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Visitor Guide November 10, 2005

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

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November 10, 2005November 10, 2005November 10, 2005November 10, 2005November 10, 2005

Casa Picasso: Fodor’s 2006 World Choice!

Learnabout the

“Wish Willy”spiny-tailed

iguana

San Pedro’s Casa Picasso restaurant was named one of the best in the world byFodor’s Travel Guide. Pictured are the staff (l-r): Samuel Zetina, Trevor DelValle, James Johnston, Chanon Popper, Denton Banner and Justin Daniels.Seated are owners Jennifer and Chris Eager.

THE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUN

VISITOR GUIDEVISITOR GUIDEVISITOR GUIDEVISITOR GUIDEVISITOR GUIDETHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUNTHE SAN PEDRO SUN

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

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

Telephone 011-501-226-2070US Telephone (307) 460-4456Fax 011-501-226-2905E-Mail [email protected]/WEB www.sanpedrosun.netMain Office #1 Fire Coral Street, San Pedro

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

The San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San Pedro Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun isisisisis mailed mailed mailed mailed mailed everywhereverywhereverywhereverywhereverywhereeeee.....

More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize!

Name

Address

City State

Zip

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E-mail:

On behalf of the people of SanPedro Town, I extend a warm wel-come to all visitors arriving to ourshores. I assure you that your tripto “La Isla Bonita” will be no or-dinary vacation. Our island is fa-mous for its rich cultural diversity,where Mestizos, Creole andGarinagu blend to form a uniqueencounter. While here, I encour-age you to explore the CaribbeanSea and find Belize’s abundanttreasures. Hol Chan Marine Re-serve and Shark-Ray Alley are justtwo of the many spots where youcan enjoy our coral reef forma-tion and abundant and breathtak-ing sea life. San Pedro is alsohome to world-class fishing andscuba diving. For the more adventurous, “LaIsla Bonita” offers a wide arrayof water sports and for those look-ing to get a glimpse of the mysti-cal world of the Maya, these his-torical ruins are just a short expe-dition away. You will also be ableto discover Belize’s vast cave sys-tems and many natural sanctuar-

ies that are home to our country’sunique flora and fauna. Whether you are spending yourhoneymoon at an exclusive resortor looking for an adventurous, yetromantic escape, San Pedro is surelythe place to be. I invite you to ex-plore our home and see the manywonders it has to offer. We welcome you with open arms.Bienvenidos a San Pedro!

Elsa Paz, Mayor,San Pedro Town

Greetings to my visiting friends

Where did you readyour San Pedro Sun?

Photos taken in unique and unusual places are preferred. Be sureto identify who is in the photo and where the photo was taken.Don’t forget to include your names and what you were doing.

Where did you take your San Pedro Sun & VisitorGuide? Take a photo of you and the paper and send

it to us at: [email protected].

addition to the weekly paper– Words of the Week. Thisweek, we will present afew phrases in English andgive you their Creole &

Spanish translations. Special thanksto Sylvana Woods for her help withthe Creole translations.Enjoy!!!

Language can link uswith other cultures, nomatter how foreign thetongue may be. Inan effort to sharethis form of com-munication with ouraudience, The San Pedro Sunproudly presents its newest

English I cannot find all my luggage.Creole Ah kyaahn fain aal mi bag dehn.Spanish No puedo encontrar todo mi equipaje.English All this is for personal use.Creole Aal a dehnya da weh Ai wahn yooz.Spanish Todo esto es para uso personal.English Do I have to pay duty on this?Creole Ah hafu pay jooti fi dis wan ya?Spanish ¿Tengo que pagar impuestos para esto?

Ken Osterman reading The San Pedro Sun at the GreatWall near Beijing, China. The Great Wall of China,one of the greatest wonders of the world, winds up anddown across deserts, grasslands, mountains and pla-teaus stretching approximately 4,163 miles from eastto west of China.


From Everyone atFrom Everyone atFrom Everyone atFrom Everyone atFrom Everyone atSueño Del Mar,Sueño Del Mar,Sueño Del Mar,Sueño Del Mar,Sueño Del Mar,CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulations

to:to:to:to:to:Chris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager of

Casa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso Restaurant,,,,,named one of thenamed one of thenamed one of thenamed one of thenamed one of the

“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the World”orld”orld”orld”orld” F F F F Fodor’odor’odor’odor’odor’s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!

Chris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofChris & Jen Eager ofCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso RestaurantCasa Picasso Restaurant,,,,,

named one of thenamed one of thenamed one of thenamed one of thenamed one of the“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the W“Best Restaurants in the World”orld”orld”orld”orld”

FFFFFodor’odor’odor’odor’odor’s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!s Choice 2006!

So Jen, who was the first person you called whenyou learned about the Fodor’sChoice award? Both my parentsare gone, so my brother wasthe first one I called, I was soexcited!Have you always wanted to bea chef? I have always had apassion for food (you wouldnever know from her trim figure)and I love to eat! About ten years ago I startedcooking, holding dinner parties for friends.The parties grew larger and larger and even-tually I started doing some catering as well.I see you eating at other restaurants onthe island. Do you sometimes need abreak from cooking, are you checkingout the competition, or do you justlike their food? I love to eat out,and especially when I do nothave to do the clean up af-terwards! When we aretraveling I am always sam-pling what is out there, buthere on the island I just en-joy the many great placesto eat.If I came in today and toldyou I wanted the perfect ro-mantic dinner for two, whatwould you serve me? First Iwould find out if you had anydietary needs, like if you area vegetarian or have anyfood allergies. I would servea seafood dish, like thestuffed lobster, and my Cae-sar Salad, which I am par-

ticularly proud of. I would also serve the mari-nated flank steak and a pasta dish.

Dessert is a tough call, becausethey are all so good! I supposeI would want you to have some-thing unique to Casa Picasso,so I would serve the CrackedCoconut.

What is your favorite junk food?McDonald’s French fries!

I understand you are a self-taught chef, didyou have an Easy Bake oven as a kid?No, but I always wanted one! Instead Ispent many hours in the kitchen whippingup cupcake masterpieces and making mybrother clean up after me!Do your dogs eat as well as your guests?No doubt; the leftovers and scraps are

enjoyed by the dogs. Our one dog,who is a native San Pedro

“potlicker” thinks he has diedand gone to heaven!You seem to have a greatsense of humor; do youthink that is a secret ingre-dient? Absolutely, humor isso important! Things can getSO stressful in the kitchenand you have to be able tolaugh. We always havesome kind of joke going onin the kitchen that reallyhelps!So, now that you are rec-ognized as one of the bestrestaurants in THEWORLD … what’s next?The Universe!!!

What makes Casa Picasso so special? Well, it goes without saying that behindevery “world class” restaurant is the chef! The San Pedro Sun chatted with Jenni-fer Eager, the Casa Picasso culinary “artist” who creates delicious memories atthis critically acclaimed island restaurant.

