Fritter and Real Belize Rice and Beans! Yesterday I headed into San Pedro Town for the first time in weeks.  It was the very first day that our State of Emergency measures had been loosening to include swimming in the sea and eating atKeep reading »

It’s been 51 days since Ambergris Caye, Belize was first ordered into quarantine -when the very first case of CoVid-19 was discovered in San Pedro. Regulations have been loosening up slowly (and we are now COVID FREE!) but in those 50 days, I have been out-of-range of our house only 3 times – going toKeep reading »

Just A Little Bit of Travel Planning is Good For Your Health I’m starting to come to a point where it feels okay to look to the future.  Where a bit more hope seems good… I don’t know when international travel will resume, when Belize will open her borders (July?) or when people feel financiallyKeep reading »

I don’t know about you but I’m getting a bit tired of the phrase – the “New Normal”.  Every single tweak in regulation (here or in the US or anywhere) IS not a “new normal”.  It’s a learning process…sometimes just a best guess based on data and the experiences around the world…aimed at protecting theKeep reading »