The San Pedro SunThe San Pedro SunThe San Pedro SunThe San Pedro SunThe San Pedro SunQ & A with:Q & A with:Q & A with:Q & A with:Q & A with:Jen EagerJen EagerJen EagerJen EagerJen Eager

Beaming like two kids on Christ-mas morning, Casa Picasso ownersChris and Jennifer Eager were de-lighted, and surprised to learn thattheir modest, self-proclaimed “Momand Pop” restaurant has just receivedthe prestigious Fodor’s Choice 2006semi-annual winter award for beingone of the world’s best restaurants.“We were just stunned,” exclaimedChris, who learned about the acco-lade while reading the AmbergrisCaye Message Board on November1st. Apparently San Pedro resident,Simon Backley, posted the Fodor’spress release on the message boardand from there the news spread likewild fire. Chris told The San PedroSun that after reading the news hefirst woke Jen and then called his fa-ther. Bearing in mind that it was theday before his father’s birthday, andthat he is a restaurateur as well,Chris considered the call a very spe-cial birthday gift. After reading thedozens of congratulations that wereposted on the message board Chrisfinally responded to all with, “Sim-ply stunned here. After calling mymom & dad, I have to thank my fan-tastic staff and of course my amaz-ingly talented wife, our chef Jenni-fer. [She’s wandering around thehouse muttering, “I’m on a webpagewith Thomas Keller...I’m on awebpage with Thomas Keller....”]Thanks so much to everyone who hasmade this restaurant what it is, andwe look forward to seeing all of yousoon!” It was just three short years agothat Chris and Jen opened CasaPicasso. Like many Ex-pats that liveon “La Isla Bonita,” their first visitto Ambergris Caye in 1999 (on theirhoneymoon) was a life changing ex-perience, and it wasn’t a year laterthat they moved to the island. Chris,who grew up in the Virgin Islands,has always been an “island boy,” andaccording to Jen, who grew up inKansas, she was always an islandgirl “wanna-be.” After a year ofworking on the house that is home toCasa Picasso (and for them as well,they live upstairs), they opened thedoors to their dream in May 2002.Since then, their humble, yet eclec-tic restaurant has earned quite a namefor itself, and has been recognized inmany travel publications. Just lastyear Casa Picasso, along with Am-bergris Caye’s own Capricorn Re-sort, were the only two restaurantsin the entire country to receive theFodor’s Choice nod in the 2005 Bel-ize and Guatemala travel book.

Casa Picassoputs Belize onthe CulinaryMap

Continued on Page 12


San Pedro has seen its share of am-bitious investors willing to add to ourcommunity’s value and appeal throughtheir form of trade. Ambergris Cayeis an idyllic and laidback town, quitehappy to take each day as it comes. Itis just this attitude that drew new RealEstate expert Mickey Blowitz to ourcharming “Isla Bonita.” Since his ar-rival to San Pedro in early May,Mickey has worked hard to establisha highly visible and professional realestate business on Ambergris Caye. . Raised in Malibu, California,Mickey was always a high energyachiever, constantly looking to betterhimself. So much so that when hegraduated from UCLA with a degreein Computer Programming, hequickly carved a niche for himself asone of the top programmers in thecountry, creating fantastic programsthat revolutionized banking and hospi-tal efficiency. His web hosting com-pany, Touch Advertising, gained suc-

What’s New? - Belize Shores Realty!cess and created highly specializedprograms that even the US governmenthad to have. This expertise in com-puter programming made him rise tothe top ten of 100 top programmers inthe Palm Beach area within four years.Following the string of successes inhis life, Mickey seemed to have it all. Sadly, his mother passed awayseven months ago, and he found him-self reevaluating the path his life wastaking. Knowing that he wanted to en-joy his life to the fullest, but not want-ing to keep running the rat race thathe had for so long, Mickey decided tolook elsewhere for a change in paceand attitude. Taking the advice of anuncle that had been traveling to SanPedro over the past ten years, Mickeytook the plunge and made the move.Having heard only good things aboutAmbergris Caye, he knew he hadfound the place where he could liveand relax. However, being the kind of person

that he is, Mickey could not possiblyretire fully, even though he had suc-

ceeded enough in the U.S. to affordretirement quite easily. It was an easytransition to real estate in Belize, as itwas clear that business on the islandwas booming, and he simply had toapply the philosophies he’d lived bybefore to create a one-of-a-kind, onestop high class real estate business inSan Pedro. Upon arrival, BelizeShores Realty took up residence onBarrier Reef Drive, directly acrossfrom Fido’s, and in the heart of allactivities in San Pedro. Mickey, who is full of energy and

Continued on Page 6

Mickey Blowitz, pictured in front of his office on Barrier Reef Drive, has broughta new level of technology to San Pedro’s real estate market with virtual tours,and one stop business help, including highly qualified architects and contractorsto get your home built from the land up.


www.belizeshoresrealty.comBBBBBELIZEELIZEELIZEELIZEELIZE S S S S SHORESHORESHORESHORESHORES R R R R REALTYEALTYEALTYEALTYEALTY

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WITH VIRTUAL TOURS.AMBERGRIS CAYE’S

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We have on staff licensed Architects and Contractors.We have on staff licensed Architects and Contractors.We have on staff licensed Architects and Contractors.We have on staff licensed Architects and Contractors.We have on staff licensed Architects and Contractors.WWWWW WWWWW WWWWW . B . B . B . B . B EEEEE LLLLL IIIII ZZZZZ EEEEE S S S S S HHHHH OOOOO RRRRR EEEEE SSSSS R R R R R EEEEE AAAAA LLLLL TTTTT YYYYY . . . . . CCCCC OOOOO MMMMM

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THE OCEAN. FANTASTIC VIEWS.VERY OPEN FLOOR PLAN. UNIT IS

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OFFERED. PRIME OCEAN FRONT DE-VELOPMENT LAND. ONE HUNDRED

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BARRIER REEF. CRYSTAL CLEAR EM-ERALD GREEN WATER WITH WORLD

CLASS SNORKELING, DIVING AND FISH-ING. US$275,000

WET WILLY’S LANDMARK PROP-ERTY. RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN

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INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT.US$1,200,000

PERLA ESCONDIDA CONDOMINIUMS.BRAND NEW BEACH FRONT CONDOS.FANTASTIC PRICES FOR OCEAN FRONT.POOL VIEW UNITS.1ST FLOOR US$169,5002ND FLOOR US$179,5003RD FLOOR US198,500OCEAN FRONT UNITS

PRICE US$220,000

HACIENDA BRAND NEW CONDOMINIUMS.PRIME LAGOON FRONT UNITS. FANTAS-TIC PRICING, WILL NOT LAST LONG.ONE BEDROOM

1ST FLOOR US$129,5002ND FLOOR US$134,500TWO BEDROOM

1ST FLOOR US$139,9002ND FLOOR US$144,900

OCEAN FRONT LAND:HABANEROS BEACH FRONT 1OO X 400 FEET. 1 ACRE OF PRIME OCEAN FRONT LAND. 10MILES NORTH. $275,000HABANEROS BEACH FRONT 250 X 400 FEET 2 1/2 ACRES. FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY. WILLNOT LAST LONG DEVELOPERS DREAM. FIRST TIME OFFERED!! PRIME OCEAN FRONT DE-VELOPMENT LAND. TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FEET OF GORGEOUS WHITE SAND BEACHESWITH INCREDIBLE VIEW OF BARRIER REEF. CRYSTAL CLEAR EMERALD GREEN WATERWITH WORLD CLASS SNORKELING, DIVING AND FISHING. 10 MILES NORTH. $675,000HABANEROS BEACH FRONT 500 X 400 FEET 5 ACRES. DEVELOPERS DREAM. FANTASTICOCEAN FRONT LAND. 10 MILES NORTH. PRICED TO SELL FAST. $1,375,000HABANEROS BEACH FRONT 2000 X 400 FEET 20 ACRES. ONE OF THE LARGEST BEACHFRONT LOTS LEFT. ACT NOW AS THIS WILL GO FAST. 10 MILES NORTH $5,500,000CLUB CARIBBEAN 50 X 135 FEET. PRICED TO SELL FANTASTIC OCEAN FRONT LOT $150,000

CONDOMINIUMSBERMUDA LANDINGS CONDOS TWO AND THREE BEDROOM BEACHFRONT CONDOS. ONEMILE NORTH OF THE CUT IN TRES COCOS. FROM $220,000SAN PABLO RARE OPPORTUNITY ON BEAUTIFUL LAGOON, 360 DEGREE WATERFRONTWITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS. TWO BEDROOM AND ONE LARGE FULL BATHROOM. 1000 SQUAREFEET. OWNER FINANCING WITH FANTASTIC TERMS ACT FAST WILL NOT LAST LONGSAN PABLO PRIME LAGOON FRONT 2 BEDROOM AND 2 BATHROOM CONDO. BRING YOURBOAT AND ENJOY YOUR PRIVATE DOCK. LOTS OF POTENTIAL WITH THIS 1,445 SQUAREFOOT CONDO. $135,000

CASA DE DAVID BRAND NEW ONE AND TWO BEDROOM CONDO. LOCATED MINUTES TOTOWN. PRICED FROM $70,000 TO $140,000PERLA ESCONDIDA BRAND NEW BEACH FRONT CONDOS FANTASTIC PRICES. PRICEDFROM $169,000 ACT NOW WILL SELL FASTHACIENDA BRAND NEW LAGOON FRONT CONDOS. PRE CONSTRCTION PRICES ARE SOONGOING TO END. BRING YOUR BOAT WITH YOUR PRIVATE DOCK. PRICED FROM $129,000SAN PEDRO FANTASTIC BRAND NEW ONE BEDROOM CONDO. COMPLETLY FURNISHEDAND PRICED TO SELL. OWNER FINANCING WITH GREAT TERMS $89,000MELROSE PLACE TWO STORY CONCRETE APARTMENT BUILDING ON CORNER LOT MEA-SURING 50' X 75' GREAT LOCATION CLOSE TO TOWN. 6 ONE BEDROOM CONDOS. EXCEL-LENT INVESTMENT POTENTIAL PRICED TO SELL FAST. $275,500

COMMERCIALWET WILLY’S LANDMARK PROPERITY. RARE OPPURTUNITY TO FANTASTIC INCOME PRO-DUCING BUSINESSES - POPULAR LOCAL RESTAURANT AND NIGHT CLUB AND ECO TOURSDIVE SHOP. EXCELLENT CASH FLOW. INVENTORY AND EQUIPTMENT INCLUDED. $1,200,000ISLAND GALLERIA OWNER FINANCING 2 STORY CONCRETE BUILDING. PRIME LOCATION4950 SQUARE FEET. IST FLOOR 9 RENTAL UNITS AND 2ND FLOOR 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTRENTALS. PRICED TO SELL $550,000RUBYS 2 HOTEL OUTSTANDING VALUE WITH EXCELLENT RENTAL INCOME. PRIME LAGOONFRONT LOCATION WITH PRIVATE BOAT DOCK. MANY OPPORTUNITES WITH THIS HOTEL. 15ROOMS WITH $2700 RENTAL INCOME. $350,000

ALL PRICES ARE IN US DOLLARS

WE ARE THE ONLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY INWE ARE THE ONLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY INWE ARE THE ONLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY INWE ARE THE ONLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY INWE ARE THE ONLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY INBELIZE WITH VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR LISTINGSBELIZE WITH VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR LISTINGSBELIZE WITH VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR LISTINGSBELIZE WITH VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR LISTINGSBELIZE WITH VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR LISTINGSON OUR WEBSITE.ON OUR WEBSITE.ON OUR WEBSITE.ON OUR WEBSITE.ON OUR WEBSITE.


What’s in a Name? YumilWhat’s in a Name? YumilWhat’s in a Name? YumilWhat’s in a Name? YumilWhat’s in a Name? Yumilambition, aims to set himself apartfrom the other real estate businessesin San Pedro. Currently Belize ShoresRealty is the only real estate companythat offers virtual tours of homes andland online. The website,www.belizeshoresrealty.com is inno-vative and informative for potentialbuyers and sellers. His full servicecompany offers it all: real estate,building services, property manage-ment, among many other projects. Tohelp him create such a first class es-tablishment, he has hired Sonny Berryas office manager. Mr. Berry bringswith him 20 years experience in salesand development, and he has been in-strumental in the further developmentof the office and company in general.Belize Shores Realty also has on boardthe finest architects and contractorsBelize has to offer. When asked why real estate,Mickey answers, “It is something Ihave done in the past, and I saw theneed for a first class real estate ser-vice that offered exactly what clientsneeded.” Truly, when a client walksin, he can enjoy the great office, thewarm hospitality extended to him byboth Sonny and Mickey, and in theprocess, he can buy land, have an ar-chitect draft up plans and hire a con-tractor from one place. Belize ShoresRealty looks to help clients in theirquest to build their dream home and/or business, without all the hassle andrunaround that usually takes up somuch time and energy. Instead, Bel-ize Shores Realty is making the en-tire process easier and quicker, en-suring that clients get to enjoy the pro-cess, not regret it. Already, his ag-gressive marketing campaign and in-

novative ideas have brought success.During a time when everything on theisland slows down and businesses takea toll from the “slow season”, BelizeShores Realty has already had foursales during October, the slowestmonth! Mickey is quick to point out that hisintentions are not to take over the realestate business. He simply has set hisstandards and is doing what he doesbest. Adding to his repertoire, he’snow also creating a Web Hosting ser-vice that will offer up to 22 websitesfor the island. The sites, ranging fromwww.Ambergriscayetours.com towww.ambergriscayehotels.com areexpected to generate much more “e-traffic” for San Pedro, and hotels,tours and everyone else in between willbe able to benefit from a boost in tour-ism. Mickey states that he considershimself part of the community, and helooks forward to his services being abenefit to the island. The San Pedro Sun joins the rest ofthe San Pedro community in welcom-ing Mickey Blowitz and the BelizeShores Realty team to the island andwishes them success in their futurebusiness endeavors.

Belize Shores RealtyContinued from Page 4

“Belize and especially San Pedro has such a rich Maya Heritage and I person-ally am a raving fan of the Maya culture. When we started to listen to restaurantname suggestions everyone seemed to rally around the Yacht and Marina themesbut I could not let slip by the opportunity to celebrate Yumil, the Maya god ofmaize and agriculture. The name encompasses and celebrates all the elegance,mystique and fascination surrounding the Maya and their god, Yumil”

Sergio Torres, CEO, The Belize Yacht Club and Marina.


Reef BriefReef BriefReef BriefReef BriefReef BriefBy Green Reef Peace Corps Volunteer Nicki Vassak

The Black grouper is one of the pri-mary grouper species harvested byanglers and fishermen. In this ReefBrief, the intention is to increase ourunderstanding of their biology in prepa-ration for a future stock assessment.Spawning aggregations are of utmostimportance in the life cycle of manycommercially valuable reef fish, andfrequently represent the total annualreproductive output from these species. The largest, oldest individuals ofsome species are selectively removedfrom fished stocks both because theyare the target of more intense fishingand because they frequent (at least sea-sonally) habitat that fishers can locatewith relative ease, such as high-reliefreefs and shelf-edge outcrops. Manyspecies like Nassau and Black grou-pers, gag, scamp, tiger grouper (M.tigris), red hind (E. guttatus), and jew-fish form consistent aggregations (al-ways containing the largest, oldest in-dividuals in the population) only duringthe spawning season. They are alsoparticularly vulnerable tooverexploitation because large num-bers of reproductively viable individu-als congregate at predictable times andlocations. Despite this informationspawning aggregations are rarely man-

Black Grouper Spawning Aggregationsin Belize

aged or considered in the design ofmarine protected areas. Consideringthat aggregations are often the only re-productive means for many commer-cially important species, their lossesor declines can have detrimental im-pacts on stock viability. For this rea-son, the staff of Green Reef Environ-mental Institute, Hol Chan MarineReserve, and the Bacalar Chico Na-tional Park and Marine Reserve haveplanned a project to prevent furtherdecline and eventual collapse of theBlack Grouper stocks of the Carribeanand Western Atlantic. Due to biological characteristics in-cluding slow growth rate and delayedmaturation, groupers have consistentlyproven highly vulnerable to anythingother than light levels of fishing pres-sure (Sadovy, 1997; Coleman et al.,2000). The Black Grouper(Mycteroperca bonaci) is no exception.It is a commercially and recreationallyimportant species of the Caribbean andWestern Atlantic, and has been declin-ing throughout its range for at least thepast decade. There is an acute absenceof knowledge concerning the BlackGrouper, which is shocking since thisspecies can account for 40% of thegrouper catch by weight in some com-

mercial vessels operating in the North-ern Caribbean (Colas-Marrufo et al.1998). It is also currently on theshortlist for IUCN Red List of Threat-ened Species assessments and is listedas a Data Deficient species. Fishing is becoming an increasinglydifficult way of living throughout Bel-ize as species numbers continue todrop. This causes conflicts betweenconservation organizations, the gov-ernment, and fishers. In this study, theeffectiveness of having spawning ag-gregation sites be protected and de-clared no-take zones will be showedby conducting a population assessment,improving local management actions,and developing of local/national out-reach programs. The knowledge ac-quired from the study will be essentialto creating more effective managementplans for spawning aggregation sites in

Belize, and will serve as an exampleto other nations. Although the population of the Blackgrouper has significantly decreased dueto over-fishing the past fifteen years, itis still not protected in Belize. In areassuch as Glovers Reef and BacalarChico, where spawning aggregationsare known to occur, there are seasonalfishing closures, but this is not alwaysenforced. Belize is one of the few Car-ibbean countries that still allow forthese species to be fished, but the popu-lation of the grouper is severely beingthreatened. If the country of Belize doesnot wish to completely over-exploit theblack grouper population, a manage-ment plan needs to be implemented andenforced now. In the meantime, fish-ermen should continue to abide by regu-lations set in place at the specificspawning aggregation sites.

The black-tailed grouper is high on the endangered list of national reserves in Belize.


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

Belize Tourism Board - 223-1910.

Belize Tourism IndustryAssociation (BTIA) - 227-5717.

San Pedro Tourist GuideAssociation 226-2391.

Church ServicesSan Pedro Roman Catholic ChurchSun. Mass: 9 a.m. English; 11 a.m.Children’s; 7:30 p.m. Spanish; Sat.:Confessions 5-7 p.m; Mass or Com-munion Service every night at 7:30p.m.Living Word Church Service Sun.10:45 a.m. Bible study Mon. 7:30 p.m.We do Christian charity work. 226-2950.Assembly of God Church onAngel Coral St. T-W-Sat.-Sun. at 7:30p.m. Christian RadioFM 101.3.

The Lions Club of San Pedro relieson income from its Friday and Sat-urday Night BBQ to support the needycommunity. Help a great cause -havedinner with us!

Green Reef A non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to the promotion of sus-tainable use and conservation ofBelize’s marine and coastal re-sources. [email protected]

San Pedro AA - 226 4464, 600 9061

Saga Society A non-profit “humanesociety” to address the stray cat anddog population in San Pedro. Phone226-3266.

Tourist Information

Miscellaneous

Map Sponsored byMonchos

Golf Cart Rental226-3262 or 226-4490

Emergency 911Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPSPolice 226-2022Fire 226-2372Wings of Hope - Medical emergencyair ambulance. Phone: 223-3292.Lions Health Clinic - 226-4052; emer-gencies 600-9071 or Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8am to 8pm; Sat., 8am - noon.Los Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 226-2686.San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 226-4695Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851, Dr.Otto Rodriguez - 600-0287 or 226-2854.Antonia Guerrero - 600-5475 or 206-2152. Eleazar Portillo - 610-4560 or226-3195.San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536.8-12 and 2-5, Mon. to Fri. Emergen-cies 226-2555/2918 or 606-3864.Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660,Emergencies: 606-2316US Embassy - 227-7161Canadian Consulate - 223-1060Mexican Embassy - 223-0193Guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150Honduran Embassy - 224-5889

IMPORTANT #s

THE HOLIDAY HOTEL - Every Wednesday, live musicand a fabulous Beach Barbeque 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. BarrierReef Dr. 226-2014.PIER LOUNGE - Home of the “World Famous Chicken Drop”every Wednesday night. Daily drink specials and two-for-onehappy hour. Located beachfront in the Spindrift Hotel. Phone226-2002.THE TACKLE BOX - come rock da box out over the water!Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (starting @9:00PM) we have amazing live bands ranging from Reggae toPunta to old school Rock-n-Roll. We’ll have prizes, specialsand always that breath-taking Tackle Box ocean view! Locatedoff the San Pedro Water Taxi Pier at the end of Black Coral St.226-4313.FIDO’S RESTAURANT & BAR - Dine under the largestPalapa in San Pedro! Enjoy a full lunch & dinner menu withlive beachfront entertainment all night.

BELIZE SHORES REALTY & CONSTRUCTION “SER-VICES”- Your One Stop Real Estate Company. We are theonly real estate company in Belize with virtual tours of our list-ings on our website. Homes, Condos, Land, Commercial. 501-226-2825, www.belizeshoresrealty.comSEASIDE REAL ESTATE – Many listings, from raw landto beautiful beachfront homes. We can help you own a pieceof paradise. Call 226-4545 or E-mail [email protected] REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, condos andinvestment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or E-mail: [email protected] CAYO REAL ESTATE - Serving Belize from themountains to the reef. Phone 226-2791. www.casacayo realestate.netSOUTHWIND PROPERTIES - For all your Real Estateneeds. Call 226-2005 or 226-2060 for information or E-mail:[email protected] for current listings.PELICAN PROPERTIES LTD. - Fine properties on Am-bergris Caye. E-mail: [email protected] or phone 226-3234.BELIZE REALTY & BUILDING SERVICES - From rawland to dream home - we’re there every step of the way!

ISLAND FERRY SERVICE & WATER TAXI – Scheduled ferryservice & water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone 226-3231.MONCHO’S GOLF CART RENTALS - Four & Six seater golfcarts available. Open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. We deliver to yourroom. 226-3262 or 226-4490.CRYSTAL AUTO RENTAL – Largest fleet in Belize. Offices atInternational Airport and Belize City. 223-1600, 0-800-777-7777

SEARIOUS ADVENTURES Are You Ready? Lamanai, AltunHa,CaveTubing with either Belize Zoo, Ziplining,or XunantunichMayan Ruin, Manatee Watch and Beach BBQ, half day snorkel-ing and more. We are located ON THE BEACH straight downfrom the airstrip. Call #226 - 4202/4206 or Cell #662-8818.SAILSPORTS BELIZE – Windsurfing, kite sailing and sailing.The latest equipment and expert instruction makes it easy to learn.226-4488 [email protected] – River cave tubing, manatee watch, Robles BeachBBQ, Mayan ruins and more adventures. 226-2254.SEADUCTION SAILING – First class Day Cruises to CayeCaulker or Mexico Rocks. Beach BBQ or Sunset Cruise.Charters also available. Phone Seaduced at 226-2254.

Water, Sports & Tours

KRYSTAL SHIPPING CO./MASH CO. - We deliver con-struction supplies all the way to Robles Point! Phone 226-2089or E-mail: [email protected]’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, electronics,household appliances, tools, home repair items and a wide va-riety of paints, stains and varnishes. Pescador Drive. Phone226-2302.

Transportation...

Services...

Party...Party...Party

Real Estate...

Journey’s End

Papi’s Diner

Travel North of the cut to:

TackleBox

Capt.Sharks

Capt.Sharks

Victoria House

The

Belize Shores Realty

Papa

Bea

r’s


ISLAND MINI GOLF & ICE CREAM - Sea GrapeDrive (1 block W of Barefoot Iguana). Open Mon.–Thurs. 12 – 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sun. 12 – 10 p.m.

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

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

WINE de VINE - Fine imported wines and cheeses.Olive oils, vinegars and specialty items. Located inthe Vilma Linda Plaza on Tarpon St. Phone 226-3430.

OSCAR’S GYM - Free-weights, Pilates, basicYoga, Balance Ball, Tae Bo and more. Affordabledaily, weekly and monthly fees. Located in Boca delRio 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily 226-2239.

BIG TREE PRODUCE – Fresh Local & ImportedFruits & Vegetables. Seafood, meats, juices & milkshakes. Pescador Dr. 226-2322.

PAPA BEAR’S - Full Service, Internet Access.Pastries, coffee and deli sandwiches. Open 7 a.m.

MATA CHICA - Mambo Cuisine - for foodlovers. Homemade pasta, shrimp paté,bruschetta, charbroiled seafood and muchmore! Call 220-5010/5011.

ROJO LOUNGE - Enjoy tropical lounge cui-sine in one of the most beautiful beachfrontsettings in all of Belize - Azul Resort. 226-4012.

ELVI’S KITCHEN - serving the finest foodsince 1977. Located in the heart of San PedroTown on Pescador Drive. Daily Lunch andDinner Specials. Terrific Key Lime Pie. Car-ibbean Night on Thursday with Wil & Dale.Mayan Fiesta every Friday-come try our MayaBuffet while listening to Mayan music. OpenMonday – Saturday. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Call usfor group reservations. Ph 226-2404/2176“Where something good is always cooking!”

CELI’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACHat the San Pedro Holiday Hotel, serves Great

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

Dining Out...Fajitas, salads and local dishes for LUNCH. DELECTABLE SEAFOOD SPECIALTIESfor dinner. OUTDOOR & INDOOR DINING11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Beach barbeque every Wednesday night withlive music.

LILY’S TREASURE CHEST RESTAU-RANT - On the beach behind Lily’s Hotel.Join us for a cool breeze and the best seafoodor USDA beef on our veranda by the sea.226-2650.

RAMON’S VILLAGE - Enjoy breakfast,lunch and dinner in a Mayan atmosphere oron the veranda overlooking the Caribbean Sea.Coconut Drive. Phone 226-2071.

LUNA at Journey’s End Resort - Experiencefine dining on the beach north of San Pedro.Visit our tropical bar featuring karaoke, danceand fun music. Phone 226-2173.

RICO’S SURFSIDE RESTAURANT – A

Unique Offerings...

truly unique dining experience on the beach atBanyan Bay. Serving breakfast, lunch and din-ner daily. Phone 226-3739 ext. 135.

PAPI’S DINER – The place for fine food atdiner prices. Taste the Caribbean. Call 226-2047.

MICKEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. -10 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.for lunch and 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritoson Wednesdays. Pescador Drive. Call 226-2223.

BLUE WATER GRILL – Island cuisine with atwist! Wood-fired Oven Pizzas, Sushi & more!Open daily. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. 226-3347.

EL DIVINO RESTAURANT at BANANABEACH - Serving breakfast, lunch and dinnerfrom 6 a.m - 10 p.m. Book your party or ban-quet today! Phone 226-2444.

PORTOFINO’S own “LE BISTRO” - One ofthe newest & most talked about restaurants onthe island. Meet our boat at 6:30 p.m. at Fido’sDock for a complimentary ride to one of thebest culinary experiences you will have whilein paradise. For reservations, call 220-5096.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR- The most romantic spot in town featuringaward winning chefs. Thai and French cuisineblended to make paradise taste like heaven, orso our customers say. Free Rendezvous Winetasting from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fermented,blended and bottled here on the property. Openfor lunch and dinner. Call 226 3426 for reser-vations and transport options.

VICTORIA HOUSE - International and Island-Style cuisine by Executive Chef Amy Knox.Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Reserva-tions recommended, call 226-2067.

CASA PICASSO TAPAS + MARTINIS - Smallplates, big pastas and fantastic desserts! “Hippestmartini spot”-Frommer’s. Nightly 5:30pm, closedSundays. reservations 226-4507.

THE TACKLE BOX BAR & GRILL - whetherit’s a little break from the beach or a wholenight out the Tackle Box is just the place. Thekitchen serves a wide array of affordable freshcomfort foods ranging from our big Tackle BoxBurgers, special fried chicken, to some of ourmore local fare and seafoods. And what a bet-ter place to enjoy our dishes, than our backporch out over the water.

The San Pedro Sun

Visitor Guide

Contact the San Pedro Sun for more [email protected]

(501) 226-2070www.sanpedrosun.net

EVERY WEEK we print a new editioncovering the “good news” about

San Pedro and Belize!

to 10 p.m. daily. Located on Fairdale Plaza, on Co-conut Drive

THE GREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce & Seafood. Be-lizean and imported speciality. Fresh herbs, cold cuts,chilled goods plus an exciting selection of groceries. A/C local on Barrier Reef Dr. 226-2084.

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY - Largest selection ofsmoked meats and sausage on the island. One mile southof town. 226-2655.

CAYE INTERNATIONAL BANK - Offering DemandDeposit Accounts, Loans, Savings Accounts, [email protected] or phone 226-2388.

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

GRANIEL’S DREAMLAND - Locally made furni-ture & accessories from all Belizean exotic hardwoods& Mahogany. On Pescador Drive, opposite Rock’s,Call 226-2632, ext. 18 or 226-2938. Open Mon-Sat 8:30-12:00 noon & 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. & Sun 10-12 noon.

BAREFOOT BOOKS - Features a huge selection ofnew and used books. Gorgeous greeting cards and giftitems. Located at the southern end of Middle Street(Pescador Drive) across the courtyard from Mickey’s.206-2577.


We at Southwind Properties specialize in the listing & sale of fine islandproperties - Homes, Condos, Hotels, Commercial, Income-ProducingProperties & Land for homes or large parcels for development. Be sure tomeet with Marianne, Lori or Claudio to discuss your particular needs.Southwind Properties prides itself in being there full-time for full serviceand full disclosure for all your real estate needs. Call 226-2005/2060 orE-mail [email protected] for more information.

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

Condos/Homes & Commercial PropertyPerla Escondida (C45) – 2 bdrm/2 baths 2nd level condo, fully furnished. Goodincome producer. $179,000US.Vista Del Mar Apartments (C44) Vista del Mar – Located south of town, this is anexcellent investment property with (4) 1 bdrm/1 bath apts. and an owners 2 bdrm/2bath apt, all fully furnished. Not many properties built to the standard of this one. CallAgents for full details of this excellent opportunity. Excellent investment at$665,000US.High-Quality Commercial & Residential (L12) Commercial, rental and residentialproperty with highly visible location now available. Three story building with 3,200 sq.ft.on each floor. Large owners apartment, five rental apartments and a full floor ofcommercial space. $995,000US. Qualified and serious inquiries only please.Secluded piece of Paradise (R40) 2.6 acres with more than 435’ of beachfront andanother 458’ of lagoon water frontage on the western coast of Ambergris Caye. Price$600,000US.Residential home at Spanish Reef (D18) Two storey concrete house with 3bedrooms/2 baths apartment upstairs and one bedroom apartment downstairs.Home sits on a large lot 2 rows off the beach. $298,000US.

Raw LandSanta Paula (L19) – Secluded lot in the Santa Paula area. 80’x 80’. $60,000US.Boca Ciega (G31) Beachfront acreage in Boca Ciega, 3.5 miles south of town. 175’beach frontage and 60’ lagoon frontage. $348,000US. Cash only.Ambergris Bay (G30) 65’ of beachfront and 150’ depth on the west coast ofAmbergris Caye. Price $60,000US.Palm Bay Club (C41) Lot #111 – 4th row lot, 100’ x 100’. Only $18,000US.Corozal Town Center (R31) 7½ Acres of prime real-estate, road accessible on 3sides, beautiful mature trees, cleared & ready to develop all amenitiesavailable.$110,000US.San Marcos (R29) 50 X 90 – Price is Right at $38,000US.Eden Isle (R27) Caye Caulker Lot #407 - 75’ x 90’ – 4th row lot, but only 285’ offBoca Del Rio (P42) 3 connecting lots located on the waterway just before you crossthe river cut. $210,000US.Robles (S54) Lot #14a – Drive your boat up to your doorstep to this beautifulbeachfront lot, lush with vegetation. Lot measures 80’ x 204’ & is priced to sell at$160,000US.Robles (D17) Lot #31A measuring 75’ of beach front x 300’ & 31B measuring 150’ x300’. Terms available. Asking price for both lots only $149,000US.

AppetizersPork & Shrimp Pot Stickers with HabaneroDipping Sauce

Brie Phyllo Tart topped with Walnuts & PapayaBalsamic Glaze

EntreesSesame Crusted Seared Tuna, wet Polenta and Sun dried Tomato TapenadeThai Curry Shrimp with Bamboo Shoots & Egg noodlesLobster Rundown in mild Spiced Cilantro Coconut Reduction

New Special Items samplesAppetizersTempura Lobster & Rice Noodle RollJerk Scallops with Wilted Spinach and diced CantaloupeEntreesBraised Lamb Shanks with Honey LentilsTortilla Crusted Snapper with Andouille and Orange ButterAlso Daily & weekly pasta, fish, poultry and meat specials

Belizean Style Friday night BBQ with a spectacular Fashion show to be included.Watch for it in December!

Windsurfing races at SailSports!

This past Saturday, windsurfers took to the seas in a fun race being held the firstSaturday of every month. The six participants gamely fought for the win, but inthe end, it was Junior in the lead, with 8 points total. Another race is scheduledfor the Saturday December 3rd. Entry for this upcoming race is free. Interestedpersons can sign up for the races at the SailSports office located on the beach atthe Holiday Hotel. Basic Windsurfing skills are required.


ORANGEGallery - Gift Shop

and more!

toystoystoystoystoys drums

potterypotterypotterypotterypottery

hatscaps

sarongs

Mayan carvings

slate carvings

furniture

wood turningswood turningswood turningswood turningswood turningssculptures

artgifts

On Coconut Drive,San Pedro South226-4066

crafts JJJJJewewewewewelrelrelrelrelryyyyy

San Pedro’s Largest Gift Shop

The Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaurasimiles) is also known as ctenosaurs orlocally as “Wish Willy.” It is foundthroughout Mexico, large areas of Cen-tral America and islands adjacent toPanama. These lizards are great diggersand baskers. They are found around ru-ins, stone walls, rocky open slopes andbranches of large trees along the openborders of the forests. They generally livein dry, arid, open terrain. The ctenosaurs are large, bulky liz-ards with adult males reaching up to 18inches long with an 18-inch tail. They arepredominantly black, but the dorsal sur-face may show black bands on a greybackground. Most have black mottling ontheir backs. The color may also lightenafter basking in the sunlight with yellowand orange markings becoming evidentalong the sides. Juveniles tend to be ol-ive-green becoming tan and then finallygrey as they grow. Adult males and fe-males are dimorphic (existing or occur-ring in two distinct forms.) Adult maleshave well developed dorsal crests andsmall dewlaps. The dewlap, the crescent

“Wish-Willy”Ctenosaura similes,spiny-tailed iguana

of skin that can be extended under thethroat, is not inflated. A small bone bowsout to extend the dewlap during times ofthreat, courtship, or while defending ter-ritory. Females lack obvious crests.There is considerable variation with ageand sex and therefore identification maybe difficult. The lizards have tails ringedwith rows of sharp, curved spines, hencethe name spiny-tailed iguana. The spinesdown the back are short. This species of iguana can be belliger-ent, and may bite or wound an aggressorwith their spines. More terrestrial thanarboreal (living in trees), they can run ina bipedal (moving on two feet) fashion.Highly gregarious and territorial, theseiguanas live in colonies, ruled by a strictpecking order. One male in the colony isdominant, and although the other maleshold territories, they will only defendthem against one another and not againstthe leader. Territorial displays involvecolor changes, body inflation, jaw-gap-ing, “push-ups” or rapid nodding of thehead, and sometimes, biting and tailthrashing battles. Larger males usuallyhold bigger and better territories and theymate more often. Combat often occurswhen iguanas are attaining or defendinga territory or a mate. The ctenosaur is generally herbivo-rous, particularly feeding on legumes andfruits, but is also known to have a diversecarnivorous diet that consist of small ani-mals. Ctenosaurs are known to eat ro-dents, bats, frogs, small birds and a va-riety of insects. They have even beennoted to eat eggs of their own young, andin one case, the tail of a juvenile wasfound inside an adult male, suggestingcannibalism. Youngsters are primarilyinsectivorous, switching into herbivorous

habits as adults. Juvenile iguanas often emerge to-gether from the nest-hole, an anti-preda-tor strategy in which many eyes are bet-ter than two and large numbers makeindividual capture less likely. Youngiguanas often remain in groups with oneof them temporarily behaving as theleader. They engage in mutual tongue-licking and grooming, body and chin rub-bing. At night they often sleep togetheron branches. The spiny-tailed iguana is edible andis a popular food for much of the ruralpopulation of Central America. In someareas, eating their flesh is consideredpotent “medicine”, with the person de-riving the iguana’s strength after eatingit. Also, the spiny-tailed iguanas are sup-posed to be a cure for impotence. Theirflesh is relished in many parts of the worldbut it is not overly exploited. In parts ofSouth America iguanas are hunted by

men imitating the screams of hawks. Theiguanas’ reaction to the cries is to“freeze” and they are then easily caught. Although these prehistoric lookingcreatures are quite common on Amber-gris Caye, large-scale hunting and egg-collecting activities threaten wild iguanapopulations. The biggest threat to thewild existence of these lizards is habitatloss. Man and his domestic animals areinevitably destroying the iguanas’ envi-ronments and their species. Domesticanimals, such as cows devour most ofthe vegetation, which are the foodsources for the iguanas. Although theyare not currently listed as threatened orendangered, they are certainly at risk,along with all the other inhabitants ofthese forests.

It is not unusual to find the Wish Willy sunning itself lazily on fences or in a yard.


In a phone interview with RachelLieberman, Fodor’s Publicity Assis-tant, The San Pedro Sun asked justwhat it takes to earn such recogni-tion. According to Ms. Lieberman,the Fodor’s Choice winter 2006 listis the annual round up of the Fodor’seditors’ and writers’ top picks for ho-tels, restaurants and sites/experi-ences that receive the Fodor’s Choicedesignation in their Gold Guides. Theeditors and writers (all 600 of them)are asked to rate the establishmenton individuality and uniqueness.There are ten chosen from each cat-egory, i.e. ten hotels, ten restaurants,ten sights/experiences. Casa Picassowas one of the ten restaurants cho-sen for Fodor’s Choice 2006.Lieberman went on to explain thatthey do not rank within each category,just list the ten. This designation isreserved for hotels, restaurants,sights and experiences so wonderfuland so special that words don’t dothem justice — you just have to expe-rience them to know. The editors cullthrough thousands of picks to comeup with this list of their top choicesfor winter travel. The selections areunique, unusual, and not-to-be-

missed; and you’re sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. When we asked Chris and Jen whythey thought their restaurant met thesehigh standards they were quick tocredit their staff. Their top sous chef,Sam, first started at Casa Picasso asa dish washer three years ago, andall of the staff add their unique tal-ents and friendly personalities to pro-viding exceptional service. Chris andJen have taken care to every detail,creating an environment that speaks“dine artfully,” which is the CasaPicasso motto. Just what does thatmean? To Chris the layout of theroom, the way the table is set, thecolors and music all combine to cre-ate a memorable atmosphere. Jenexplains that dining should excite allof the senses. How the food looks,the music, lighting, colors, it is allorchestrated to make a whole, excit-ing experience. Together their visionis a perfect complement to one an-other. It is not just the fantastic foodthat makes the entire experience funand unexpected, but the surroundingsand presentation as well.

Chris and Jen are honored to re-ceive such recognition, but are quickto mention that they are in good com-pany, as many restaurants on the is-land are excellent and help to set highstandards for all. They sincerely ap-preciate their loyal customers and thecommunity that frequents themthrough out the seasons. Not only doestheir recognition help AmbergrisCaye but the entire country as well.“I think this sets the stage for a whole

new level of tourism, aside from themore rustic eco-tourism that attractspeople to Belize,” stated Chris,“people can come here knowing wehave world class restaurants as well.” The Eager’s believe in doing it rightby creating a memorable dining expe-rience, and The San Pedro Sun con-gratulates them on this prestigious rec-ognition. We could not agreemore…Casa Picasso is a masterpiece!

Casa PicassoContinued from Page 3

Signature desserts such as the cracked coconut have put Casa Picasso on themap as a one-of-a-kind restaurant you must visit when in Ambergris Caye.


The San Pedro Sun Virtual Taste Trip - Thanksgiving Special


C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey,or the oil will spill over. Layer a largeplatter with food-safe paper bags.*Rinse turkey,and thoroughlypat dry with pa-per towels. RubCreole season-ing over turkeyinside and out.Make sure thehole at the neckis open at least2 inches so theoil can flowfreely throughthe bird.*Place the whole onion and turkey indrain basket. (A whole peeled onion isused to keep the three gallons of oil fromscorching.) The turkey should be placedin basket neck end first. Slowly lowerbasket into hot oil to completely coverturkey. Maintain the temperature of the

oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C),and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes perpound, about 45 minutes.

*Carefully removebasket from oil, anddrain turkey. Inserta meat thermom-eter into the thickestpart of the thigh; theinternal temperaturemust be 180 degreesF (80 degrees C).Finish draining tur-key on the preparedplatter.

Slow Cooker Stuffing This is an easy way to make ‘extra’stuffing for a large crowd, saving stovespace because it cooks in a slow cooker.It is also very tasty and moist.Ingredients:*1 cup butter or margarine *2 cups

Deep-Fried Turkey Deep-frying a whole turkey is aCajun tradition that produces sensation-ally juicy meat and delightfully crispyskin. An added advantage of cooking aturkey this way is that it takes less thanan hour to cook the whole bird! Devo-tees of this Thanksgiving tradition swearthat once you try a deep-fried turkey,you’ll never cook your holiday birdsany other way! You can deep-fry theturkey in either peanut or vegetable oil,your choice. Use a 26-quart aluminumpot with a drain basket. Original recipeyield: 1 (12 pound) turkey.

Ingredients: *3 gallons peanut oil forfrying, or as needed *1 (12 pound)whole turkey, neck and giblets removed*1/4 cup Creole seasoning *1 whiteonionDirections: *In a large stockpot or turkey fryer,heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees

Press Release – Fodor’s – November1st, 2005 – Fodor’s list answers the ques-tion — What makes a truly unique wintertravel experience? When asked to name the world’s besthotels, restaurants and experiences, trav-elers almost reflexively name the world’smost expensive lodgings, restaurantsowned and operated by famous chefs, andtraditionally popular tourist destinations.One can hardly begrudge the status andgrandeur of the world’s Four Seasons,the 21 Club or the Eiffel Tower – Butdoes being luxurious and popular neces-sarily make an experience the best? Orthe best choice for you? The Fodor’s Choice winter 2006 list isthe annual round up of the Fodor’s edi-tors’ and writers’ top picks for hotels,restaurants and sites/experiences thatreceive the Fodor’s Choice designationin our Gold Guides. This designation isreserved for hotels, restaurants, sightsand experiences so wonderful and so spe-cial that words don’t do them justice –you just have to experience them to know.The editors culled through the thousandsof picks to come up with this list of theirtop choices for winter travel. The selec-tions are unique, unusual, and not-to-be-missed; and you’re sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. Unlike the many “best-of” lists top-heavy with the ostentatious, the expen-sive and the familiar, this winter’sFodor’s Choice list offers travelers a va-riety of options in a variety of priceranges. If dining on a cliff at sunset over-looking the waves of the Pacific,

kayaking in a bio-luminescent lake in themoonlight or staying in a private bunga-low nestled between a beautiful beach anda tropical jungle sounds appealing, thenthis list is for you.

Fodor’s Choice 2006 List:Hotels:

* Blue Jay Lodge, Malpais, Costa Rica* Chakrabongse Villas, Bangkok, Thai-land

We offer 4-seater &6-seater golf carts

Tel: 226-3262 or 226-4490

Located at the Airport& on Sea Star Street

GolfGolfGolfGolfGolfCarCarCarCarCartststststsWWWWWe delie delie delie delie delivvvvvererererer

to your room!to your room!to your room!to your room!to your room!

Open Daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.


STAINEDG L A S SPUB

Fodor’s choice 2006


The San Pedro Sun Virtual Taste Trip

For details about greatproperties in Belize,please contact our office:

Barrier Reef Drive Phone: 011-501-226-4545San Pedro Town E-mail [email protected] Caye www.ambergrisrealestate.com

BeachfrBeachfrBeachfrBeachfrBeachfrontontontontont

SEASIDEREAL ESTATE

Ambergris

Belize

BeachfrBeachfrBeachfrBeachfrBeachfrontontontontont

CondosCondosCondosCondosCondos HomesHomesHomesHomesHomes

“We do catering!”

San Pedro Roman Catholic School –Brightening the minds of San Pedro’syouth. Contact Principal Roxanni Kay– 226-2550, [email protected] Reef – A non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to the promotion of sus-tainable use and conservation ofBelize’s marine and coastal resources.Contact [email protected] Club of San Pedro – Relies onincome from its Friday and SaturdayNight BBQ to support the needy com-munity. Help a great cause. ContactPresident Isela Graniel – 226-2064.Saga Society – A non-profit “humanesociety” to address the stray cat anddog population in San Pedro. Contact226-3266.Alcanzando a los inalcanzables –Helping the youth of San Pedro againstthe battle with drug addiction. ContactVirgina Wallace at 226-3018.San Pedro High School – Helping stu-dents “Anchor in Success.” ContactPrincipal Angel Nuñez or Chairper-

Donate to these worthy San PedroOrganizations!

son Mrs. Martha Guerrero at 226-2045/2010/2043.SP AIDS Commission -A non-profitorganization that helps educate andinform the society in ways to helpAIDS victims and their families.San Pedro Public Library - A pub-lic service that helps promote the im-portance of literacy and education forthe betterment of lives and the com-munity. 206-2028.The Governor General’s Music inSchools Program, San Pedro Chap-ter - c/o San Pedro Town Council,P.O. Box 54,226-2198,[email protected] organization created to develop andpromote the love of music and thepractice of the arts throughout Belize.The San Pedro Foundation - An or-ganization created to help studentswith furthering or completing theireducation. Donations or queries canbe directed to Herman Penland 226-2005.

Continued from Page 13chopped onion *2 cups chopped celery*1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley *12ounces sliced mushrooms *12 cups drybread cubes *1 teaspoon poultry sea-soning *1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage *1 teaspoon dried thyme *1/2 tea-spoon dried marjoram *1 1/2 tea-spoons salt *1/2 teaspoon ground blackpepper *4 1/2 cups chicken broth, oras needed *2 eggs, beatenDirections:*Melt butter or margarine in a skil-let over medium heat. Cook onion,celery, mushroom, and parsley inbutter, stirring frequently.*Spoon cooked vegetables over breadcubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with poultry seasoning,sage, thyme, marjoram, and salt andpepper. Pour in enough broth tomoisten, and mix in eggs. Transfermixture to slow cooker, and cover.*Cook on High for 45 minutes, then

reduce heat to Low, and cook for 4 to 8hours.Banana Cranberry Bread Perfect for leftover cranberry sauceafter Thanksgiving, this recipe yieldsa very moist, delicious bread. Ingredients: *2 1/2 cups whitesugar *1 cup shortening *3 eggs *3mashed bananas *1 cup cranberrysauce *1/2 cup milk *1 teaspoon va-nilla extract *4 cups all-purpose flour*1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda *1 1/2teaspoons /baking powder *1 teaspoonground cinnamon *1/2 teaspoonground nutmeg *1/2 cup chopped wal-nutsDirections:*Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5inch loaf pans.*In a large bowl, cream together thesugar and shortening until light andfluffy.

*Beat in eggs, and mix in bananas,cranberry sauce, milk, and vanilla.*In a separate bowl, mix togetherflour, baking soda, baking powder,cinnamon, and nutmeg. Graduallyblend flour mixture into the bananamixture. Fold in walnuts. Pour intothe prepared loaf pans.*Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in thepreheated oven, or until a toothpickinserted in the center comes outclean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes,then turn out onto a wire rack, andcool completely.Apple Pie Shot This is a mouth watering vodkashot that tastes just like mom’s applepie. Put entire shot in your mouthand swish back and forth a few timesbefore swallowing.Directions:*In a 2 ounce shot glass, combinevodka and apple cider.*Top with a dollop of whipped creamand a pinch of cinnamon.

* Coral Reef Club, St. James, Barba-dos* Esperanza, Los Cabos, Mexico* Faena Hotel + Universe, BuenosAires, Argentina* Ho’oilo House, Maui, Hawaii* Mala Mala, Mpumalanga, South Af-rica* Morgan’s Rock Hacienda andEcolodge, Playa Ocotal, Nicaragua* Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro,Malaga, Spain* Red Setter Inn, Greer, Arizona

Sights/Experiences:* Carnaval de Quebec, Quebec City,Canada* Diving in St. Eustatius, St. Eustatius,Caribbean

* Kayaking in Bahia Mosquito, Vieques,Puerto Rico* Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana * Poas Volcano National Park, CostaRica* Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires,Argentina* Skiing at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cortinad’Ampezzo, Italy* Stargazing atop Mauna Kea, Big Island,Hawaii* Uluru & Kata Tjuta, Red Centre, Aus-tralia* Valley of the Temples, Sicily, Italy

Restaurants:* Bukhara, Delhi, India* Casa da Feijoada, Rio de Janeiro,Brazil* Casa Picasso, Ambergris Caye,

Fodor’s Choice 2006Continued from Page 13 Belize

* Chef Mavro, O’ahu, Hawai’i* Chez Pascal, Antigua, Caribbean* Findlerhof, Zermatt, Switzerland* George’s at the Cove, La Jolla, Cali-fornia* Hunter’s Vineyard Restaurant,Blenheim, New Zealand* Per Se, New York, New York* Wahso, Park City, Utah


byDennis Wolfe

Wolfe’s Woofers

SamePicture

Prayer

Trivia Tidbits

DEVELOPED PROPERTIESBanana Beach Resort: Condos and Suites with 2 Pools, beach, restaurant and

bars. All Banana Beach properties have guaranteed rental incomes! 3 bed beach condos $290,000. 2 bed beach condos $242,500. 1 bed beach condos $165,00 -195,000. 1 bed courtyard suites $123,500. 1 bed balcony suites $57,500.

Villa del Mar – new custom built beachfront home, 1 ac, pier, 3 bedroom$975,000.

The Villa Turquesa at Mata Grande designer 3 bedroom beach home withpier and optional adjoining beach lot $975,000.

Casa Grande – Palmeros Point Beach Club. New 3 bedroom 3 ½ bathroombeach home fully furnished and self sufficient $675,000.

Caye Villas – Beach villas with pool. 2 Bed 2 bath fully furnished $394,000. 2 bed 3 bath fully furnished $395,000.

Villa Aurora – custom built ocean view home. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Pool- $675,000.

Tres Cocos Garden Home 2 bedrooms with caretaker quarters. Location!$275,000.

Ocean view 3 bed/2 bath concrete home with roof top deck. $210,000.San Pablo canal home w/ 200ft water frontage, 2 boat slips, ramp, fully

fenced, 2 storey duplex 2bed/1bath up 1bed/1bath down. $295,000.San Pablo home – Flamboyant Park area. 2 bed, 1 bath home $165,000.Duplex home close to the Yacht Club $ 125,000. Reduced to only $110,000.Mi Casa. Rental suites with spacious top floor owner’s quarters and loft apt.

$650,000.Casa Flores income producing triplex on double lot. $350,000.The Castle 10 apt complex $525,000.Drastically reduced: $400,000.

UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIESIn town beach lot! Commercial or residential. $490,000.Playa Blanca beach lot 60 x 105 ft w/dock $210,000Mexico Rocks area 2 80 ft x 400ft beach lots $280,000 eachBoca Ciega 4.5 acres 170ft beach front. $350,000.Near Mexico Rocks 178ft beach front 2.4 acres $534,000 - SoldRocky Point 2 x 1250ft 80 acre beach front parcels - $2.75 M-under contractBuena Vista Point ocean view 75ft x 150ft $79,000 each.Buena Vista Point ocean view 75ft x 150ft $89,000 each.Laguna Estates ocean view lots from $20,000.Laguna Estates commercial tracts & islands Inquire!Caribbean Coves 200ft ocean front $ 150,000 – under contractSan Marcos 2 adjoining 50’ X 100’ lots - $35,000 each2 adjoining Alta Mar 100ft x 100ft lots $65,000 each.

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change without notice. Forfurther details on these properties and much more call your

AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS

www.SunriseBelize.comTEL 501-226-3737 / FAX 501-226-3379

E-mail: [email protected]

*BEACHFRONT HOMES *CONDOS *VILLAS *LAND*COMMERCIAL PROPERTY *HOTELS *ISLANDS

YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!

SUNRISERealty

*Plain old vanilla is the favorite flavor of ice cream, accounting for 29percent of all sales.

*Penicillin causes about 300 deaths in the United States every year.

*The longest word in Webster’s International Dictionary is a 45-letter wordconnoting a lung disease: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.The longest word in the Oxford English Dictionary means the act of estimat-ing as worthless – floccipaucinihilipilification, which has 29 letters.

*here are 63,360 inches in a mile.

*Sweet onions, which include Vidalias and Maui varieties, must be atleast six percent sugar to be called “sweet.”

*So as to cut short – or all together avoid – time-consuming encounterswith the press, U.S. President Ronald Reagan often took reporters’ ques-tions with his helicopter roaring in the background.

*Of all professionals in the United States, journalists are credited withhaving the largest vocabulary – approximately 20,000 words.

*Studies show that the typical vacation spot for Americans averages 160miles from home.

*The armor of the armadillo is not as tough as it appears. It is very pli-able, much like a human fingernail.

“If I miss that boat I am in deep trouble,” Dulce said. “Can’t this golf cartmove any faster?” “Any other time you would be complaining about how fast I’m driving,” Isaid. “These potholes are slowing me down.” “All I know is that if I don’t get these flowers on that ferry boat going north Iam going to lose a lot of money. I’ll not only lose the money I was going to makeon the wedding decorations but the flowers will be ruined. It will cost me afortune.” I drove as fast as I could but by the time we reached the grammar school wewere already five minutes late and I knew we were going to miss the boat. “Dear God…” I heard Dulce say and then she started mumbling. “Hey, are you praying?” I asked. “I didn’t even know you believed in prayer.” “It’s just this one time,” Dulce said. “I don’t believe in bothering God for alot of little things but this one is pretty important.” I heard her say, “If you will help me out of this jam, I will never put anothernickel in a poker machine. I will cook and clean without complaining. I will. . .” I turned the golf cart down the alley where we were supposed to meet theferry and unbelievably, it was still tied up to the dock as they loaded boxes on toit. “Never mind, God,” I heard Dulce say. “We managed to catch the ferry intime.”


At Journey’s End ResortReservations: 226-2173

, Ambergris Caye’s latest trendy restaurant, is now open.Serving Palm Tree Cuisine, a fusion of Central American and

Caribbean delicacies, offers a selection of fresh local seafood,tender meats and exotic vegetables prepared by

our renowned chef.

Menu selections include: Jerk Seared Sea Scallop Crouton,Smoked Oyster Bruschetta, Spinach Pesto Goat Cheese Salad,

Rib-Eye Steak Argentino, Almond Nut Crusted Grouper,White Chocolate Pudding laced with a cardamom anglaise sauce,

Strawberry & Mango Ice Parfait.

boasts an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and style,with inventive cuisine in an enchanting setting.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner…

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